What is a Backer Board
Before you begin tile installation for any project, laying an appropriate foundation is a must. That’s where backer boards come in. They are sturdy sheets made from cement-based materials that provide an even surface for your tiles to adhere to.
These backer boards ensure that your tiles last long and have a clean finish. A backer board under your tiles creates a strong base that protects your tiles from chipping and cracking.
Uses of a Tile Backer Board
Different types of backer boards have varied applications based on their properties. They’re versatile and have multiple applications. A backer board is commonly used as a foundation under kitchen, bathroom and entryway floorings. It proves to be a water-resistant base for high-traffic areas that are prone to spills and splashes. It’s great for bathrooms due to its moisture-resistant properties.
Backer boards are a good foundation for shower walls, backsplashes and tub surrounds. They prevent water damage and mold growth in highly humid conditions. Backer boards are useful as the foundation for tile countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. They can be used to create a sturdy and heat-resistant surface that lasts for years.
Fireplaces can also benefit from a fire-resistant base offered by backer boards. They can protect your walls from heat damage. If you’re making a tile outdoor patio, adding backer boards is an excellent option. They can withstand outdoor weather conditions and provide a durable foundation.
Benefits of a Tile Backer Board
- Tile backer boards are often used for their strength and stability. They prevent tiles from cracking or shifting over time and provide a rigid surface. They ensure your tiles have a level and even finish. Backer boards are resistant to wear and tear, protecting your tiles from any damage.
- Many types are made to be moisture-resistant, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. They’re also fire-resistant, offering an additional layer of safety.
- Tile backer boards are often used for better tile adhesion. The smooth surface of backer boards creates an excellent foundation for your tiles to adhere to.
Tile Backer Board Types
While the two types of cement backer boards are a popular choice, mat gypsum and foam backer boards are good options as well. Choose the right type of backer board to ensure the success of your tile project. Each has unique characteristics and are suitable for different applications.
Cement Backer Board
A cement tile backer board is a mixture of cement, water, silica and limestone flour. Its strength and durability make it an optimal choice. It’s resistant to water, mold and rot, making it ideal for wet areas. It’s also a good option for heavy-traffic areas due to its sturdy composition. It’s also suitable for both floors and walls, making it a versatile and affordable option.
Handling and installation may be a challenge due to its heavy weight. It’s also more difficult to cut than other materials and requires specialized tools.
Fiber Cement Backer Board
This type of cement backer board is an improved version of the regular cement board. It’s a combination of cement and cellulose fibers. This results in a strong, flexible, light and easy to handle material. This allows for quicker installation along with easier cutting and shaping. This type of backer board is resistant to moisture and provides a solid foundation for your tile projects. Due to its added features, it tends to be more expensive than cement backer boards.
Mat Gypsum Board
A mat gypsum board is also known as a water-resistant gypsum board or a greenboard. It’s a type of drywall made for highly humid conditions. It’s constructed with gypsum core and reinforced with fiberglass mats. It’s treated with water-resistant silicone to prevent any water damage. It’s cost-effective compared to the cement boards and easy to install. It also provides fire protection. It can get soft if water gets past the waterproof surface.
Foam Backer Board
This type of backer board is made from a high-density foam core with coated facers. It’s a lightweight which makes it easy to handle and install. This option is also suitable for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. It’s dust-free and easy to cut and shape. A foam backer board is less rigid than the other options which might not be ideal for high-traffic areas.
Factors to Consider
Features like moisture resistance are useful for a bathroom or kitchen project. Choose a backer board based on the application, thickness and maintenance needs.
Moisture Resistance
Understanding which tile backer boards are best suited to which areas is important based on moisture levels. Mat gypsum boards are ideal for areas with low moisture like living rooms or bedrooms. A cement backer board is a great choice for moderate levels of humidity like kitchens and laundry rooms. Bathrooms and showers are faced with constant moisture and vapor. Any type of cement backer board is ideal for these areas since they offer high moisture resistance.
Application
When you’re applying backer boards on the floor or walls, any type of cement backer board works well. This is due to its strength and durability. Water-resistant gypsum boards are also a good option for wall applications.
If your backer boards are going underneath underfloor heating systems, it should distribute heat evenly and prevent heat loss. Cement backer boards offer optimal thermal conductivity and maintain comfortable underfoot conditions. Fiber cement and foam backer boards can also be considered for this purpose.
Thickness
The thickness of your tile backer board can impact installation and the success of your tile project. Thicker ones offer better stability and insulation but can be difficult to cut. Thinner ones might be ideal for leveling uneven surfaces. The thickness can also affect the overall height of the floor.
Thin tile backer boards, around 1/4 inch, are suitable for walls and backsplashes since they’re lightweight. Medium backer boards are ½ inch in thickness and are used for floors and walls. They offer adequate structural support and can be used for medium-sized tiles. Thicker ones are about ¾ inch thick and used for heavy-traffic areas and large format tiles.
Maintenance
All tile backer board types require minimal upkeep and maintenance. Both types of cement backer boards are maintenance-free and resistant to mold and stains. Mat-gypsum requires regular cleaning with mild detergent. Care should be taken to protect it from long-term water damage. The foam surface of foam backer boards can get damaged if harsh chemicals are used for cleaning.