Tile Floor Backer Board Thickness

Leave a 1 4 gap between the backer board and walls and 1 16 gap between the sheets of backer board.

Tile floor backer board thickness. Cement backer board comes in two standard thicknesses 1 2 inch and 1 4 inch. Cement fiber or similarly reinforced backer board comes in standard 1 4 inch and 1 2 inch thicknesses. Half inch cement backer board is ideal for most tiling jobs including walls floors countertops and ceilings. Thick 3 x 5 ft.

The industry standard is to use 1 2 inch thick backer board on wall tile installations such as a tub surround. A 3 4 inch plywood subfloor on a joist structure with 24 inch spacing needs the extra thickness of cementboard or the floor will flex and the tiles will crack. Use 1 5 8 inch screws for 1 2 inch backer board. Its made from cement and sand and is reinforced by fiberglass mats on both sides so it s impervious to water.

Cement board is the most durable trouble free tile backer for tub surrounds showers floors and all other wet areas. Uncoupling membranes aren t recommended for tiles smaller than 2 inches square and should not be used when covering old hardwood flooring due to adhesion problems. Place the first sheet of backer board on the mortar. For countertops use 3 4 inch plywood beneath the backer board.

How to install tile backer board. Walk gently on the panels as you begin to screw the backer board into the subfloor using special backer board screws. It s typically available in 1 2 in. For flooring the backer board should be installed over a 5 8 inch thick osb or plywood base.