I have a floor tiling question?

Question

I need to lay backer board on top of the sub floor to lay my tile. My husband says we need to put a layer of thinset between the subfloor and the backer board, even tho we are s******g the backer board in. Is just s******g the backer board onto the subfloor going to jeopardize the integrity of the tile floor once its layed if we dont lay a layer of thinset????? Thanks everyone!!!!

Answer 1

Save the money on the thinset and by more backer board screws.   It's more important to use screws every 5 to 6", than to use thinset under the board.

Quick story- A neighbors house and my own were built at the same time.  Both houses were to have tiled foyers. His house was done by a tile contractor.  I did my own. (Identical houses)

He stepped in one night, as I was laying the subfloor, and laughed because I had screwed the subfloor (1/2" plywood) every 4 to 5".   "My guy said "it just needs a s***w every foot".

10 years later,  his floor is cracked straight up the middle, from front door to the kitchen, and his grout is popping.

Ours is as it was installed.   'Nuff said..............

Answer 2

We didnt use thinset when we layed our bathroom floor tiles, we just used the backer board, and it was completely fine.

Answer 3

these boards need to be laid as level as possible ..i normally lay these by laying the self leveling compound an setting boards while still wet

Answer 4

yes use the thin layer. good idea