Hardie Cement Backer Board Installation Question

[Beltzington]

My bathroom project time line has stretched well past my planned completion date but finally have the drywall up and ready to setup for the tile.

I'm consistently amazed on how many different opinions there are on how to install a product that has been in use for years. OEM instructions recommend 1/4" board for the floor but 90% of installers on the network insist on 1/2" (.42) boards should be used unless there is a fitting issue. I have 3/4" plywood sheathing over 24" OC studs on both the floor and walls so support is not a concern.

Two questions

- 1/4 or 1/2" backer board

- vertical spacing of the cement screws (Hardie instructions only say 16" OC)

 

[SimS]

Probably because 90% of the installers only want to stock/use one dimension on the truck and because 1/2" works for both installations. With your 3/4" plywood substrate I wouldn't worry.

SimS

 

[Tompet]

On floor with your base 1/4". Follow manufacturers install guideline and it will be very solid. It's a good product.

 

[mini14]

ive installed a lot of cement board, 1/4 for floors, 1/2 for walls. Your 24" OC studs is a little skimpy and weak. I believe its a screw every 8" on flooring.

 

[WranglerX]

24 inches on center ??? .... Most building uses 16 inch....

Dale

 

[skipperbrown]

Follow manufacturer's instructions. They know their product better than anyone and want it work right the first time.

 

[Beltzington]

ive installed a lot of cement board, 1/4 for floors, 1/2 for walls. Your 24" OC studs is a little skimpy and weak. I believe its a screw every 8" on flooring.

My bad, floor joists are 16" OC wall studs are 24" OC which is why I used sheathing on the walls, it was easier than adding the additional studs, plus back bracing for grab bars, mirrors, cabinets etc.

Not sure how I missed it, but I just found your every 8" reference for the 1/4" floor panels and every 8" OC for the wall panels.

Thanks

 

[Beltzington]

24 inches on center ??? .... Most building uses 16 inch....

Dale

What I used to believe until I moved to South East, I have personally seen three homes with 24" OC wall framing and mine was listed as a custom build.

 

[3gunr]

You should be gluing as well as screwing the backer down on the floors.

 

[fruitcakesa]

You should be gluing as well as screwing the backer down on the floors.

I did this on my last tile floor install and used 1/4 inch HB over 3/4 plywood.