A question about tiling a bathroom floor...??

Question

Is it necessary to use cement backerboard in a room that already has a cement subfloor? Or can we tile directly over the cement floor? What about tiling a wall? Is cement backerboard necessary?

Answer 1

You don't need cement backer board on a cement floor, unless the cement is in really bad shape (lots of cracks) - in that case there are other products that work better over cracked cement than backer board.

You only need cement backerboard on the walls if it in a wet location, such as a shower.  Otherwise, put the tile right on the drywall.

Answer 2

Backerboard is not needed on top of the cement floor.  If the subfloor has any loose spots, chip them out and replace the cement.

The backerboard would raise the floor height too, requiring you to cut the door and its' casing.  And you would have to get longer anchoring bolts for the toilet.

The cement backerboard is a must for the walls.  Especially in the shower/tub area.

Good Luck

Answer 3

  On a slab floor no backer board needed.. Tiling a shower /tub wall almost mandatory.. All dry wall will rot and turn to mush over a period of time w/ normal use.. Even the green board will .. They sat water resistant but not water proof.. If your just tiling a wall , like a wainscot then not you can go directly over it.. All thats needed there is a primer coat of paint for the glue of your choice to bond to.. GL

Answer 4

No but I would put a membrane over the floor before yout ilte it. If their are cracks in the concrete those cracks will probably transfer throuygh the tile with out a membrane. RedGard works really well. It allows the concrete to expand and contract under your tile without moving / cracking your tile. As far as tiling the wall, backerboard is not necessary but it is the better way to do it. It will last longer and if its around a tub or a shower then your walls wont rot or get mold growing in them.Just install it as the manufacturer suggests.