Does cement backer board that will be tiled go with smooth side out? Or rough side ?

[honda1998civic]

Does cement backer board that will be tiled go with smooth side out? Or rough side out? And in a shower with tub do I still need to put roof felt paper before I put backer board?

 

[ripperd]

I used redguard rather than felt paper. Installed cement board with the writing out.

 

[duneslider]

Yes you need to use a vapor barrier under the board (plastic or roofing paper) or one over the top (like redguard or any of the others).

It really doesn't matter which side is out, the rough side is generally better but in the end it really won't matter.

 

[boobag]

from durock site

Smooth side for mastic applications; increases adhesive coverage
Textured surface enhances bonding, reduces tile slip with mortar applications

 

[Cyberbear]

Our tile guy also used galv. drywall screws countersunk into the rough side out Wonderboard. Every tile guy has their own special tricks or methods.

 

[67carl]

I've just started my master bath remodel and posted a question here. Someone referred me to John Bridge's tile forum and it is awesome. It is to tile as GJ is to garages. Take a look:

http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1&order=desc

 

[pstnbly]

If you are using thinset the side with the tapered joint goes out and you fill the taper with mesh tape and thinset just as you would drywall.

 

[JACDes]

the smooth side faces the studs / sheathing.


if you pay attention you will see the long edges on the rough side are smooth & tapered so you can finish seams with mesh tape & thin-set and not build-up the edges

the rough surface creates a mechanical bond for the thin-set increasing the adhesion.

 

[honda1998civic]

Ok thanks everyone. Good info. Another question. I am using the screws recommended for backerboard and even with the hole bored out the screw head still will not go in enough to be flush. Is this going to be a problem putting on the tile?

 

[scottydosnntkno]

If your putting large format tile with a 1/4x1/4x1/4 or 3/8 notch, no. If you putting mosaic or 2x2 with a vnotch trowel the. Yes, possibly

 

[Top_Fuel]

It may be too late to bring this up, but anyone thinking about a DIY tile shower project might want to consider using Kerdi Board instead of the usual cement board products. Kerdi is so easy to handle, cut and install (plus no dust or mess), I'll never go back to using cement board.

 

[ddurrett896]

Vapor barrier on studs, backerboard, tile.

I HIGHLY recommend Kerdi in the shower and won't every do a tile job in wet area without it. Using Kerdi, you would:

Hang backboard or sheetrock, cover in kerdi, tile.

 

[Top_Fuel]

Hang backboard or sheetrock, cover in kerdi, tile.

Or with Kerdi-board...

Hang Kerdi-board, tile. (OK...throw in extra step for bitching about how expensive Kerdi-Board is)

 

[67carl]

Ok thanks everyone. Good info. Another question. I am using the screws recommended for backerboard and even with the hole bored out the screw head still will not go in enough to be flush. Is this going to be a problem putting on the tile?

Use an impact driver. I had this same issue on my guest bath floor, until I used my impact driver. Went in like butter.

Kerdi is highly regarded but is expensive. In my master bath I've elected to go with wonderboard light and Redguard. When done right it will be leak free and is easy, cost effective to do.

 

[mossyboy6]

Backerboard *****.

I would recommend a moisture barrier + Densshield + Redguard for the walls.
Or any of the Schluter products, they are fantastic.

 

[honda1998civic]

What would be price comparison of marble slab versus tile on a bathroom? Just curious because slab would be less maintenance and no mold which I'm constantly battling in other bathroom

 

[scottydosnntkno]

What would be price comparison of marble slab versus tile on a bathroom? Just curious because slab would be less maintenance and no mold which I'm constantly battling in other bathroom

Marble slab like countertop marble? $20-40/sq ft. Marble tile? 8-20/sq ft. Ceramic tile? As cheap as 2/ft for subway tile. Prices are tile only

 

[ddurrett896]

Or with Kerdi-board...

Hang Kerdi-board, tile. (OK...throw in extra step for bitching about how expensive Kerdi-Board is)

Kerdi-Board is way to expensive!!