Do You Have To Put Cement Board Under Tile

Do You Have To Put Cement Board Under Tile?

When installing tile, proper preparation of the subfloor is crucial to ensure a durable and long-lasting installation. One essential aspect of this preparation is the use of cement board. Cement board, also known as backer board, provides a stable and water-resistant base for tile adhesion. In this article, we will explore the necessity of using cement board under tile and its various benefits.

Why Use Cement Board Under Tile?

Cement board plays a vital role in tile installations due to several important reasons:

Moisture Resistance: Cement board is resistant to moisture and water damage, which is crucial in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens where exposure to moisture is common. It helps prevent water from penetrating the subfloor and damaging the tile installation.
Stability and Strength: Cement board provides a stable and solid base for tile adhesion. It prevents tile from cracking or becoming loose due to subfloor movement or deflection.
Flat and Even Surface: Cement board helps create a flat and even surface for tile installation. This ensures proper tile alignment and prevents lippage (unevenness in tile height).
Adhesion: The rough surface of cement board provides excellent adhesion for thin-set mortar, the adhesive used to bond tile to the subfloor.

In addition to these benefits, cement board also offers dimensional stability, meaning it does not expand or contract significantly with changes in temperature or humidity. This helps prevent tile from cracking or breaking due to subfloor movement.

When is Cement Board Required?

The use of cement board is generally recommended for tile installations over the following types of subfloors:

Wood subfloors
Concrete subfloors with cracks or uneven surfaces
Subfloors exposed to moisture or water
Areas with high traffic or heavy loads

For installations over existing tile, backer board may not be necessary if the subfloor and tile are in good condition and properly prepared.

Installation of Cement Board

Installing cement board is a relatively straightforward process but requires proper preparation and installation techniques:

Ensure that the subfloor is level, flat, and free from debris.
Cut the cement board to size and place it over the subfloor.
Secure the cement board with screws or nails specifically designed for cement board.
Stagger the joints between cement board sheets and avoid placing joints directly over seams in the subfloor.
Apply thin-set mortar over the cement board and install the tile.

Proper installation of cement board is essential for a successful tile installation. It ensures a stable and moisture-resistant base, preventing tile from cracking or becoming loose. By understanding the benefits and requirements of cement board under tile, you can ensure a durable and long-lasting tile installation.