What sizes does backer board come in?

Backer board is commonly available in four thicknesses—1/4, 1/2, 7/16, and 5/8 inch—and in two sizes: 3 feet x 5 feet and 4 feet x 8 feet. A 3 x 5–foot sheet of 1/4-inch backer board costs between $9 and $11, the same-size sheet in 1/2 inch costs about $12 to $14.

What size sheets does cement board come in?

Cement board, technically called cementitious backer unit (CBU), is manufactured under different brand names. The standard size sheet is 3 x 5 ft. and 1/2 in. thick, weighs 45 to 60 lbs.

Does backer board come in different thicknesses?

Cement backer board comes in two standard thicknesses, 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch. The industry standard is to use 1/2-inch-thick backer board on wall tile installations, such as a tub surround.

Can you use 1/4 inch cement board on floors?

Floors. Both 1/4- and1/2-inch cement board are appropriate for floors. To install cement board on floors, cement board manufacturers mandate a 5/8-inch plywood subfloor or OSB underlayment. They also require a 3/4-inch subfloor where tile size exceeds 12 inches.

What size does Hardie backer come in?

x 5 ft. x 1/4 in. Cement Backerboard.

Can you just screw down cement board?

Screw and Joints


Do not use drywall screws as they are not recommended to be used to hold the backer board in place. All of your backer board pieces should be cut before they are placed on​ the floor.

Can you use 1/4 inch cement board walls?

Although some older guidelines claim that a 1/4 Hardie backerboard for shower walls is sufficient, this is due to the fact that it is technically true. The 1/4-inch concrete backerboards will indeed grip the mortar and be moldproof as well as resist dissolution from exposure to moisture.

What thickness Hardibacker do I need?

Before you get started, you should determine if your floor is suited to HardieBacker Cement Board. That means you should have a minimum of ⅝” thick exterior grade plywood or 23/32” thick OSB with minimum exposure 1 classification.

Can you durock 1/4 walls?

1/4″ hardibacker alone is an unsuitable substrate for shower wall tile. If it were attached to properly waterproofed drywall, plywood, or plaster it would be fine. Think about it, one wayward elbow, knee, or hip bump and you may get flexion which would cause the grout (or tile) to crack.

What is the difference between durock and Hardibacker?

Durock is too abrasive and can damage vinyl, porcelain, and enamel. HardieBacker does not contain any course materials, so it is the preferable choice. It has a warranty that extends over the use of vinyl tile applications.

Do I really need thinset under backer board?

Thinset is going to create a solid surface under tile and prevent flexing that could lead to cracking. Using thinset between the backerboard and subfloor will create additional strength, fill in any potential gaps that exist and lessen the possibility of movement.

What is the difference between backer board and cement board?

Cement backer board is also called cement board, and it’s the most commonly used backer board for all manner of ceramic and porcelain tiles. Made of cement and reinforced on the top and bottom with fiberglass, this waterproof backer board is generally used for tiled shower surrounds and floors in wet areas.

What do you do with a gap between tub and cement board?

Technically, after the tile is installed over the backer board that gap between it and the tub ledge should be filled with an ASTM C920 sealant (caulking e.g. silicone). Although some say you should have weep holes along this gap so any water behind can weep out into the tub.

What is the thinnest cement board?

Fiber cement board is available in 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch thicknesses. The 1/4-inch-thick board is typically used on floors and countertops.

How much does 1/2 inch backer board weigh?

Weight: 2.6 lbs/sq. ft.

What does a 3×5 cement board weigh?

Weight: 1.9 lbs/sq. ft.

Can you tile directly onto cement board?

12mm HardieBacker cement boards, holding up to 200kg, can be used instead of plaster or plasterboard which typically holds 20-32kg, so almost any tile can be fixed. When tiling with a cementitious-based tile adhesive, prime the face of the board with one coat of BAL Primer – diluted 1:1 by volume of water.

Is Ditra better than cement board?

Schulter Ditra or Cement Board (Hardibacker, Durock, Wonderboard, etc.) is typically used as a tile substrate because it is durable, water resistant, and does not expand, contract, or warp when exposed to moisture. Schluter Ditra is superior to cement board in all categories except price and durability.

Do you put mortar under cement board?

Use thin-set mortar when installing cement backer board. Thin-set dries slowly, allowing you to fix and readjust backer board sheets as needed. The ingredients in thin-set mortar ingredients are cement, fine sand and a water retaining agent.

Can I put tile directly on drywall?

As long as your wall is smooth and flat, you can install a ceramic tile kitchen backsplash directly over drywall or plaster with no problem. Start by cleaning the wall to remove any grease, then apply thin-set adhesive, and set the tile. After the adhesive has set, apply grout, and you’re done.

How do you attach cement board?

How to Install Cement board, all the steps needed form cutting and …

Can you install Hardibacker over drywall?

You can install backer board over drywall, as long as your screws are long enough to go through to firmly penetrate the studs, and then install the stone on the backer board. Better would be to take the drywall off, which is easy to do, and put on backer board in its place to take the stone.

How thick should backer board be for wall tile?

Walls: Use 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch-thick cement board, not 1/4-inch. The extra thickness is needed when spanning the studs and it provides a solid base for the tile.

What side do you put HardieBacker on?

Which side goes up, smooth or rough? Either is acceptable, but we recommend that the smooth side with the nailing pattern of every 8″ on center go up.

Can you tile straight onto Hardibacker?

The Hardibacker will be fine to tile straight onto.

Can you tile 1/4 inch drywall?

It is safe to install tile over drywall in areas of your home that do not experience excessive wetness as long as you prepare the wall before installation and use the right mortar. If you’re installing tile in your bathroom, it should be installed on a cement board or a tile backer meant for use in wet areas.

How thick is Thinset under tile?

Plan for a layer of thinset 3/16-inch to 1/8-inch thick beneath your tile. A 3/16-inch layer of thinset will be enough for tiles with a smooth back to bond the tile to the floor or backer board. For natural tiles with an uneven surface on the back, you may need to spread a 1/8-inch layer of thinset during installation.

Can Hardiebacker be used on walls?

How to Install HardieBacker Cement Board on Walls – YouTube

Is Hardie board and backer board the same thing?

HardieBacker’s cement boards also stand out because of their easy usage. Unlike other backerboards such as Durock, HardieBacker is lighter and more flexible.

Is Villaboard the same as Fibre cement?

Villaboard is a smooth, sanded flat fibre cement sheet with recesses on the long edges for flush jointing and a seamless finish. It can be painted, wallpapered or tiled.

What is the difference between Hardie board and Hardie plank?

Fiber cement siding is often called “hardiplank” or even “hardie board” named from the most popular brand of fiber cement siding which is manufactured by James Hardie. Fiber cement planks are formed by combining wood pulp with Portland cement.

Can you install cement board without thinset?

Not only is thinset a critical component underneath cement board but the other critical component is the fasteners. And you won’t have the fasteners if you are trying to install it over concrete.

Can you put backer board over self leveler?

Look at it this way if your floor starts shifting or moves every time you walk on it your leveler will flex and start to crack and break. If you are putting backerboard over the leveler then that is an easy answer: all the screws will just bust the leveler and will not work!

Do you have to tape seams on Hardibacker?

For tile backer boards such as Durock, Wonderboard, Hardiebacker, Permabase, and others the seams between the board need to be treated with 2-inch alkali-resistant mesh tape.

Is Sheetrock the same as cement board?

Cement Board scores over Sheetrock on Durability, mainly because it has a better Impact Resistance &amp, Moisture Resistance. However, Sheetrock is Lighter, Easier To Install and Cheaper. Both are equally good on Fire Resistance &amp, Pest Resistance.

How do you install backer board on a wall?

Shower Wall Installation – How To Install Backer Board – The Tile Shop

What is another name for backer board?

Cement backer board, also called a cementitious backer unit or CBU, is commonly used to form a base for ceramic tile.

Do you need put plastic behind cement board shower?

plastic behind cement board with waterproofing is essentially suspenders when you already have a belt. the waterproofing is also a vapor retarder so if the red guard or kerdi product is continuous, lapping corners and all, the plastic will be unnecessary.

Does backer board need waterproofing?

Although most backerboards currently available won’t fall apart when exposed to moisture and are somewhat water-resistant, they aren’t waterproof. To prevent moisture from seeping through to the wood or metal studs beneath the tile, a barrier or sealant must be used on porous materials.

How do you waterproof a Hardibacker board?

How to Waterproof Cement Board – YouTube

How thick is Hardibacker board?

Hardie® Backer cement board is a tile underlayment made to use on walls, with floors and countertops. Works as a tile backerboard and as an underlayment for tile, vinyl and wood flooring. 0.42″ cement board is made of 90% Portland cement and sand, resists damage from moisture and provides excellent tile adhesion.

How much does backer board cost?

Backer board is commonly available in four thicknesses—1/4, 1/2, 7/16, and 5/8 inch—and in two sizes: 3 feet x 5 feet and 4 feet x 8 feet. A 3 x 5–foot sheet of 1/4-inch backer board costs between $9 and $11, the same-size sheet in 1/2 inch costs about $12 to $14.

What is Hardie board?

What Is Hardie Board Siding? Hardie Board siding is a super durable siding product that looks amazing, is long-lasting, and comes with a fabulous warranty. It’s made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers which combine to create an outstanding material to both protect and beautify homes.