Do I Need Cement Board For Kitchen Floor Tile

Cement board is a type of underlayment that is now standard for most tile installations but particularly for floor tile.

Do i need cement board for kitchen floor tile.

Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor. This is a distinct advantage over plywood and drywall. Correctly installed cement board provides a very stable base that s permanently bound to the tile with thin set mortar so your new tile floor will last a very long time. It s typically available in 1 2 in.

Its made from cement and sand and is reinforced by fiberglass mats on both sides so it s impervious to water. Whenever you re laying tile on a wood subfloor you need to first install cement backerboard to prevent leaks and water damage. Half inch cement backer board is ideal for most tiling jobs including walls floors countertops and ceilings. Because plywood expands and contracts beneath the ceramic tile grout and tile failure loose tiles and cracked crumbling grout is just a matter of time.

These materials do not work because you need a cementitious base one that has the qualities of cement and masonry cousins of tile. The primary benefit of cement board is that it doesn t break down or expand or warp if it gets wet. Cement board cement board is the most durable trouble free tile backer for tub surrounds showers floors and all other wet areas. The floor needs to meet minimum requirements for tile before any tile backer board is installed.

However these are the five that stood out in my unofficial memory as being the most common. Thick 3 x 5 ft. For countertops use 3 4 inch plywood beneath the backer board. Cement board also provides an additional layer over a plywood or particleboard subfloor adding stiffness to the tile installation to help prevent cracks.

Wood regular drywall and even green board have organic elements which will degrade in high moisture environments. For flooring the backer board should be installed over a 5 8 inch thick osb or plywood base. Backer board comes in four foot by eight foot and three foot by five foot rigid panels that contain a combination of cement fiberglass and sometimes crushed glass particles.