Can you use cement board without tile?

Cement backer board is often used as a tile base on plywood or OSB subfloor. Cement backer board on concrete as a subfloor or underlayment is usually not recommended or needed. In most cases, you can apply tile directly to the concrete.

Do you put cement board under cabinets?





I like to put them in over the flooring underlayment -cement backer board (over 3/4 T&G Plywood over 16″ center joists) but before the tile. Others suggest tiling first then setting the cabinets on top. Still others say cabinets first, then cut the backer board around them before tiling.

Do you need to tile under kitchen cabinets?

Always install the tile to the wall, under appliances, and cabinets. Good flooring could be in place for 20 years or more. In that time there could be water leaks, appliance failures cabinet damage that requires replacement, electrical problems that require cabinets to be moved, etc…

Can you install cement board without thinset?

Not only is thinset a critical component underneath cement board but the other critical component is the fasteners. And you won’t have the fasteners if you are trying to install it over concrete.

Can I use cement board instead of plywood?

Cement backerboard is more stable than plywood in high humidity and other wet environments. It won’t swell and buckle the way that plywood does, so it’s safe to use in mudrooms and bathrooms where things like spills and puddles are normal, as well as in areas with high levels of moisture in the air.

Is tile backer board necessary?





Waterproof tile backing board is only necessary for walls and floors that will be directly exposed to running water, such as in a shower. A backer board is not required for all wall tile. For instance, a tile backsplash in your kitchen can be installed over standard drywall.

Can you just screw down cement board?

Secure Backer Board with Screws

Drill cement board screws through the backer board sheets every 6 to 8 inches. Position the screws at least 1/2-inch, but no more than 2 inches, from the edge of the sheet.

Can I just screw down backer board?

Screw and Joints



Do not use drywall screws as they are not recommended to be used to hold the backer board in place. All of your backer board pieces should be cut before they are placed on​ the floor. Along the perimeter, screws should be installed at least ½ inch from the edge, but no more than 2 1/4 inches.

Can I use Schluter all set on cement board?

Schluter ALL-SETâ„¢ is a mixture of cement, sand, polymer and additives that sets and gains strength through cement hydration and polymer film formation when mixed with water. It is engineered for use with Schluter membranes and boards, including tile installation.

Is Schluter all set worth it?

Schluter products are all excellent quality and easy to use but V-expensive compared to big-box retailer products.

How long does Schluter all set last?



2-4 hours

The working time, or pot life, of a mortar depends on the site conditions. In standard conditions (70ºF and 50% RH) Schluter SET® and Schluter ALL-SET® have a pot life of 2-4 hours. Schluter FAST-SET® has a pot life of 30 mins in standard conditions.

What’s the difference between Schluter set and Schluter All set?

Schluter ALL-SET® is a specialized modified thin-set mortar specifically formulated for use with Schluter® membranes and boards. Schluter FAST-SET® is a specialized rapid-setting modified thin-set mortar specifically formulated for use with Schluter® membranes and boards.

Can Schluter all set be used on drywall?

Schluter®-KERDI family of waterproofing membranes: Solidly embed into the mortar using the flat side of the trowel or a drywall finishing knife and work the membrane onto the entire surface to ensure full coverage and remove air pockets.

How long does Schluter all set need to dry before grouting?



Wait at least 12 hours at 70° F (21° C) before grouting. Extended cure times before and after grout application may be required if temperatures are lower. Install grout per ANSI A108.

Is Kerdi all set waterproof?

Sag-resistant. Smooth and creamy for easy handling and spreading. To be used with Schluter uncoupling and waterproof membranes: Ditra, Ditra Heat, Kerdi and Kerdi Membrane.

What Thinset do I use with KERDI?

Schluter SETâ„¢, ALL-SETâ„¢, FAST-SETâ„¢ or an unmodified thin-set mortar must be used to construct all KERDI seams to ensure watertightperformance of the system.

Which Mapei Thinset is unmodified?

Keraset: This is Mapei’s mid-range unmodified.