They should be flush or really close to it. Especially if you are painting over with a waterproofing membrane. I throw three backer screws in a sheet and then do pilot holes with a bit the size of my head about an 1/8″ in.

How do you attach tile backer board to wall?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: By already having the screw in the roll plug you'll be able to get it set deeper into the wall. As either screw must go a minimum of 50 mil into the misery. So ensure you always stagger the joints.

Where do you screw backer board?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Secure the backer board sheets with screws drilled every six to eight inches. Position the screws one half inch to two inches from the edge of the sheets.

How do you secure backer board to a wall?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Keep fasteners 3/8 inch from board edges and two inches in from sheet corners. Set fastener heads flush with the surface. Without over driving.

How do you screw into backer board tiles?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You're basically using the mortar to create a solid backing. And then the nails and screws are going to attach it to the subfloor.

Does it matter which side of cement board faces out?

No, it doesn’t matter. Regardless of which side faces out during installation, you can expect the same great performance that has made USG Durock® Brand Cement Board the preferred choice of professionals and do-it-yourselfers for decades.

Can I just screw down cement board?





Doing this will require that you remove the existing surface material before installing backer board over the studs. Cement board can also be used on countertops when laying tile. However, the process will involve using an extra sheet of backer board. Never use standard screws when installing cement board.

Can tile backer board be DOT and dabbed?

HardieBacker tile backerboard is ready to tile once installed, just wipe down with a damp sponge to remove any dust prior to tiling. 2. Can I fix boards using a dot and dab technique? No.

How do you screw Hardie backer board?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Your Hardiebacker cement board with nails or screws every 8 inches on center over the entire surface. Keep screws between 3/8 inch and 3/4 inch from board edges and 2 inches from board corners.

Can you tile straight onto backer board?

As a building material, interior fibre cement tile backer board products are especially suited as a tiling base for tiling wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and showers as it is resistant to permanent water damage and does not need to be treated before tiling.

Which way round does cement board go?



Cement board has a smooth side and a rough side. Face the rough side out if you will be using thin-set mortar adhesive to install the tile but the smooth side out if you will be using latex mastic.

What kind of tape do you use on cement board?

FibaTape® self-adhesive Cement Board tape is specifically designed for cement board finishing. Cement Board tape is alkali-resistant to meet most cement board manufacturer’s recommendations. The patented fiberglass construction provides long-term crack resistance.

Do you need to tape cement board before tiling?

If you are going to tile over the cement board, you should tape the seams. This should not be that difficult.

Should I wet Hardibacker before tiling?



Wipe the surface of HardieBacker® cement board clean with a damp sponge just prior to adding mastic or mortar. This 2006 forum discussion also seems to anecdotally back up that wetting HardieBacker first is a known “must do”: Hardi is thirsty, thirsty, thirsty.

What do I use to seal cement board before tiling?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So use silicone caulk and backer rod instead of grout.

Do I really need Thinset under backer board?

Thinset is going to create a solid surface under tile and prevent flexing that could lead to cracking. Using thinset between the backerboard and subfloor will create additional strength, fill in any potential gaps that exist and lessen the possibility of movement.

How do you screw cement board?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Now you go through about every 8 inches or so and put a screw down the scene. And then like send every 8 inches across the whole thing. So I'll start here on the corner. And that's what it looks like

How thick should thinset be under Backerboard?



Plan for a layer of thinset 3/16-inch to 1/8-inch thick beneath your tile. A 3/16-inch layer of thinset will be enough for tiles with a smooth back to bond the tile to the floor or backer board.