It is a good idea to dry lay your boards before applying any thinset, so you can see which pieces need to be cut and where those cuts should be. Floor joists should be sturdy and squeak-free before laying backer boards. If you are applying cement board backing for new flooring or walls, this means removing all old materials and backers and thoroughly cleaning the area. Prepare the Areaįirst, you need to prepare your work area. We have put together this step-by-step guide to make it easy: 1.
Once you have all your supplies gathered, it is time to install your cement boards. How Do You Install Cement Board? A Step-by-Step Guide Waterproof membrane: Waterproof membrane is optional, but if you are doing a bathroom project or installing cement boards in a high-humidity environment, make sure you have some of this on hand.We recommend kneepads for comfortable kneeling, gloves, eyewear and a mask or respirator. Protective gear: Protective gear keeps you safe from inhaling dust or particles while mixing mortar.You might also consider investing in a corner-specific trowel to make applying tape easier. Trowel: Make sure you have a clean, one-fourth inch notched trowel handy.Knives: You need a few different knives for this project: a 4- to 6-inch utility or T-square knife to score the area you will cut and a straightedge tape knife to cut strips of fiberglass mesh tape.Choose a jigsaw blade with carbide tips, preferably with six teeth. Jigsaw: You will use an electric jigsaw to cut the cement boards.Choose a reliable cordless drill to help you secure screws in the cement board. Drill: A high-quality cordless drill is essential for hard-to-reach areas of your project.Mortar mixing supplies: To mix the thinset mortar, you will need water, a large, clean bucket and a long mixer attachment for your drill.Tape: You need a full-size roll of fiberglass mesh tape, which might also be labeled as "fiberglass self-adhesive.".These screws may come packaged with your cement boards, or you can find them separately in-store or online - just be sure they are marked safe for cement boards. What kind of screws are used for cement boards? Cement board screws are sharp screws that have been treated with a special coating that makes them safe for cement board installation. Cement board screws: Cement board installation requires more than a standard screw.Thinset mortar: You will use thinset mortar more than once during the installation process, so make sure you have enough for your project.Calculate the total number of needed boards by measuring the square footage of the area and adding 5%. You can choose to purchase either several thin boards or a few thick ones, though it is typically easier to work with fewer boards. Cement board sheets: Cement board sheets are usually either one-fourth or one-half inch thick, though you can also find five-eighths thickness if that is what you need.Tools and Supplies for the Projectīefore you begin your renovation or remodeling project, gather the following tools and supplies: Always consult local building codes before purchasing building materials. In some places, using cement boards is required for certain building projects. This means your cement board is stable, and you will not experience any unexpected shifting during or after installation. You see less shrinkage: When the cement boards are dried at the factory, they undergo all shrinkage or expansion before they are ever shipped out.They are also easy to work with - simply score, cut and place. This convenience means you can usually finish your project sooner. Because they are created offsite, you save time often associated with drywall. They are easy to install: Cement boards are easy to work with and install.They add stability: Because they are constructed and dried offsite, cement boards offer a sturdy backing for tile, resulting in fewer cracks and much higher load capacity.Cement boards are an excellent choice for humid rooms, such as your bathroom, because they are less susceptible to mold, rot and decomposition that naturally occur in moist environments. They hold up to moisture: Although they are not 100% waterproof or moisture-resistant, cement boards hold up to moisture better than drywall.Contractors and DIYers love cement boards because: If you are looking for a backer material that is inexpensive, easy to work with and long-lasting, look no further.