
Should I use thinset under backerboard?
Mar 25, 2020 · Do I need Thinset under cement board? Thinset is absolutely required beneath backer-board on a floor. Also, backer-board provides no structural strength at all. You can not install it directly over a 1x subfloor; that is way too thin and will deflect. It does not sound as if you have a quality-minded contractor. Click to see full answer.
What do you need to know about thinset or mortar?
Using thinset under cement board is a commonly skipped step amongst many contractors. We've heard of some contractors who have been installing for years and have never used a mortar under the backerboard arguing that if you use the correct screws and enough of them there is no need for it. However, many manufacturers including, both Durock and Hardiebacker not only …
Will thinset stick to sealed concrete?
Does cement board need thinset under it? Using thinset under cement board is a commonly skipped step amongst many contractors. However, many manufacturers including, both Durock and Hardiebacker not only recommend that you use thinset under their backerboard, but they specify it and will void the warranty on their product if it’s not used.
Can you use joint compound on cement board?
Oct 13, 2019 · Not only is thinset a critical component underneath cement board but the other critical component is the fasteners. And you won’t have the fasteners if you are trying to install it over concrete. On the bright side, there are some options for concrete subfloors. One of which is self-leveling underlayment and other floor flattening products.

Is thinset required under backer board?
Spread Mortar Use thin-set mortar when installing cement backer board. Thin-set dries slowly, allowing you to fix and readjust backer board sheets as needed. The ingredients in thin-set mortar ingredients are cement, fine sand and a water retaining agent.
Do you put anything under cement board?
Prepare a solid, squeak-free subfloor One of the keys to a long-lasting tile installation is the underlying subfloor. It has to be rock solid before you lay the 1/2-in. thick cement board. Whatever your subfloor is made of, be sure it's squeak free before you install the cement board.Oct 5, 2018
What kind of thinset goes under cement board?
An unmodified thinset (Masterblend) is fine between the Hardi and the subfloor. Tara, The reason for the layer of thinset between the cement board and the subfloor is to fill the voids/gaps between the two. It'll keep the cement board from moving up and down.
Can I just screw down cement board?
Screw and Joints Do not use drywall screws as they are not recommended to be used to hold the backer board in place. All of your backer board pieces should be cut before they are placed on the floor.Jan 28, 2020
Do I need thinset under durock?
However, many manufacturers including, both Durock and Hardiebacker not only recommend that you use thinset under their backerboard, but they specify it and will void the warranty on their product if it's not used.Oct 17, 2018
Do I need to seal cement board before tiling?
Although most backerboards currently available won't fall apart when exposed to moisture and are somewhat water-resistant, they aren't waterproof. To prevent moisture from seeping through to the wood or metal studs beneath the tile, a barrier or sealant must be used on porous materials.
Will thinset stick to cement board?
Cement board, commonly sold under trade names such as Durock, Hardiebacker, and WonderBoard, is now the standard underlayment used for ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile laid with thinset mortar adhesive.Nov 7, 2021
How do you fill gap between tub and cement board?
0:4212:58PROBLEM SOLVED for Tub Flange when Installing Cement Board and ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo then i just take cement board tape. And i cover. The porcelain part of the tub or fiberglass.MoreSo then i just take cement board tape. And i cover. The porcelain part of the tub or fiberglass. Whatever it is. And press that tape down cement board tape.
Are thinset and mortar the same thing?
The word “thinset” is sometimes used interchangeably with “mortar,” because it's a type of modified mortar made specifically for tile. Thinset is made of sand, water, and cement, and can also contain additives for increased bonding, water resistance, and flexibility.
How do you secure cement board to the floor?
Cover the joints between all of the panels with self-adhesive cement board joint tape. This is a special alkali-resistant tape that can withstand contact with cement. Do not use standard drywall joint tape. Make sure the tape fully adheres to the cement board.Jan 19, 2022
What do you put on seams of cement board?
Use special mesh tape on seams Cover all of the corners, joints and seams, including the joint where drywall and cement board meet, with the fiberglass mesh tape.Jun 27, 2019
How do you tape cement board?
0:116:34How to tape Cement Board Joints - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to overlap the cement board tape with tap on one side of the joint. And the other half ofMoreYou want to overlap the cement board tape with tap on one side of the joint. And the other half of the tape on the other side of the joint.
How much thinset do you put under a hardibacker?
Currently, Hardibacker calls for either 1/4" thinset, or 5/32" mastic underneath.
Can you put thinset over subfloor?
Thinset is absolutely required beneath backer-board on a floor. Also, backer-board provides no structural strength at all. You can not install it directly over a 1x subfloor; that is way too thin and will deflect. It does not sound as if you have a quality-minded contractor. Click to see full answer.
Can you use thinset under backerboard?
All backerboard manufacturers recommend the use of thinset under the backerboard. The thinset is not there to adhere the cement board to the substrate, it is there to fill the voids that are created when the fasteners are installed.
What is the purpose of backer board?
The purpose of backer board on a floor is to create a monolithic substrate... one continuous mass that moves as one, rather than individual sheets that can expand and contract individually. The backer is set with at least 1/8" gaps between sheets to allow enough room for thinset to 'glue' edges while fiberglass tape on joints knits them together. By itself this joint is strong, however it is the thinsetting of the backer board to the subfloor that locks the joints together creating the monolithic substrate.
Can you use a thin set on a hardie backer?
Putting a lot of screws in can negate the need for the thin set. Thin set is probably only essential for thin strips of hardie backer or thin sub flooring. If they are screwed down with the proper screws every spot on the hardie backer, (6"??) it should be fine.
Is thinset required for hardiboard?
Dan Liaudaitis. Thinset is absolutely required on all hardiboard applications. As well as recommended by manufacturer. All sub floors have movement cementing the hardiboard will not allow the hardiboard to move seperate from the subfloor, it will strenghten the subfloor as intebded by the manufacturer.
What is Backer Board?
Cement board, often referred to as backer board, is a thin layer of concrete with fiberglass mesh on both sides. It’s available in sheets of many sizes. Most projects need 3-foot by 5-foot sheets.
Plan and Mark the Backer Board Placement
Now you’re ready to begin installing backer board like a pro. The first step is proper planning and placement. Here’s how you can tackle it correctly:
Spread Mortar
Use thin-set mortar when installing cement backer board. Thin-set dries slowly, allowing you to fix and readjust backer board sheets as needed. The ingredients in thin-set mortar ingredients are cement, fine sand and a water retaining agent. It's used to bond ceramic or porcelain tile and cement backer board.
Secure Backer Board with Screws
Drill cement board screws through the backer board sheets every 6 to 8 inches.
Fill the Joints with Mortar
Use the flat side of your notched trowel to fill the joints between the backer board sheets.
Cover the Joints with Fiberglass Tape
Cut the fiberglass seam tape to length with the thin side of your trowel.
Cover Fiberglass Tape with Mortar
Spread a thin layer of mortar over the fiberglass tape with the flat side of your trowel or paint scraper.
