Question about laying tile on wood sub floor

[greatcanyon]

Hi,

I am planning to use Hardibacker between the tile and wood subfloor. I understand that I need to set a layer of thinset with a 1/4" trowel on the subfloor and put the board on it before I screw it in. My question is can I walk on the Hardibacker before the thinset dries? Or should I wait for some time?

Thanks,

Mike

[RicodJour]

The thinset is a bonding coat and not a leveling coat, so it doesn't need to be thick, so, yes, you can walk on it before it dries. Unless the schedule doesn't allow it, I'd keep off of it as much as possible for the first day.

R

[flb51notthis]

question

Hi Mike,

If you are using thinset under the hardibacker board, I would use roofing nails @ 8"OC and forget the screws. They are a pain to set. We normally install tile the same day as we set the hardibacker boards, so yes you can walk on them.

-Lee

[thetiler]

Use quality multi-purpose (latex modified) thinset, and I love using those expensive screws that are specifically made for installing cementboard- they are easy to use and have a wide head that grabs fantastic. I used to use deck screws but the one's made for cementboard start into the material, and set into it much better. Keep off the board at least overnight. The thinset fills any voids between the layers and should be allowed to dry.

Before you tile over the hardibacker, remember you must dampen it first. (read the directions). Otherwise it sucks the moisture right out of the thinset.

thetiler

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