Backer board is a thin layer of concrete that has fiberglass mesh on its sides and is used under the tile to provide a firm and even surface for the tile to adhere to.

Tile membrane or backer board. Membrane faced board only. Just reading the definitions alone doesn t provide too much of a difference as both uncoupling mats and backer board are used to prep the subfloor to help prevent loss of bond over time when installing tile. Backer board this is the industry standard most preferred by construction pros when installing ceramic or porcelain. Its made from cement and sand and is reinforced by fiberglass mats on both sides so it s impervious to water.

Thick 3 x 5 ft. Backer board is usually a simpler way to go than plywood. It s typically available in 1 2 in. In many ways however an uncoupling membrane such as schluter ditra is an even better backing material for reasons other than the fact that it doesn t raise the height of the floor as much as cementboard.

All shower tub areas should have concrete board i prefer hardiboard. The back side of the drywall fails and it is just as bad or worse than if it had an issue on the tile side. This is the traditional tile backer. First kerdi can be installed on drywall or cement board.

However if installed on drywall it is only protecting one side. Alternatively instead of backer board you can use two layers of plywood topped with a waterproof uncoupling membrane which is a lightweight plastic underlayment that allows independent movement between the tile and the plywood to prevent cracks in the tiles and grout. When installing a tile floor a layer of cement backer board is usually put down over a plywood subfloor to provide a firm stable surface. Uncoupling membrane cementboard has replaced a manually applied mortar bed to emerge as the standard underlayment for a tile floor.

The facing serves as an integrated waterproofing membrane so you don t need to install a separate layer of plastic behind the tile backer or a sheet membrane over the backer. Pros and cons of various tile backers dry pack mortar. Trowel able and pourable underlayment a number of trowel able and pourable tile underlayment options are available. The membrane selection guide page 21 tcna handbook is an excellent resource.

Individual backer board methods are addressed in the membrane options section. One type of tile backer board is made with a water resistant facing on both sides of the board. If you are laying tile on floors that are wavy or out of level self leveling underlayment. In wet areas or in areas where movement is a concern you also should consider the use of membranes meeting ansi a118 10 which at times may be recommended or even required to be applied to the backer board before installing the ceramic tile.

Cement board cement board is the most durable trouble free tile backer for tub surrounds showers floors and all other wet areas.

• Tile Sinks Bathroom