Flooring Tile - Cementboard vs. wire mesh/thinset

I need to re-tile a small area (5'x6'). The old tiles were layed on a thinset/wire mesh combo but I am wondering if I can use cementboard instead. What are the advantages/disadvantages of one over the other.

Thanks,

Raz

What do have for a subfloor?:)

Forget the wire mesh and thinset, that's a scratch coat or Jersey mud job, high failure rate.:)

Unless it was a 1 1/4" mud bed, was it?:)

All I know is that it's plywood but I can't tell you how thick it is. I removed the tiles from the kitchen and and hallway and they were set on the scratch coat. I'm replacing the tiles with strip flooring except for the entrance where I would like to do tiles.

If solid and assuming this floor meets specs for tile, Yes, install 1/4" backerboard, it get's installed over thinset.:)

Thanks alot for the fast reply.

Can you skip the backerboard and double up plywood for stregth. I have a lot of un-returnable plywood and was planning on this. The floor is going to doubled up on ply sits on 2x6 12" on center directly on top of a concrete slab. I'm using premixed mortar so it's not as soupy. Is backerboard necessary?

That premixed stuff is garbage. Dont waste your time or money on it. Get a good modified thinset that comes in a bag and you mix with water.
If the floor is built as you say and sits on a slab go with one layer of 3/4" ply, BCX grade, NO CDX allowed on a floor- it has only a sheathing rating not an underlayment rating and can cause problems. Cap it with a 1/4" cement board set in thinset and anchored with backerboard screws or galvanized roofing nails.
To answer your question, an additional layer of ply would strengthen the floor but I dont see where it is needed other than for your own piece of mind. Bonding directly to the plywood (BCX) would require a special thinset rated for plywood and can be tricky to correctly accomplish.

What is the problem with the wire mesh. I am in the middle of a project, adding to new tile. There is not enough room for board. There is a bleu plastic mesh under the exhisting floor. I am adding 120 sq feet of 18 inch tile. Wire was the only sub board I could find. How much trouble will I be in if I use the wire or is this your personall opinion? I realize that the best option is to tear out all the tile and replace with good sub board-- not an option.

Stick to one thread, easier to keep track of you.:)

http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=237476