Ply VS Backer board

[Rich]

Is there anybody that would use Ply over a backer board to over lay a floor before tiling when given the choice (not talking about price here)? Im amazed at how many people on here RECOMMEND tiling over ply when asked 'What should i put on the floor before I tile?' We all tile over ply but I see it as anything but ideal. Just wondered if I was missing something? Your thoughts might help me understand...:dizzy2:

 

[david campbell]

cost is usually a major factor in using ply over any backer boards,and as long as it's the right thickness and screwed down properly then it has and will serve a purpose for many years

 

[Rich]

Indeed... But forgetting price (try saying that the a customer :lol, surely just knowing that if moisture gets to the ply your floor is pretty much ruined is enough to use a water proof backer whenever poss??????

 

[david campbell]

if your floor is tiled,grouted and sealed properly then there is only things outwith our control that would cause water damage,thus something coming from under the floor and that would still rip apart a floor done with backer boards,and as you say try telling a regular customer who's had 3 quotes from tilers all willing to use ply that you want to use backer boards and add £100 to a bill that he/she's already haggling over

 

[Thespanishtiler]

I always use backer board.

ply is good for making bathboards and lining your van but not much else.

 

[DHTiling]

I won't use ply now either.... Too much imported ply that leech resins that affect the bonding of the adhesive... So cement boards for me...much better surface to bond to..

 

[Rich]

I just think that to many tilers think that ply in the perfect substrate.

 

[DHTiling]

I just think that to many tilers think that ply in the perfect substrate.

Agreed.. i hate it...too much cheap stuff about now..