How to Install Durock Flooring

Durock flooring is a type of cement board that enables you to lay tile, wood planks or other flooring options to almost any type of subfloor. This is a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to having to replace a subfloor. This do-it-yourself job can be done alone or with help, depending on how fast you need to get the project completed.

Things You'll Need

• Underlayment
• Mortar or adhesive
• Trowel
• Tape measure
• Miter saw
• Durock flooring
• 1 ¼ inch Durock wood screws
• Drill
• Joint tape

Instructions

1. Lay down underlayment on top of the subfloor. You will have to apply a thin layer of adhesive or mortar to the subfloor. The type you choose depends upon your location. Generally, humid locations require mortar, and dry locations require adhesive. Simply run a thin layer on the subfloor with a trowel and place the underlayment on top of it.

2. Cut your Durock flooring. To do this, measure your floor with a tape measure. Write the measurements down. Once you have done this, plan how you will place the Durock flooring. Finally, use a miter saw to cut the flooring.

3. Apply a layer of mortar to the top of the underlayment with a trowel that is equal to the space where you will lay one piece of the flooring. Place the flooring onto the mortar. Step gently onto it to set it into the mortar. Be careful not to make it slide when you are doing this.

4. Continue applying mortar and placing flooring onto the mortar until the entire space is covered. Leave a 1/8 inch space between each of the flooring boards.

5. Use 1 ¼ inch Durock wood screws to anchor the boards to the subfloor. These must be placed approximately 8 inches apart and no more than ½ inch from the edge of a board.

6. Create a seamless area by applying joint tape over the spaces between the boards. Apply a layer of thin-set mortar or grout to the top of the entire floor. Apply floor tiles to the floor according the manufacturer's directions.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety glasses when cutting the Durock floor.

Resources

• Click here for information from Durock about flooring.