Hello to all those who have almost made it out of winter. Sounds somewhat stupid since I’m from Maryland, but it was a hum dinger and I’m real glad I got dried in before it let loose. I don’t know how you guys from the north do it. Day trade, read, play on the internet?
I have a question for you. The concrete board industry, Wonderboard and Durarock, has been making inroads in the plywood ceramic tile underlayment phase of construction. It has been spec’ed by residential architects and tile suppliers in Maryland for years.
As for as I know, the industry standard is 1 1/4″ plywood over the joist, 3/4″ subfloor and 1/2″ u/l, glued and screwed, although I like staples and screws.
IMHO concrete board has absolutely no structural value whatsoever and is just another industry experiment to be tested in the field. Tile men like it because it’s easier than plywood, costs more and it sets in thinset. I like concrete board, on the wall but not on the floor. What’s your opinion?
Replies
It actually works pretty good because it is strong in compression and pretty resistant to moisture damage. I prefer HardiBacker for it's added stiffness and it even does a pretty good job in the 1/4" thickness. For the less reliable subfloor situations Schleuter Ditra membrane is the ultimate.
as a sometime tile guy......my opinion is I do like it..and you are right..it has no structural value.
It's not supposed to be used in place of a proper sub floor....it's supposed to go on top of the proper sub floor.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite