Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - What do I put under tile counter
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DVina
11-25-07, 05:07 PM
Hi, guys.
I am planning on replacing my old cultured marble counter with porcelain tile that matches my tub. There obviously is nothing under the countertop now, what do I use to lay the tile on? Plywood and Hardi backer? How thick a plywood? I am using a drop in sink, too.
Thanks
I am planning on replacing my old cultured marble counter with porcelain tile that matches my tub. There obviously is nothing under the countertop now, what do I use to lay the tile on? Plywood and Hardi backer? How thick a plywood? I am using a drop in sink, too.
Thanks
dtfoyle
11-25-07, 07:38 PM
What I have used in the past for this is 9/16" plywood with a quarter inch cement board on top of that. Glue the two together with liquid nails. Worked well for me.
HotinOKC
11-25-07, 07:49 PM
What I have used in the past for this is 9/16" plywood with a quarter inch cement board on top of that. Glue the two together with liquid nails. Worked well for me.
9/16" ply is not even close to having the proper stiffness for counter tile.
Countertops should have at LEAST 3/4" exterior grade plywood with the CBU (hardibacker, cementboard).
The cement board NEEDS to laid down with THINSET, then screwed per manufacturers instructions. Once the CBU is laid in it's bed of morter and screwed, you then thinset and tile as normal.
9/16" ply is not even close to having the proper stiffness for counter tile.
Countertops should have at LEAST 3/4" exterior grade plywood with the CBU (hardibacker, cementboard).
The cement board NEEDS to laid down with THINSET, then screwed per manufacturers instructions. Once the CBU is laid in it's bed of morter and screwed, you then thinset and tile as normal.
cwbuff
11-25-07, 09:07 PM
DVina - I'm assuming you are talking about a vanity top not a kitchen counter. I have a tiled vanity top that is nearly 20 years old. It was one of my first DIY tile jobs. The tile is laid with thinset directly on 3/4" plywood. 5/8" (9/16") would probably work fine depending on the size and support offered by the vanity.
I'm not sure why backer board would be needed here. The tile will stick just fine to the plywood and unles you intend to submerge your bath plywood alone is sufficient.
If you are concerned about support you can add additional framing under the vanity top.
I'm not sure why backer board would be needed here. The tile will stick just fine to the plywood and unles you intend to submerge your bath plywood alone is sufficient.
If you are concerned about support you can add additional framing under the vanity top.