Hardibacker Floor Tile Installation

Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor.

Hardibacker floor tile installation.

For best results remove existing floor covering especially if it is in poor condition. Second the strength of wood boards isn t always consistent. Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water. First changes in humidity make solid wood shrink swell and cup more than plywood.

According to backer board manufacturers and tile setters installing backer board directly over an old solid wood subfloor is risky for a couple of reasons. If installing hardiebacker cement board over existing floor ensure the floor is flat. This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking. Check with wedi schluter laticrete goboard or whichever manufacturer to see how they want their product installed over a concrete subfloor.

Hardiebacker is available in both 1 4 inch and 42 inch thick hardiebacker 500 versions and is designed to add mold and moisture resistance to tile installations. The other is foam backer board which is ok to install over concrete. This can be beneficial if you are wanting to insulate concrete from an electric floor heating system above it. Hardiebacker cement board may be installed under or over vinyl composition tile vct and other resilient flooring.

Whenever you re laying tile on a wood subfloor you need to first install cement backerboard to prevent leaks and water damage. Install a cement based backer board following the manufacturer s instructions. Use a polymer modified thin set a type of mortar to attach the backer board to the subfloor. Hardiebacker cement board is made better to install better and perform better.

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.