Tile Backer Board On Concrete Floor

If the subfloor doesn t have enough stability you can usually but not always remedy the situation by installing cement backer board also called cementboard.

Tile backer board on concrete floor.

The backer board comes in different sizes and you will pick the right one depending on the type of floor you are installing. This can be beneficial if you are wanting to insulate concrete from an electric floor heating system above it. The other is foam backer board which is ok to install over concrete. Cement backer board is a thin layer of concrete designed to be setting surface upon which tile can be installed.

Check with wedi schluter laticrete goboard or whichever manufacturer to see how they want their product installed over a concrete subfloor. When installing a ceramic tile floor on a concrete subfloor you don t have to worry about flexing as long as the concrete slab is at least 1 1 8 inch thick which most slabs are. Use a polymer modified thin set a type of mortar to attach the backer board to the subfloor. But doing so is a very laborious time consuming process that is likely more trouble than it is worth.

Placing cement boards over the concrete subfloor is an excellent way to create a solid and smooth subfloor. To achieve the ideal flat surface most contractors rely on the backer board. Cement backerboard is a thin layer of concrete with fiberglass mesh on both sides. However a homeowner may need to raise the floor slightly before installing tile and lack the experience or time to install a mortar bed.

Cement board is used for most floor tile and has all but replaced plywood and drywall backer materials for wall tile applications in wet areas like showers and tub surrounds. Installing a cement backerboard is crucial when you want a waterproof tile floor that lasts for years without cracking. This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking. Concrete is usually a good subfloor on which to install ceramic tile.

It s available in sheets of many sizes with 3 foot by 5 foot sheets being the most common.