Old floorboards tend to cap and move; being individual boards. Putting down a backer board gives you stronger/flatter stable floor.
The material that is used before tiling a tub surround and ensure no water damage is known as concrete backer board, sometimes referred to as green board.
You can used exterior grade plywood when tiling floors, but it is only an acceptable choice. If going over a wood substrate, the best choice is a mudbase or cement board.
For a backsplash installation, it is recommended to use cement backer board.
Concrete backer board is usually used as an under layment for ceramic tile. It can be used on walls, floors or countertops. It has a solid core and is faced on both sides with fiberglass. It's an ideal under layment for wet areas like shower walls and bathtub surrounds, and is typically mold resitant.
For installing a backsplash in a kitchen, it is recommended to use cement backer board. This type of backer board is durable, moisture-resistant, and provides a stable surface for the tiles to adhere to.
For a wood stove installation, it is recommended to use cement backer board. This type of backer board is fire-resistant and can withstand high temperatures, making it a safe choice for behind a wood stove.
Mastic is a type of adhesive used in tiling to bond tiles to surfaces like walls or floors. It is a sticky paste that is applied directly to the back of the tile before placing it in position. Mastic is commonly used for smaller tiling projects and is easy to work with for DIY enthusiasts.
Cement board tape is used to reinforce the seams between tile backer boards, providing added strength and preventing cracks in the tile installation.
Backer board and cement board are both used as underlayment for tile installations, but they have some differences. Backer board is made of a combination of cement and wood fibers, while cement board is made of cement and reinforced with fiberglass mesh. Cement board is more durable and water-resistant, making it suitable for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Backer board is lighter and easier to cut, making it a good choice for smaller projects or areas with less moisture exposure. Consider the specific needs of your project to determine which material is more suitable.
Yes, thinset is not waterproof, but it is water-resistant when used for tiling projects.
No, it is not...it causes "tear out" or splintering. There are, however, numerous methods for avoiding this problem, or at least keeping tear out to a minimum. One can score the plywood first by setting the height of the blade just deep enough to score the top veneer, then recut all the way through. One can use a backer-board and set the saw blade deep enough to cut into said backer-board. One can also use tape. It works similarly to the above-mentioned backer-board to prevent tear out. Of course, there are others, but these three just came to mind. In fact, I used the backer-board method several times just today (I am a carpenter :).
Backer boards are typically used in construction. They are made of gypsum and are used to make walls. They can be purchased from large home improvement stores.