How Thick Should Backer Board Be For Wall Tile

Tile is laid onto the cement board with thinset mortar or mastic.

How thick should backer board be for wall tile.

Then the cement board is installed on top of the plastic sheeting. Tile backer boards like hardibacker board wonderboard permabase and durock cement backer board installs. Maximum stud spacing on walls is 16 inch off center. 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.

The extra thickness is needed to span the studs and provide a solid base for the tile. Screws secure the cement board to the wall studs. It s typically available in 1 2 in. 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.

Is it okay to use 1 4 thick cement board as a backer or is 1 2 preferred. Cement board cement board is the most durable trouble free tile backer for tub surrounds showers floors and all other wet areas. Use 1 2 inch or 5 8 inch thick cement board not 1 4 inch. For countertops use 3 4 inch plywood beneath the backer board.

Thick 3 x 5 ft. By the way you want 1 2 inch thickness for wall backer board. The exception to this rule allows 1 4 inch cement board on walls only where there is minimum 5 8 inch exterior grade plywood sheathing or oriented strand board osb subfloor. Its made from cement and sand and is reinforced by fiberglass mats on both sides so it s impervious to water.

Cement fiber or similarly reinforced backer board comes in standard 1 4 inch and 1 2 inch thicknesses. The industry standard is to use 1 2 inch thick backer board on wall tile installations such as a tub surround. For example for strength reasons manufacturers mandate 1 2 inch and 5 8 inch board on walls. And for walls and ceilings apply 1 2 inch or 5 8 inch backer board screwed directly to the wall studs or joists.

For flooring the backer board should be installed over a 5 8 inch thick osb or plywood base. If you re installing backer board over an existing subfloor 1 4 inch is sufficient. So you ll need to add a waterproofing membrane that goes over the surface into the cost of this steam shower.