Cement boards are easy to install DIY tiles. So, these offer stable and dependable tile settings. Also, it can decrease the use of the lath and mortar floating process. Commonly, ½ and ¼ inches of boards are enough for applications. So you have to find out the board according to your project needs.
Let’s figure out the best and most suitable thickness of cement board used in home construction!
Cement Board Thickness for Walls:
Many restrictions are applied to the use of cement board walls. For strong applications, there is a need for ½ inch cement boards on walls. However, in some applications, there is a need for ¼ inch board on the wall. It is necessary when the exterior plywood sheath or OSB subfloor is 5/8 inches.
Commonly, the maximum stud placed on the walls is 16 inches. Other than this, fastener spacing must be 8 inches off-center. Manufacturers recommend installing a moisture barrier under cement boards. It is crucial in wet areas such as showers, bathrooms, and kitchens. Manufacturers often suggest not to use cement boards as the load-bearing membrane.
Cement Board Thickness for Floors:
Commonly, ½ and ¼ inches of cement boards are suitable for floors. For the installation of boards on the floors, manufacturers use 5/8 inches plywood subfloor. However, if the tile size is more than 12 inches, then there is a need for ¾ inches of subfloor cement board.
Manufacturers also suggest to connect boards with floors. For this, they prefer to use ¼ inches polymer modified coating. Other than this, professional tile setters say that ½ inches of board ensures a sound barrier. This is the main case in upstairs applications.
Cement Board Thickness for Manageability:
Make sure to consider the manageability between ½ and ¼ inches boards. Commonly ¼ inches board has less weight and is easy to fix to the substrate using screws. Other than this, this dimension of the board is easy to cut. But the ½ inches board is the real challenge to cut. Also, it is challenging to handle it on the job site.
Most people use cement boards in their bathrooms. But do you know why you use cement board in the bathroom? If you also want to know, then read Planet ECO expert’s thoughts in our previous guide.
Is 1/4 Cement Board Acceptable?
The main feature of the backer board is the ability to resist any flex. A flexible backer board can crack tiles. However, it can grout mortared while shifting, braking, and warping when you secure the board at 16-inch intervals. Then, the ¼ inches board can crack under the weight accidentally. However, the weight remains within the studs. As a result, it can crack the tiles and damage the work.
On the other hand, you have the detailed construction book for cement boards. Though only ½ inches thick cement board is enough for construction. But the space farming is almost 16 inches. It means fewer dimensions are not acceptable for backer boards while tiling walls. Commonly, it is preferred to use ¼ inches of cement backer boards for the underlayment of floor tiles.
Conclusion:
Cement boards are very hard, but these can add life to your showers. The boards can resist water and mold better than wallboards. So, the boards can be useful in high moisture areas and ensure fire safety. Other than this, the boards ensure a superior bond to tiles.
If you are looking to buy the best cement board material in Dubai, then check out the range of cement boards at affordable rates!
