Flooring Tile - Backer board and thin-set

I have purchased Hardi-backer and a premixed thin-set that is latex fortified. I have not installed it yet however I here good and bad about both. Those who are opposed to hardi-backer say that cement board is the only way and other swear by Hardi-backer. As far as the thin-set is concerned I hear it is not as strong and again others swear by it and say it is just fine. The ones who are for my purchase say that those opposed to it are just opposed to change. Any truth to it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thinset does not come premixed. Adhesive does. Take the "premixed thinset" back to the store and get thinset in a bag so we don't have to walk you through the process of reinstalling your floor. I do not know why Lowe's and Home Depot sales people insist on selling buckets of failure to an unsuspecting public.

Hardi is good.

Exactly. Premixed thinset is mastic. Mastic has been around longer than cement boards. It has no use being under a floor tile as it needs air to dry and does not offer the compressive strength needed to support a floor tile installation. No matter how a manufacturer tries to confuse a diyer, mastic is for walls only, dry areas only, and for tiles 8x8 or less. Mastic will remain wet under a 12x12 tile for over 6 months once grouted, if it even does dry out. It's not a resistance to change, it's knowledge of whatthe products really are that keep professionals from buying them.

Cement boards, whether portland cement and cellulose, like Hardi, Fiberrock and Rhino or concrete (portland and sand) with fiberglass mesh wrapping such as Durock, Wonder, and Permabase, are only used as a bonding surface. None of them make a floor stronger and all of them perform the same once installed. Any one can cite whatever reasons they want for using one over the other, but any reason that is given other than a personal preference is wrong. Cement boards are comparing apples to apples. I like Hardi because the edges cut smoother. That's all. Smoother edges create less bumps to ride over with tile and thinset. It is thirstier than other boards, so you need to wipe it down with a damp sponge. Big deal. It is much denser than concrete boards so the screws take a bit more effort to counter sink. Big deal. One over the other will not make a floor or wall stronger or waterproof at all.

Premixed thinset is garbage and should not ever be used except in the cases listed in the first paragraph. Bagged modified thinset is what you need in your application.

Can I use bagged modified thin-set for under the hardi-backer and also for wall and floor tiles. Also, what is the working time of this product and can you mix it by hand? Thanks again, you both have been very helpful.

you'll want un-modified under the hardi and mod under the tile, it can be mixed by hand or with a drill