Can you use Wonderboard for the subfloor instead of plywood?

Answer 1

You have to use "plywood" regardless. Once your "plywood" is down and secured, then go ahead and "thinset" and screw down your cement backerboard. On floors, go with the 1/4 inch sheets. If the tile application will be on a wall, then use the thicker 1/2 inch cement backerboard. Use "Hardibacker" over any other cement backerboard, you'll love it. Once again, you only need the cement backerboard if you are going to install tile or a natural stone, by this I mean ceramic, porcelain or a natural stone tiles. I'm a professional tile installer, if that helps. Good luck.

Answer 2

Short answer...no.

Cement backerboard does not have the structural integrity of plywood. Walk across a floor made with just backerboard and you'll fall through. As others have said, if you plan to tile a floor, 1/4" backerboard is the way to go AFTER you have a good solid wood subfloor.

Answer 3

Wonderboard is an obvious brand name. I prefer concrete backer board, as it's a bit more clear in it's obvious definition of it's qualities.

Certainly it's not a standard, at least not here in the USA, unless a decent contractor installs it on bathroom walls, but it beats plywood as a subsurface material, especially when installing tile, or where flooring is subject to moisture often.

That said however, Historically speaking, "Laminates" have been used for thousands of years, with various successes.

I suggest, and use currently, Plywood and backer board, then install floors, especially when the flooring is not directly on a concrete slab.

Certainly I also may NOT use your version of "Wonderboard" under carpet.

Rev. Steven

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can you use Wonderboard for the subfloor instead of plywood?

Answer 5

If you are referring to "wonder board" brand cement board that comes usually in 3'x5' sheets.... then yes if you are installing ceramic tile. As a matter of fact, it is better than plywood for ceramic applications. However, if you are installing carpet or wood flooring, then stick with the plywood.

Answer 6

No, I wouldnt use it alone for a sub floor. I would use a 3/4 tounge and groove A/C. The A side is sanded and ready for any flooring you want with minimal patching at the edges with rock hard. Or you can go 5/8 B/C and go over it with 1/4 or 3/8 wonder board.

The only thing you should have to use wonder board for it putting tile or stone on walls or tub surrounds in high moisture applications. Sometimes its good to use it on bathroom floors depending on what you are putting down for a finished floor.

Answer 7

For what purpose? Wonderboard is pretty expensive, It is a good base for ceramic tile and an provides better stability for it. Depend on the floor you plan on laying.

When you talk about "Subfloor" to me that means T&G OSB, then some type of underlayment before the flooring.

For underlayment I prefer the 1/4" 3ply for most flooring products (laminate, lino, or carpet.) Even in new construction I don't put smooth products directly over the subfloor.

Wonderboard is great for walls in bathrooms, floors where the moisture control is important.

Answer 8

Wonder Board

Answer 9

What Is Wonderboard

Answer 10

i would presonally use 3/4'' tounge and grove subfloor...