I was wondering how many of you use thinset under the wonderboard before you nail/screw it down. I’ve done it both ways. With and without the thinset under the boards. I was just wondering if anyone had any solid Facts as to weather or not using thinset under the boards makes that much of a difference. Also….how do you all feel about the newer substrate ( I forget what its called) instead of wonderboard for use on floors. I know its ok for walls and counters but was wondering what you all thought of it on floors. Sure is easy to cut but does it hold up as well as concrete boards. I have a kind of large floor job coming up and I hate doing mud. I’ve always had success with Wonderboard so thats what
I’m comfortable using.
It’s not who’s right, it’s who’s left ~ WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Edited 3/22/2002 9:28:17 PM ET by Andy Clifford(Andybuildz)
Replies
I always have the cement board thinsetted to the subfloor or underlayment.
Facts? Nothing scientific. However, I think that walking on cement board that has been thinsetted feels more solid, and when walking on it it sounds more solid. Purely opinion.
Once it's tiled I don't notice a difference.
Are you referring to Denshield? I don't use it.
Andy, So many brand names out there. I use DURAROCK and I have since realised it is spelled DUROCK. With that cement board product I always thinset it down to the subfloor before screwing and taping seams. I have seen many a job where so-called tile setters have blown through simply nailing it down before running the tile. It seems those jobs have more problems down the time frame with cracked grout lines and loosening tiles. But I have no quantifiable data to substantiate my observations. All the tile setters I use mud the DUROCK before setting tile. Most will not allow anyone else do their prep as well, viewing the substrate as the most important aspect of tile setting.
DUROCK I know, reccomends a thinset bed for floor applications. I am not sure about the others.
david
Andy,
They say lightning dosen't strike twice. . .
Let's hope so. . .
Just about any cementagious underlayment says to use thinset. I have used Durock on floors and it's ok. I still prefer a mud floor, If the contract allows the time & money. As for denshield, Don't use it on floors. The instructions say it's ok for residental use, but don't do it. The stuff is nothing but glorified sheetrock.
Can't I go 1 day without spilling my coffee?
The thinset is necessary to support the CBU. There will be slight gaps below the CBU without the thinset, unless your substrate is dead, and I mean dead, flat.
Yeah, I really like that new board, I forget what they call it, but it is just the greatest!
Seriously, I like Hardibacker 500 (1/2") for walls and 1/4" for floors. Easier to cut.
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927