Do you have to put thinset between subfloor and cement board?

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. On the bright side, there are some options for concrete subfloors.

Do you have to use thinset under Hardie board?





However, many manufacturers including, both Durock and Hardiebacker not only recommend that you use thinset under their backerboard, but they specify it and will void the warranty on their product if it’s not used.

Can I just screw down cement 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.

Does cement board go over subfloor?

Cement board can be installed over a plywood subfloor using an appropriate construction adhesive and screws for a quicker project that’s less messy than taping and mudding.

How do you attach cement board to subfloor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: To fit in small spaces or around obstructions score the board with a utility knife then cut it using a jigsaw with a carbide blade. Apply thinset between the cement board and the subfloor.

Can you use 1/4 inch cement board on floors?





1/4″ USG Durock® cement board is an ideal substrate for floor and countertop ceramic tile installations. The 1/4″ thickness helps eliminate transition trim when abutting carpet or wood flooring and minimize level variations with other finish materials.

Can you use mortar instead of thinset?

Thinset is an adhesive cement used to secure floor and wall tiles to concrete surfaces. The word “thinset” is sometimes used interchangeably with “mortar,” because it’s a type of modified mortar made specifically for tile.

What is a dry set mortar?

Thinset (also called thinset mortar, thinset cement, dryset mortar, or drybond mortar) is an adhesive mortar made of cement, fine sand and a water-retaining agent such as an alkyl derivative of cellulose. It is usually used to attach tile or stone to surfaces such as cement or concrete.

What kind of thinset goes under cement board?

MAPEI recommends the use of MAPEI Porcelain Tile Mortar, MAPEI Large-Format Floor & Wall Tile Mortar or MAPEI Large Tile & Stone Mortar as thin-set under the cement board.

Do you put backer board over subfloor?



While using 1/4” thick—rather than 1/2” thick—cement backer board is acceptable, how you install the backer board and attach it to the plywood subfloor is as important as how you lay the tile on top of it.

What is better Ditra or cement board?

Ditra is waterproof, while cement board lets water through but won’t be damaged by it. This may make Ditra a better choice if moisture from below is a concern, such as with some outdoor applications or installations over concrete.

Do you have to tape cement board before tiling floor?

Yes. And use the alkali-resistant CBU tape. One tip, which might help or hurt – when you tape ahead of time and let the thinset dry before tiling you can get some bumps among the tape and thinset.

Can you use Liquid Nails on cement board?



When doing a home DIY project or working at a construction site, it is vital to use suitable materials for each job. However, a common question that often comes up is whether you can use Liquid Nails on cement boards. The quick answer is yes, you can use Liquid Nails on cement board.

Can you put thinset on plywood?

Thinset is the wet base that you first trowel on the plywood to make the tile stick. Higher latex content is essential for bonding to plywood. A quality unmodified thinset should be used and mixed with a latex additive.

Are thinset and mortar the same thing?

Thinset, while it is also sometimes referred to as a “mortar” is an adhesive. It’s a mix of cement, water, and fine sand. It holds your tile to the substrate and is used in commercial applications, “wet wall” applications (such as a shower floor), or with heavier tiling materials such as Ankara Travertine Stone Tile.

When should I use thinset?

When to Use Mortar. Thinset is appropriate for wall tiles as well as flooring in high-traffic, moisture-varying and temperature-varying areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens. The high bonding strength and resilience against both temperature change and moisture make thinset perfect for laying tile in most cases.

Can grout be used as thinset?



Can you use grout as Thinset? No- it’s not advisable to use grout in place of thinset– as these two don’t boast the same structural strength. As such, grout isn’t able to effectively stick tiles to the concrete subfloor as well as thinset does.

What do you use on cement board seams?

Use special mesh tape on seams



Cover all of the corners, joints and seams, including the joint where drywall and cement board meet, with the fiberglass mesh tape.

Should you tape cement board joints?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I recommend that you get cement or tape mainly because it sticks to cement board better.

Can I use drywall mud on cement board?

When using drywall compound over cement board, it is recommended, but not required, to use a faster setting-type joint compound (45 or 90 min), than typical joint compound. Make sure to follow manufacturer guidelines for the products used to finish the non-tiled area.