how do you attach cement board to plywood

Here’s the right way to attach cement backer board to a plywood subfloor:

• Make sure the joists are wide enough for the span and spaced on 16” centers to provide a sturdy floor with no bounce.
• The plywood subfloor should be at least 5/8” thick on 16” centers (3/4″ preferred) and securely attached to the joists...
• Layout the cement backer board at right angles to the...

Full Answer

How do you attach cement backer board to plywood?

Here’s the right way to attach cement backer board to a plywood subfloor: Make sure the joists are wide enough for the span and spaced on 16” centers to provide a sturdy floor with no bounce. The plywood subfloor should be at least 5/8” thick on 16” centers (3/4″ preferred) and securely attached to the joists preferably with screws.

How do you attach cement board to a sheet of concrete?

Fasten the sheet with cement board screws, using a drill-driver, making sure the screws are flush with the surface of the sheet or are slightly recessed. Space the screws 8 inches apart across the entire sheet. Use only cement board screws and alkali-resistant cement board joint tape.

Can you use cement board under plywood?

This will ensure your cement board is properly attached to the plywood subfloor underneath it. If you remember, tile will not adhere to wood nearly as well as it will to concrete. Beside cement boards, you can also use mortar, even though it’s not preferred.

How do you install cement board under a subfloor?

Score the board with a utility knife, then cut it using a jigsaw with a carbide blade. Snap a grid to the subfloor using a chalk line to mark your cement board placement. Use thin-set mortar when installing cement backer board. Thin-set dries slowly, allowing you to fix and readjust backer board sheets as needed.

Can you put cement board over plywood?

If you're working over a wood subfloor, cement board is the right choice for your tile base. No matter what you're told at a home center, it's not a good idea to install tile directly over plywood, especially in a damp area like a bathroom.

Can I just screw down cement board?

Doing this will require that you remove the existing surface material before installing backer board over the studs. Cement board can also be used on countertops when laying tile. However, the process will involve using an extra sheet of backer board. Never use standard screws when installing cement board.

How do you stick cement board to wood?

Drill a small hole in one end of a scrap of wood, attach it to the cement board at the center of the circle, screwing through the cement board into the work surface below. Then screw in a “cutter” screw where you want the circle to be scored, for example, 2 in. from the center for a 4-in. hole.

Does backer board go over plywood?

1:452:57How NOT to install backerboard on plywood ! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then put it down and in a older board or screwed it down it would have caused a lot of problemsMoreAnd then put it down and in a older board or screwed it down it would have caused a lot of problems pulling the plywood up the thinset would have wanted to pull the plywood up. And then I'm running

Can you lay cement board without thinset?

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.

Can I use liquid nail on cement board?

LN-907 Liquid Nails is recommended for cement board and most other common building materials. The application temperature is from 22 to 120 Fahrenheit and the service temperature is -20 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it ideal for just about any DIY project and on most construction projects.

What adhesive can I use on cement board?

thinset mortar adhesiveCement 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.

How do you attach durock to plywood?

3:1012:43Part 2 – How To Install Durock On The Floor - Complete Bathroom RemodelYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese are special screws designed for use with Dirac Board and he's using a inch and 5/8 screw toMoreThese are special screws designed for use with Dirac Board and he's using a inch and 5/8 screw to screw that down to that plywood.

Can I screw cement board to subfloor?

Cement board can be installed over a plywood subfloor using an appropriate construction adhesive and screws for a quicker project that's less messy than taping and mudding.

What do you put on plywood before tiling?

Thinset is the wet base that you first trowel on the plywood to make the tile stick. Higher latex content is essential for bonding to plywood. A quality unmodified thinset should be used and mixed with a latex additive.

How do you fasten cement board?

How Do You Install Cement Board? A Step-by-Step GuidePrepare the Area. First, you need to prepare your work area. ... Cut Cement Boards. ... Mix and Apply Thinset Mortar. ... Lay and Secure Cement Boards. ... Tape the Seams. ... Spread More Thinset Mortar. ... Apply Optional Waterproof Membrane. ... You Are Ready for Tile.

How do you screw down backer board?

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. Along the perimeter, screws should be installed at least ½ inch from the edge, but no more than 2 1/4 inches.

Can you screw down backer 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. Along the perimeter, screws should be installed at least ½ inch from the edge, but no more than 2 1/4 inches.

How do you fasten down cement board?

0:006:12How to Install Cement Board on the Floor- fastening with thin set ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a quarter by quarter trawl.MoreUsing a quarter by quarter trawl.

Can I use screws for Hardie siding?

Yes, you can drive screws into the Hardie board if you use suitable screws. Hardie Board requires using specific screws to work effectively. For best results, use ribbed stainless steel screws with wafer-head.

How many screws do I need for a 3x5 cement board?

55 screwsWe recommend referring to the cement board manufacturers guidelines for screw pattern. In floor applications, screws should be placed every 8″”. You will use approximately 55 screws per 3′ x 5′ cement board and 91 screws per 4′ x 8′ cement board. In ceiling applications, screws should be placed every 6″”.

How to spread thinset on plywood?

Scoop up thinset on the flat edge of a 1/4-inch, square-notched trowel and spread the thinset across the plywood. Cover an area large enough to place the first backer board sheet. Apply another layer of thinset over the first, using the square-notched edge of the trowel.

How to make thinset mortar?

Mix dry, polymer-modified thinset mortar with water in a bucket, using the mixing instructions provided on the thinset bag. Blend the mixture with a paint stir stick. Don’t mix more than you can use within approximately fifteen minutes, as the thinset will begin to harden shortly thereafter.

Can you use nails to install backer board?

In hot weather, mist the back side of the backer board sheets with water before pressing them against the thinset to prevent the thinset from drying too fast. On walls and countertops, you can install backer board with corrosion-resistant nails. Screws are better for floors.

How much space between concrete boards?

Keep at least a 1/8-inch gap between all pieces of the concrete board where they meet up, and at least a 1/4-inch gap anywhere the boards meet up with a wall or another termination surface, such as the tub face or cabinet base or around the toilet flange. Warnings.

How to cut a piece of board with a utility knife?

Make straight cuts with a utility knife. Place a T-square on the piece of board along your pencil line to guide your utility knife. Score the surface of the board. Snap the board along that scored mark, and when the board bends in half, cut the mesh on the back side of the piece to free your cut.

What to wear when working with concrete?

Always wear a dust mask, safety glasses and work gloves when working with concrete-based products. Do not attempt to cut concrete board with a power tool because it will create harmful concrete dust. Writer Bio. Tim Anderson has been freelance writing since 2007.

Can you put wood on a subfloor?

Wood, such as what is commonly seen on the subfloor of a home, is not an acceptable long-term substrate. When you come up against plywood subfloors in the bathroom or other areas of the home, a cement-based backer board must be installed on top of the wood. This provides the tile with a proper installation surface to bond with, ...

What is cement board used for?

Cement board is used for most floor tile and has all but replaced plywood and drywall backer materials for wall-tile applications in wet areas, like showers and tub surrounds. Cement board forms a durable, stable base for tile, and it has no organic materials (unlike drywall, greenboard, or plywood) so it is not prone to mold, rot, shrinkage, ...

What is the surface below cement board?

The Surface Below the Cement Board. Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: Flooring: For ceramic tile floors, the cement board usually rests on a plywood subfloor (minimum 5/8-inch-thick exterior-grade plywood or OSB). If new ceramic tile is being laid on an existing floor, ...

How much does a 3x5 panel of cement board weigh?

A 3 x 5 panel of 1/4-inch cement board weighs about 30 pounds; a 1/2-inch sheet, 36 to 44 pounds. Larger, 4 x 8-foot panels are also available, but their weight makes them hard to manage for DIYers.

Can you put cement board over concrete?

If new ceramic tile is being laid on an existing floor, the cement board can usually be laid right over the existing floor finish, provided it is in good shape and the extra floor thickness is not a problem. There is no need to install backer board on a concrete substrate —ceramic tile can be applied right over concrete, ...

Is there mortar behind cement board?

Cement board on walls also uses the same techniques, but in this case, there is no layer of mortar behind the cement board. Consult the cement board manufacturer for recommendations on using a moisture barrier between the board and the wall studs.

Can you put backer board on concrete?

There is no need to install backer board on a concrete substrate —ceramic tile can be applied right over concrete, provided the surface is flat, smooth, and free of significant cracks. Walls: For highly wet areas, such as showers and bathtub surrounds, cement board typically is attached directly over the wall studs, ...

Can you put cement board on a countertop?

Installing cement board on countertops is very similar to the process used on floors, but countertops usually need an additional strip of cement board along the exposed edge of the countertop substrate. The creates the built-up edge for securing bull-nose or other forms of edge tile.

How thick is cement board?

Laying a cement board under a tile. When using a cement backer board, you can go with whether a ½ inch thickness or a ¼ inch thickness. It depends on how high you want to raise your floor. After you have decided on the thickness and purchased your cement backer board, spread adhesive on both the plywood subfloor and the one side of the cement board.

What to do if plywood subfloor is bending?

The first thing you’ll want to do is check your plywood subfloor for any bending or deflection. These two issues can cause grout joints to pop or the tile to crack and/or become loose. You can try and examine the subfloor with your eyes, but sometimes it’s hard to see a bent or deflected subfloor.

How to use fiberglass reinforced paper mats instead of cement?

If you’re planning on using mortar instead of cement boards, you’ll want to start by spreading your adhesive and then lay fiberglass reinforced paper mats down onto the adhesive. Use a wide joint knife or putty to press the paper down firmly onto the adhesive.

How thick should subfloor be?

In addition to a flat surface, your subfloor must also be at least 1 ½ inch thick. This is the standard size for tiling. If you add a second layer of plywood, locate the seams where the two sheets meet and offset them from each other. This will add extra strength while also helping prevent flexing.

What is mortar made of?

Mortar is a paste made up of a mixture of sand, water, and a binder. You spread it on a particular surface, and after it dries, it acts as a concrete surface. Tile tends to bond to the primer-like surface quite well. Plus, it’s inexpensive and easy to use.

Can tile be put on wood?

In addition to this, tile can not properly adhere to wood the way it does to concrete. Instead of laying tile on a plywood subfloor, it’s better to lay a cement board on top of the plywood subfloor first. However, before you lay your cement board, there’s a little prep work that needs to be completed first.

Can you lay tile on plywood?

If you’re wondering whether or not you can lay tile directly on a plywood subfloor, the answer is no. Why? When the tile is laid on top of a plywood subfloor, the plywood will expand over the years. As a result, the grout lines and the tiles themselves can crack and become damaged.

How do you install wood on a concrete wall?

Drill right through the wood and into the concrete with a masonry bit and hammer drill. Use a depth stop to get the correct depth and then blow the dust out of the hole with a turkey baster (don’t use your breath, because the dust will blow back in your face).

How do you attach wood to concrete without drilling?

If you are willing to make holes in the concrete but do not want to buy the particular drill bit needed, then the simplest solution is to get nails for your project. Standard nails will not work on concrete, but some nails are made specifically for nailing wood to concrete. Cut nails will also work for this as well.

How do you secure plywood to a wall?

Make sure the cleat is screwed into studs so it can support the weight of the plywood. You can use a strip of wood screwed to the bottom edge of the plywood panel to hold it out from the wall even with the top cleat.

How do you hang things on a concrete wall without drilling holes?

Hardwall hangers are picture hooks intended specifically for difficult surfaces like concrete block and brick walls. The plastic hook attaches to the wall with small metal nails that pound into the wall surface with a hammer.

What is the best adhesive for wood to concrete?

Quikrete 10 oz. Construction Adhesive is typically used for repairing broken concrete, bonding wall blocks to caps, and attaching wood to concrete and masonry surfaces. Quikrete 10 oz. Construction Adhesive is easy to use, needing only a caulk gun for application.

Can you glue wood to concrete wall?

You can also use construction adhesive to glue boards to a concrete wall. The adhesive is available in standard-sized cartridges that load into a caulking gun. For lightweight boards a 1/4-inch wide bead is sufficient, but for heavier pieces or for very rough surfaces use more.

Will Liquid Nails adhere to concrete?

Liquid Nails is a high strength multi-purpose construction adhesive suitable for bonding timber, plasterboard, MDF, particleboard, masonry, concrete, tiles & ceramics, metals, plastics*, rubber and glass.

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.