How To Install Cement Board On Plywood Floor

How to install a cement backer board over a plywood subfloor in the bathroom.

How to install cement board on plywood floor.

If you have a concrete subfloor then you should not be contemplating installing cement board over it. Installing cement board over a concrete subfloor. It has to be rock solid before you lay the 1 2 in. 5 steps to a sound ceramic floor.

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 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. The 1 mistake most people make when installing cement board. This guide will teach you how to properly lay cement backerboard and use mortar to secure and level your subfloor before installing tile. Then vacuum the floor with a wet dry vac or sweep it with a broom.

Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor. Cement board also provides an additional layer over a plywood or particleboard subfloor adding stiffness to the tile. Before you install file flooring follow the directions above for fixing high spots and low spots in a wood or concrete subfloor. Prepare a solid squeak free subfloor one of the keys to a long lasting tile installation is the underlying subfloor.

The primary benefit of cement board is that it doesn t break down or expand or warp if it gets wet. Before we go any farther on how to install cement board i am going to talk about a very common mistake most people make. Make a final check with the level to be sure all the high and low spots are gone. Learn how to install hardiebacker cement board on wooden floors and the appropriate materials and tools that you ll need for the job.

Then you attach the cement board with screws. It is very important to first spread thin set on the floor before placing the cement board to the floor. Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water. This is a distinct advantage over plywood and drywall.