How to Thinset Cementboard to Plywood

Besides being heavy, cement board is pretty easy to work with. Anyone can install cement board themselves, although they may need a little help moving it around. Cement board is an important part of the tiling process. It provides a waterproof backer to tile showers and floors in damp areas. It can also be used under wood stoves because it is fireproof. You can use it under other materials like stone or marble for its strength. You will find this project doesn't take much time once you get used to working with it.

Things You'll Need

• Cement board
• Thin set
• Notched trowel
• Cement screws
• Carbide tipped knife
• Measuring tape
• Drill

Instructions

1. Clean the plywood completely from all saw dust or any other debris. Measure the area you are covering and cut any boards you need to make it fit. You can cut the boards by marking where you need to cut and scoring the board with a carbide tipped cutting tool. Then bend the board at the score and cut through the back side.

2. Mix enough thinset for the area you are applying cement board to. Follow manufacturer's directions for mixing and time for setting.

3. Place the thinset on the floor and spread it with a notched trowel with a little more coverage than the size of the board.

4. Lay the board down on top of the thinset and screw to the plywood every 16 inches with cement screws. Repeat until the entire area is covered. Allow the thinset to dry overnight before walking on it or covering it.