Do I Need Cement Board For Kitchen Floor Tile

How to install tile backer board.

Do i need cement board for kitchen floor tile.

These materials do not work because you need a cementitious base one that has the qualities of cement and masonry cousins of tile. The primary benefit of cement board is that it doesn t break down or expand or warp if it gets wet. Thick 3 x 5 ft. Because plywood expands and contracts beneath the ceramic tile grout and tile failure loose tiles and cracked crumbling grout is just a matter of time.

Half inch cement backer board is ideal for most tiling jobs including walls floors countertops and ceilings. Cement board cement board is the most durable trouble free tile backer for tub surrounds showers floors and all other wet areas. Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor. Wood regular drywall and even green board have organic elements which will degrade in high moisture environments.

Its made from cement and sand and is reinforced by fiberglass mats on both sides so it s impervious to water. Cement board is a type of underlayment that is now standard for most tile installations but particularly for floor tile. The floor needs to meet minimum requirements for tile before any tile backer board is installed. For countertops use 3 4 inch plywood beneath the backer board.

For flooring the backer board should be installed over a 5 8 inch thick osb or plywood base. However these are the five that stood out in my unofficial memory as being the most common. It s typically available in 1 2 in. Cement board should never be counted on to stiffen up your floor.

Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water. Correctly installed cement board provides a very stable base that s permanently bound to the tile with thin set mortar so your new tile floor will last a very long time. This is a distinct advantage over plywood and drywall.