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How to Install Concrete Backer Board {Tile Installation: Part 2} #thetileshop @thetileshop

Published: Feb 24, 2014 by Ashley Phipps · 877 words. · About 5 minutes to read this article. · 3 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads and sponsored posts · This blog uses cookies · See our privacy policy for more info Filed Under: DIY

Please read Part 1 of our Tile Installation Journey HERE first.

Last week I showed you how we demo'd our kids bathroom floors as preparation to installing brand new tile floors!  You can read all about it HERE.  Today I am excited to show you how to install concrete backer board.  

How to Install Concrete Backer Board {Tile Installation: Part 2} #diy #tile #bathroomremodel #thetileshop @thetileshop

Because we were going to install tile on wood sub-floor, we needed to add a layer of concrete backer board (which is often also called hardibacker).  Concrete backer board helps give the floor an extra layer to prevent the floor from bending and flexing when you step on it.  If the floor bends and gives your tile and grout lines will crack.  And after all the hard work you will put into installing tile, you don't want to end up with cracked tiles!

In addition to the added support, concrete backer board also provides a good smooth surface to adhere thin set and tile to.

Because we have laminate wood floors next to our bathroom, we wanted to keep the heights between the two floors as similar as possible.  We chose to install ¼" backer board to add as little height as possible.  But if you are able to, you also have the option of installing ½" backer board as well.  Choose whichever is best for the installation you are working on.

Here is what you will need to Install Concrete Backer Board:

  • ¼" (or thicker) concrete backer board, enough to cover your floor
  • box cutter
  • right angle ruler
  • 1" backer board screws
  • drill bit for backer board screws (a drill bit came with our screws, but double check because our backer board screws had a square head)
  • Ryobi drill (or similar)
  • Multi-tool
  • Thinset (mortar)
  • Trowel
  • handsome husband, optional

I was not feeling very well the day we did this project so my sweet husband did a lot of this installation.  Isn't he the best!?

Here are a few things to remember when installing concrete backer board:

  • lay the concrete backer board out in your space so that you have as few seams as possible
  • your wood sub-floor seams and your backer board seams should not line up
  • try not to have four seams / corners come together, stagger them
  • be sure to use concrete backer board screws
  • leave ¼" gap around all edges of backer board as well as in between the boards
  • lay it down first to be sure it fits
  • then adhere the backer board using mortar, one piece or row at a time
  • screw the concrete backer board into place
  • be sure the backer board screws go all the way in so that the screw heads do not protrude

How to Install Concrete Backer Board {Tile Installation: Part 2} #diy #tile #bathroomremodel #thetileshop @thetileshop

After we were done demo-ing our bathroom floors in preparation for laying tile, we needed to make one more adjustment before laying our backer board.  We needed to trim our door moldings.

In order to get a clean and professional looking finish to your tile, your tile should lay underneath your door frames.  Now you have the option of ripping your door frames out and re-doing them.  But holy cow that is a lot of work!  We we decided to simply leave everything in place and trim the door frames.

How to Trim Door Frames for Floor Installation {Tile Installation: Part 2} #diy #tile #bathroomremodel #thetileshop @thetileshop

We laid down the backer board, the tile and then a piece of cardboard right next to the door frames that needed to be trimmed.  Then we used a multi-tool to cut the door frames to the correct height.

Next we began marking and cutting our backer board to correct sizes to fit the room.  We used a right angle ruler and a box cutter to score the backer board.

How to Score Concrete Backer Board for Tile Floor Installation {Tile Installation: Part 2} #diy #tile #bathroomremodel #thetileshop @thetileshop

After the backer board is scored, you can simply bend the backer board and it will snap where you scored it.  Pretty simple.

Score and Break Concrete Backer Board for Tile Floor Installation {Tile Installation: Part 2} #diy #tile #bathroomremodel #thetileshop @thetileshop

Mix your thinset, apply it directly to the wood sub-floor with your trowel, then press your backer board into it.  Do this one piece or one row at a time so that you don't mix the pieces of backer board up.

Apply thinset for concrete backer board installation {Tile Installation: Part 2} #diy #tile #bathroomremodel #thetileshop @thetileshop

Immediately after laying the concrete backer board down with thinset, you will want to go back and secure the backer board to the wood sub-floor using your backer board screws and your drill.

Secure screws into concrete backer board {Tile Installation: Part 2} #diy #tile #bathroomremodel #thetileshop @thetileshop

Our concrete backer board had little "x"'s on it to show us where to screw the board into the sub-floor.  It was about every 6"-8" though so be sure to purchase enough screws!  Be sure that the screw heads go completely into the backer board.  You don't want any heads sticking up or else you won't have a level surface to apply your tile too.

After all of the screws are in place, walk on your concrete backer board to be sure that there are no areas that give or buckle when you walk on them.  If so, add another screw or two to prevent that from happening.

How to Install Hardibacker {Tile Installation: Part 2} #diy #tile #bathroomremodel #thetileshop @thetileshop


After we had our concrete backer board installed we were ready to begin tiling!  
Come back tomorrow so that you can see the entire tiling process along with our final bathroom floor reveal!

You Might Also Enjoy:

How to Install a new Bathtub Faucet with it is Incompatible with your Existing Faucet
How to Install new Bathroom Fixtures
DIY Plank Walls

How to Prep a Floor for Tile

How to Install Tile
How to Install Herringbone Tile


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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Our Pinteresting Family

    February 24, 2014 at 3:59 pm

    Great tutorial! Thanks for sharing this. 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashley Phipps

      February 25, 2014 at 12:33 pm

      Thank you so much!! And thanks for stopping by 🙂

      Reply

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