Backer board?

[Peter]

Not sure if it's just a Northern Ireland thing, but I can honestly say that I've never once encountered any form of backer board as often mentioned on this forum in 7 years of tiling, either in shops or on jobs. Any of the other NI tilers ever used it? If so, where's it usually purchased? Sounds like good stuff but never heard the name as much as whispered over here by a builder/customer/architect/tile shop. It's got me intrigued now as to why it's so big across the water but it's virtually non existant here.

 

[brian c]

b and q sell it,next to the plasterboard section,well thats where it is in the stores over here.


ctd,topps sell it aswell

 

[hillhead]

Its definetly not widely used anywhere in ireland.there is a few tile shop only that stock it as far as i see but it should be more widely used.ply is still used too much over here.even decoupling membranes are hard enough to purchase.i bought some last wk at 8 quid a mtr.

 

[White Room]

Broken Link Removed

 

[Diamond Pool Finishers]

sounds to me like an oppertunity for some of you guys over there,to import/sell backerboards to your fellow tilers, shekals!!!!!:lol:

 

[garretridge]

Not sure if it's just a Northern Ireland thing, but I can honestly say that I've never once encountered any form of backer board as often mentioned on this forum in 7 years of tiling, either in shops or on jobs. Any of the other NI tilers ever used it? If so, where's it usually purchased? Sounds like good stuff but never heard the name as much as whispered over here by a builder/customer/architect/tile shop. It's got me intrigued now as to why it's so big across the water but it's virtually non existant here.

i use it a sometimes you get it in b&q at holywood customers here dont seem to grasp the plus side of using it they always ask for plywood:mad2: they just need educated that ply is not always the best product especially in bathrooms!
were abouts in belfast are you from?

 

[Peter]

Newtownabbey direction. Ply definately seems to be the main choice with builders and customers. What's backer board made of?

 

[garretridge]

Newtownabbey direction. Ply definately seems to be the main choice with builders and customers. What's backer board made of?

its made with cement and reinforced mesh there might be somthing else but im not sure it just is good in wet situation as its not affected by water the same as plasterboard. im in donaghadee not that far from you!

 

[merlecollins]

Not sure if it's just a Northern Ireland thing, but I can honestly say that I've never once encountered any form of backer board as often mentioned on this forum in 7 years of tiling, either in shops or on jobs.

Hi Wingn,

Don't panic mate, i've been in the game for over 20 years now and only used Hardie Backerboard for the first time about 5 weeks ago (after a good dose of advice from Sir Ramic and Dave!!) :lol::lol:
It's a bit of a faff at first but I can honestly say I'll never use plywood again:hurray:
I just get a much more confident feeling when using the stuff and it's much easier to transport and handle:smilewinkgrin:
I've been buying the Hardie brand from Topps

 

[beanz]

When you guys fix backer board, do you counter sink the screws? I only ask because i tried to counter sink em on 6mm No More Ply and a couple of corners cracked when i tightened the screws. Figured they had to be sunk though.

One tip i have, dunno how you guys do it.... Drill the holes with HSS bits. You have to view them as disposable though, as the boards will kill them, but it's so much quicker than drilling them with Masonry bits.

 

[merlecollins]

When you guys fix backer board, do you counter sink the screws? I only ask because i tried to counter sink em on 6mm No More Ply and a couple of corners cracked when i tightened the screws.

I always keep the screws about 30mm in from the corners to prevent the boards splitting there
Never had much problems with the Hardie backerboards they seem pretty stable, not sure of the No More Ply.......

 

[DHTiling]

Don't need to counter sink with hardibacker...and to stop corners breaking away, then screw no closer than 50mm to the corners and 20mm from the edges....

I just put down 54 sheets yesterday...:20:..

 

[beanz]

Dave, don't the screws cause you problems if not sunk? ie. kicking tiles up etc?

 

[merlecollins]

I think he means you don't have to pre-countersink the screws prior to putting them in, as they pull below the surface anyway

 

[hillhead]

a well threaded screw and a good makita 18v 3.ah drill armed with a quality philips bit will let the screw sink itself:smilewinkgrin:

 

[merlecollins]

I have one of those Makita self loading drivers - purely belter

 

[beanz]

a well threaded screw and a good makita 18v 3.ah drill armed with a quality philips bit will let the screw sink itself:smilewinkgrin:

My Makita 18v wasn't managing to sink the screws in the NMP. That stuff is like concrete! :yikes::lol:

 

[hillhead]

try a masonry nail with a hammer,hit it good whack,this is a hole for screw then

 

[DHTiling]

Dave, don't the screws cause you problems if not sunk? ie. kicking tiles up etc?

They don't stick proud..I use spax and they drive all the way in no probs..

 

[beanz]

I didn't have any Spax screws, so might've been down to the crappy Wickes ones i was using.. Usually use Spax nowadays, though to be honest i didn't even think of that being a reason for them not pulling in.. Just thought it was down to the density of the board.

 

[Peter]

What sort of situations would you use the backer board over? Would it ever be used on top of ply/plasterboard or would it be screwed directly onto a stud wall for example?