Use a fiber-reinforced wall panel for large tiles on wall applications.
No matter where in your home you intend to install tile, the proper underlayment is crucial to the success of the job. Tile backer boards made of cement, fiberglass and resins are specifically made so that your tiles can be installed properly. It helps prevent de-laminating from the wall or cracking over time. With so many types of backer board on the market, the choice may seem overwhelming at first. However, by examining the needs of the tile and the space, you can quickly come to a decision.
Cement Backer boards
The most commonly used backer boards contain cement at their base. These include cementitious backer units such as Wonderboard. Durock and fiber-cement backer boards.
Cementitious backer boards are suitable for floor and wall use, including wet areas. Use this backer board with ceramic and porcelain tiles, and mastic, epoxy and most Portland cement mortars.
Fiber cement backer boards resemble cementitious backer boards in appearance, but are reinforced at the core with fiber. They are more lightweight, which makes them ideal for large wall tiles and ceiling installations. They are also ideal for use with glass and stone tiles that need a latex-additive mortar.
Gypsum Backer boards
Coated glass mat gypsum backer board and fiber-reinforced gypsum backer board are both lighter weight backer board alternatives for heavier wall tile applications. Coated glass gypsum backer board is water resistant and can be installed in wet or dry areas without a vapor barrier. Fiber-reinforced gypsum backer board is used in dry applications only.
Both types of backer board can be in laid directly on the studs, and can be laid with ceramic, glass, porcelain or stone tiles. Both are suitable for ceiling tile installations where weight is an issue.
Foam Backer board
Backer board made of cementitious-coated foam is used over wooden subfloors for floor tile applications. This is a lightweight material reinforced with both fiberglass and cement over a foam core. It is ideal for any floor tile application, including those laid with epoxy or any type of Portland cement. It is not rated for organic mastics, and while it has been previously approved for wall applications, this is not its current recommended use.
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