How to Install HardieBacker Cement Board

LESLIE: Now we’ve got Kelly in Nevada on the line. What can we do for you today?

KELLY: Oh, I want to know maybe what my options are here. After I installed this five-eighths particle-board underlayment over my subfloor, I was going to put some laminate flooring down – quite a bit – but I also wanted to put some tile in certain areas, like the kitchen and in front of the sliders and stuff.

TOM: OK.

KELLY: I got some ½-inch HardieBacker but the HardieBacker says to install it, you need some thinset to put down for – in the …

TOM: Right. To adhere the tile.

KELLY: But another guy says you can’t do that because that thinset moisture will absorb into the particle board and raise up and ruin the floor.

TOM: So, wait a minute. Wait a – let me back up here for a second. I think you’re getting all your …

LESLIE: He’s talking about doing a base of thinset, then the Hardie board and then the thinset and then the tile.

TOM: Exactly.

LESLIE: I’ve never put a base of thinset or any sort of adhesive beneath the backer board.

TOM: No, I don’t see any reason to. You put the backer board down on the subfloor and then you add the thinset to the backer board and you’re done.

KELLY: Oh, so I don’t need to put any underneath there.

LESLIE: No.

TOM: No, no, no, no, no. The HardiePlank – the Hardie board mechanically attaches with nails or fasteners; it doesn’t get glued down. Alright? You just had your process a little bit discombobulated there, Kelly. Alright?

KELLY: Well, this is not the first time.

TOM: Happy to straighten you out.

KELLY: Alright.

TOM: Good luck with that project, my friend. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.