Do I really need backer board to install ceramic tile?

Question

Everyone I talk to says to use backer board to install ceramic tile. Nobody knows why. The backer board adds 1/4" which will put the tile above the carpet level.

Answer 1

you need the backer board to work with the thinset if installed directly on the wood floor it will draw out the moisture from the bonding agent prematurely and the tiles will not adhere

Answer 2

if tiling over concrete no backer board is neccessary. if tiling over wood, yes, it is neccessary. use multiflex thin set (1/4 inch notch ) to set the board on and then s***w the board down every 6 inches or so across the entire board. when setting the tile be sure to use the correct size notch trowel. the rule of thumb is as follows: 1/4 inch up to 8 inch tile; 3/8th to 13 inch tile; 1/2 to 16 inch tile ; and 3/4 for all tiles over 16 inches. you may contact Stoneworks USA if there are any more questions. [e-mail]

Answer 3

....the backer board is pourous that ensures a good solid bond with cement due to those ridges in that board....also the board material is very stabile as a foundation material and when attached to plywood, the board does not twist or swell in variations of humidity

Cheers

Answer 4

Yes, it is highly advisable unless the floor on which you are installing the tile is concrete. It's inexpensive and worth the extra effort to assure proper grounding of the tiles. Hardy backer board is the best!

Answer 5

It is recommended for the longevity of the tile project. It helps give a flex free base for which your tiles will be sitting on.

If the floor moves at all the grout and tiles will eventually crack and separate( Not good)

  Install a transition strip(the piece that goes on the floor between rooms and different flooring's)

Check the link below to get some more info.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=ho...

Answer 6

it gives a much more stable base  to tile to . Timber floors tend to move a little depending on humidity and heat etc.

Thats why . You can actually fair the carpet floor up so that they match using a compound called matrix or something similiar

Answer 7

No! We installed tile directly on wood for years before hardibacker came along! Backerboard will not keep your house from shifting ,which is what causes tile to crack! All house shift,ALL.  If you properly mix and apply the thinset ,your tile will adhere to and stay bonded to wood. I know several"old school" tile setters who wouldn't take a dump on a piece of backerboard! They have been setting for years without it. They also make far more for their work , than the rash of unskilled "Home Depot " trainees claiming to be tile setters!  

Do yourself a favor and do a bit of research on how to properly restore period homes. The use of period technics is foremost . There are still some old hands in every town that know how to do what you are wanting to do,and most of them are more than happy to teach traditional technics to anyone willing to learn.

Answer 8

we just strip the existing floor cover down to the concrete foundation and set the tile in lightweight concrete, grout and go. i wouldnt.

yeah, i can see how it would be beneficial on a wood floor for the reasons mentioned above.

Answer 9

only if you want it done right