Backer Board or Ply

[DavieA]

Im begining to think that tie backer board could be the future but up until now ive been a ply man. As you know with ply comes the dreaded 15mm step/change in level which sometimes make the job look odd or customer ask you to use thinner which isnt ideal.

So my queson is who still uses ply or if backer board the way everyones is going and if so any recommendations and tips on fitting.

Cheers again.:smilewinkgrin:

 

[DavieA]

checked out similar threads and seems backer board is the fav so have answered my own question. So i guess ill b using BB on floors instead of ply but what about the walls? MR Plasterboard tanked if need be or BB on walls too and if so is that insead of the BB or is BB fixed ontop of MRPB? strange quesions but just wanting to cover all bases including builders fitting MRPB before my arrival.

 

[White Room]

If your going to tank then plasterboard should fine...

Depending what tiles you will be fixing

 

[Scott]

Depends what use its for. It its for strenghtening the floor then both is the only option really. Backer boards wont help with deflection

 

[Peter]

Been on a mission to use backerboard lately. For the first time in my life, I used some about a fortnight ago. Good gear, just need to try and get customers and builders to be a bit more educated about stuff like that. Was just thinking the other day that more or less every job I've looked at that's failed has had ply as a factor. Ask the main builder to plasterboard out shower walls now, even that's an ordeal as the builders in Northern Ireland just think ply ply ply for every situation.

Most customers in this part of the country refuse to pay £15 a metre for something that they'll not see.

I think part of it is supply too. Tile shops don't really stock it, the only place I know where to get cement boards are B&Q. Is around £12 a reasonable price for 6mm Hardie Backer?

 

[EFC Mike]

Hi Wingn,
I get a 1250x600x6mm for around £8.50! Maybe more expensive for you because of import

 

[Pebbs]

Most of the floors we put down are on computerised substrates, sorry but I still go with ply and ditra for the majority. Its all down to cost, these floors will normally be torn up in 2 to 3 years time, and the tiling starts all over again.

Lynn

 

[EFC Mike]

HiPebbs,
Do you use ditra on ply only or solid if using stone, trav etc?

 

[Pebbs]

Mike,

I put ditra on most jobs these days, we were talking about this at breakfast last week, (it all got a bit heated, ohh ohh any minute now someones going to get a fried egg slapped on their face I thought). What we were saying is that years ago, nobody ever bothered with ditra, backerboards, etc, and now days were so terrified of getting a phone call during the retention period, were using it as an insurance policy, even when we know the substrate is good. We physically cant take the risk of some of these floors being replaced, even though we know full well on a lot of the jobs the floors will be ripped up and replaced in 2-3 years time.

Lynn

 

[tfs]

I tend to use ply 9 times out of ten due to cost and majority of customers not willing to pay.

There are situations where backer board is the best option though in my opinion e.g. wetrooms and steam rooms etc

As mentioned by Scottley, there is a belief by many that backer board is a srtrong as thick plywood, this is not the case (I have heard retailers make that claim). So in these cases you need to take whatever measure required to strenghten the floor.

 

[aph257]

In small bathrooms (i only do domestic) BB's is the only way to go.

 

[surflaur]

Cement board every time unless the floor requires strengthening. Its easier to transport as they are smaller boards. Fix with ady and screws and bobs your uncle. No big steps into bathroom. Just remember to use a mask if cutting with circular saw.