How Thick Should Backer Board Be For Wall Tile

The cement board both walls and floor will get redgard before tile.

How thick should backer board be for wall tile.

Cement fiber or similarly reinforced backer board comes in standard 1 4 inch and 1 2 inch thicknesses. 1 4 inch 1 2 inch or 5 8 inch thick panels are all suitable for countertops. For countertops use 3 4 inch plywood beneath the backer board. Tile is laid onto the cement board with thinset mortar or mastic.

For example for strength reasons manufacturers mandate 1 2 inch and 5 8 inch board on walls. If you re installing backer board over an existing subfloor 1 4 inch is sufficient. Tile backer boards like hardibacker board wonderboard permabase and durock cement backer board installs. Is it okay to use 1 4 thick cement board as a backer or is 1 2 preferred.

That s why it was named the most preferred brand of backer board by tile installers and contractors according to the 2019 tile and stone report conducted by clearseas research in partnership with the national tile contractors association and tile magazine. Thick 3 x 5 ft. Hardiebacker cement board is made better to install better and perform better. Its made from cement and sand and is reinforced by fiberglass mats on both sides so it s impervious to water.

Then the cement board is installed on top of the plastic sheeting. For flooring the backer board should be installed over a 5 8 inch thick osb or plywood base. The extra thickness is needed to span the studs and provide a solid base for the tile. In this highly convenient inexpensive and popular application a moisture barrier of 4 or 6 mil thick plastic is installed directly over the wall studs.

By the way you want 1 2 inch thickness for wall backer board. So you ll need to add a waterproofing membrane that goes over the surface into the cost of this steam shower. Maximum stud spacing on walls is 16 inch off center. It s typically available in 1 2 in.

Use 1 2 inch or 5 8 inch thick cement board not 1 4 inch. The industry standard is to use 1 2 inch thick backer board on wall tile installations such as a tub surround. And for walls and ceilings apply 1 2 inch or 5 8 inch backer board screwed directly to the wall studs or joists.