How to Install Hardibacker Tile

If you're preparing to do a ceramic floor or wall installation, it's recommended that you install Hardibacker cement board on your subfloor or wall before you begin to lay the tile. Hardibacker is designed to add extra strength to the floor while adding mold and moisture resistance, and has become a standard for any tile installation. Installing Hardibacker cement board isn't too difficult, and will ensure your tiling project lasts for the life of your home.

Things You'll Need

• Straightedge
• Carbide-tipped scoring knife
• ¼-inch Hardibacker cement board (square footage to cover floor)
• 1¼ inch backerboard screws (enough to place every eight inches)
• ¼ inch notched trowel
• Acrylic or latex thinset
• Drill with screwdriver bit
• 2-inch-wide cement backerboard tape
• Eye protection
• Leather work gloves

Instructions

Preparation

1. Measure the floor and dry lay the Hardibacker before determining any cuts that need to be made. Make sure none of the board edges end on a subfloor seam, and allow a 1/8-inch gap between all Hardibacker cement boards as well as the walls and cabinets.

2. Mark any cuts that need to be made, using a straightedge to ensure uniform cutting lines.

3. Cut the Hardibacker cement boards by scoring along a straightedge with a carbide-tipped scoring knife and then snapping the board along the line.

Floor installation

1. Apply a layer of thinset where the first Hardibacker cement board will be installed, using a ¼-inch notched trowel (the same size trowel you will use for the tile installation).

2. Lay the first panel of Hardibacker onto the thinset, pressing evenly.

3. Screw the Hardibacker into the floor, using 1¼-inch backerboard screws and using one screw every 8 inches. Offset the interior screws so they are staggered with the outer screws, and make sure no screws are closer than two inches from the edge. (Three-by-five Hardibacker sheets have dots to indicate where the screws should be set).

4. Repeat the process until the entire floor is covered by Hardibacker cement board and ready to tile.

5. Prior to laying the tile, apply a layer of thinset onto any seams in the area you will be working in and press a strip of 2-inch cement backerboard tape firmly over the seam. Continue this procedure as you work across the room.

Tips & Warnings

• For wall application, use 1/2-inch Hardibacker and 1 1/2-inch backerboard screws.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Hardibacker Cement Board