Tile Backer Boards: Your Foundation for a Beautiful Tiled Surface

 
Tile Backer Boards

Tile backer boards are an essential material for installing tile on surfaces that are not traditionally meant for tile such as drywall or plaster walls. Made from moisture-resistant materials like cement board or fiberglass mats, tile backer boards provide a durable, waterproof substrate that can withstand the demands of tiled surfaces.

Types of Tile Backer Boards

Cement Backer Board

One of the most commonly used and versatile Tile Backer Boards is cement backer board. Made primarily from Portland cement with additives like sand and cellulose fibers, cement backer board has excellent water resistance and is strongly reinforced to prevent cracking. It can be used on floors, walls, countertops, and even wet area surfaces like shower walls. Cement backer board is available in various thicknesses ranging from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch.

Fiberglass Backer Board


For areas with high moisture exposure, fiberglass backer board is a great choice. Constructed from a moisture-resistant fiberglass mat bonded with waterproof resin, fiberglass backer board prevents water intrusion and mold growth behind tile. It is highly durable and resists impact damage better than other tile backer materials. Fiberglass backer board can be used on floors, walls, and wet area surfaces.

Concrete Board


Similar in composition to cement backer board, concrete board utilizes Portland cement reinforced with fibers or mesh for added strength. It provides a stable, crack-resistant substrate that tolerates moderate wetting. Concrete board is best suited for wall installations since it may absorb water on floors over time. It is available in thicknesses from 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

Installation and Preparation

Proper surface preparation is essential for ensuring tile adheres securely to the backer board substrate. Here are the basic steps:

- Inspect the existing surface for structural soundness and apply repairs where needed.
- Cut backer board panels to fit each wall or surface, using a utility knife to score cuts.
- Apply a thinset mortar to the backside of each panel with a 1/4 inch squared-notched trowel.
- Press panels firmly onto the mortar bed, abutting edges tightly without gaps. Allow nails or screws if needed for additional support.
- Use a 6 inch knife to spread additional thinset over the face of each panel, leaving 1/4 inch ridges. Embed mesh tape into the thinset over joints and corners.
- Once thinset is dry, sand joints and ridges smooth before tiling.

Proper installation ensures adequate bonding of the backer board to the substrate below and prevents water intrusion behind tiles. Joints between panels need tightly abutting and reinforced to maintain waterproof integrity.

Cement Board in Wet Areas

For bathrooms, showers, and other high-moisture areas, cement backer board provides the durable base needed to prevent water damage to framing or walls. In such wet area installations, a waterproof membrane is typically applied over the smooth cement boards surface before tiling to create a watertight barrier.

Liquid waterproofing membranes form a continuous seal and protect the cement board substrate. Alternatively, fabric reinforced waterproofing membranes are also commonly used. They are bonded to the cement board surface with modified thinset, fully covering joints and corners before tiling proceeds.

Applying a waterproof membrane over cement board in wet areas gives the crucial protection to prevent water intrusion and mold growth behind tiles. It allows the creation of beautiful, long-lasting tiled surfaces that can withstand the moisture exposures of bathrooms and showers.

Finishing Touches

After waterproofing membranes have fully cured in wet areas or walls, floors have received their backer boards, the stage is set to begin laying tile. Most tile professionals will do one final sanding of joints and seams to remove any minor bumps or ridges. Then it's time to apply thinset adhesive to the backer board surface with a notch trowel and embed tile following installation standards for the type of surface being tiled.

Grout is applied after tiles have set firmly into place as the final step. Choosing a grout suitable for the surface conditions provides a beautiful finished look as well as protecting the integrity of the installation. With careful preparation and application of backer boards as the substrate, tile installations will stand the test of time.

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About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)


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