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Ran across some hardi-plank 4×12 siding at a really good price and was wondering if it would work as tile underlayment. The 3×5 sheets of 1/4″ hardi-backer run about $10 around here and I can get the 4×12 sheets for about the same price (yes, it is a “name brand” sheet). Is the makeup of the two products significantly different? The siding is textured but I’m going to use thinset under it anyway (would put the smooth side up). Any reason why this wouldn’t work?
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Imagine how mad you'll be if you have to rip it up because you were trying to save less than 50¢/sf!
I liked the Hardibacker I used a lot and doubt the siding measures up for accepting the thinset and/or water stability, but what do I know.... FYI, Hardibacker is sold in 4x8 sheets at trade (non-DIY) outlets, maybe cheaper per sf. Their website has been souped-up and is pretty informative.
*De word from de subs, mon is dat de Hardibacker is better to work wit dan de Durock.
*I emailed the Hardiefolk with the question of whether the two products are interchangeable. The rep told me they are the same material, but they don't recommend they be used interchangeably. I'll let you know if i get a response to my query as to their reasoning.
*Hector at Hardieplank and i exchanged a few e-mails today, but all he would really say is that the products are the same, but different, and Hardie wouldn't warrant the use of the siding in place of the backerboard and vice versa. I'm going to experiment, but only on MY house...
*Crusty, you are a credit to our state--save a buck any way you can. Did you buy those door cutouts? I'd like some of them myself, but I don't know where I'd put em.
*Andrew, you're probably right, but I'd save about $200 on 400 sq. ft. and this is coming out of my pocket. Still, considering my labor it might not be such a good idea. Just wondering. Thanks for the info.
*lonecat, go to bed!The problem is I'm building a house that's probably too big. But we got to the point where we could afford to start it (don't know about finishing it yet) by being frugal. And I'm always looking for new uses for stuff -- I have an overactive mind at times. Besides, I'd rather save money on material so I can spend it on tools! (don't tell my wife though).
*Andrew is probably a lawyer and worrying too much...I bet the stuff is identical and would therefore work as well as the regular board....These huge companies spend most of your money on marketing and on shipping and material handling...not on designing different exact concrete formulas for almost similar products....Who's still afraid of the boogey man and the dark!near the stream,ajTake a little risk will ya and give me a break!
*Maybe this could go in Andy's "What's the difference?" column. Report back when the tile pops loose in six months (or doesn't)Wonderboard is a never again for a lot of people, maybe you can find some of that cheap? Joe H
*No, I'm remembering my experience when a client changed her mind about the tile color she wanted for a kitchen backsplash. She paid me to change it, but I was astonished how much work it was to blast the old tile out! I wished I'd done a shoddier job of setting it, and hoped I wouldn't be ripping any more tile up anytime soon.
*Joe H., a.j. may be right -- it may be the same formulation but just "packaged" differently. I don't have too many original ideas so I thought someone else might have noticed the similarities between the two products and maybe tried it.