How to Install Tile Backerboard

Wall tiles don't have to sustain weight the way that floor tiles do, so the tile backerboard you use on walls doesn't have to be as strong as the tile underlayment you use on floors. However, it still has to be immobile to prevent cracking of the tiles, and it has to be moisture resistant. Cement board is the best choice for both floors and walls, though on walls all that's usually necessary is 1/4 inch cement board, as opposed to the 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch cement board you would use for a floor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electronic stud finder
• Pencil
• 1/4 inch cement board
• Carpenter's glue
• Screwgun
• 1-1/2 inch galvanized screws
• Thinset mortar
• Notched mortar trowel
• Mesh drywall tape
• Belt sander

1. With your electronic stud finder, locate and mark all the studs behind the wall. Use your pencil to run the line for each stud from top to bottom.

2. Spread carpenter's glue on the back of your first sheet of cement board. Press it to the wall starting in one corner, horizontally along the bottom of the wall. Sink galvanized screws where you marked the studs, sinking one screw about every 6 inches along each stud.

3. Repeat the process for each of the other boards, butting them against each other and cutting them as necessary to fit. Cut the backerboards by scoring the surface with a razor knife and bending the piece until it breaks along the line. Make sure to stagger the courses, so there are no four-way intersections between the boards.

4. Lay pieces of mesh drywall tape along the seams. Spread thin-set mortar over the tape, smoothing out the mortar with the flat edge of your mortar trowel. Let the mortar dry for a day.

5. Use a belt sander to gently buff the mortared seams, just enough to get them completely smooth. The board is now ready for tiling.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when cutting the board with your razor knife.

References

• AskTheBuilder.com: Backerboard Installation.