Should You Use Backer Board On Your Kitchen Floor

Here s how to choose the best tile backer board for your project.

Should you use backer board on your kitchen floor.

To achieve the ideal flat surface most contractors rely on the backer board cement backer board is a thin layer of concrete designed to be setting surface upon which tile can be installed. Tip 4 the nice pattern. When i built the house i wanted all my bathrooms hallways and the kitchen floor to be tiled which was close to about 1500 square feet. How to install tile backer board.

Floor tiles should be installed over smooth flat surfaces. The main floor is actually the second floor of the house so it s built from 3 4 inch tongue and groove plywood o. When backer board is selected as a floor tile underlayment and is installed correctly it provides an excellent substrate for tile in kitchens entries foyers bathrooms and more. The backer board comes in different sizes and you will pick the right one depending on the type of floor you are installing.

You can make it look expressive with a new color. If you are installing backer board in a kitchen entryway laundry room or bathroom area you need to waterproof the backer board after the installation. You can imitate the parquet pattern to make the backsplash textured and nice. For flooring the backer board should be installed over a 5 8 inch thick osb or plywood base.

Make sure to tape the seams and corners of the backer board according the manufacturer recommendations. Do you need backer board for kitchen backsplash. The backerboard should completely cover the subfloor joints. Required tools for this project.

Backer board installs to a subfloor with a layer of thinset. To avoid building up the floor too high you can use 1 4 in thick backer board instead of 1 2 in. An alternative to using backer board over subfloors prior to tiling. Have the necessary tools for this diy project lined up before you start you ll save time and frustration.

With the plywood in place install the backer board as you normally would. Tile needs to be installed on a backer board to keep the assembly stiff otherwise the assembly will flex at the grout joints allowing water to seep behind the tile and rot the substructure. For countertops use 3 4 inch plywood beneath the backer board. Doesn t deteriorate when wet.

The next thing to do is selecting the perfect pattern of backer board for the kitchen backsplash. If needed cut the backerboard to fit in small spaces or around obstructions. Score the board with a utility knife then cut it using a jig saw with a carbide blade.