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I think the 1/2″ Durock is for walls. I used it on the floor of my kitchen anyway (figured thicker is better). It’s held up well, but it didn’t feel as dense as I would’ve liked. Next time I’ll try HardiBacker. For what it’s worth. John
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I think the 1/2" Durock is for walls. I used it on the floor of my kitchen anyway (figured thicker is better). It's held up well, but it didn't feel as dense as I would've liked. Next time I'll try HardiBacker. For what it's worth. John
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Consider that HardiBacker is thinner than Durock, which can be a factor for a floor and adjacent trim. HardiBacker can be more difficult to screw, and roofing nails are another option for fastening.
*I like Hardibacker, its cleaner to work with and easier to cut. I usually gun it down with galv nails into the joists and screws or roofing nails in the field. I've always put it down over thinset but sometimes think "what about the next guy", who wants to tear it out.
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If done right, lets hope that you won't be around this earth when the next guy has to get to it. I've ripped up good jobs and bad jobs, and I always like to see that the previous person did it right, verses cobbed it together. Usually if the old stuff wasn't put down well, there's likely other half brained work ready to surprise you....
I've used 1/2 durock on kitchen floors w/ quarry tile and had no problems. Never used Hardibacker, but am about to put it over a laminate kitchen countertop. We'll see how it does.
*We've been using 1/4" Hardi-backer, fastened with thinset and 1 1/2" roofing nails, for eight years. No problems. Johnny
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For new tile floors over a crawlspace (10" joists, 16"o.c., 10' spans, 3/4" T.G.) I've looked at 1/4" hardibacker ($11.25/sht), 1/2" Durock ($9.99) and today some 1/2" 'Half-backer' (made by Temple, $10.99 -- but says he'll beat anybodys price).
Do you "professionals" have a favorite (perhaps something I've not seen)? I plan to use thinset under, and then screw with cement board screws from McFeeley's. I have assured my wife that the tiles or grout will not crack. Am I taking the right approach?
*Crusty - Word from the field around here is a slight preference for Hardibacker over Durock. The only part of your approach that just isn't right is promising that anything won't crack. :)Jeff