I am making a custom kitchen island and I planned to tile the top of it. The top of the island is going to be made of thick plywood for strength and I was told by the man at the hardwood store where I bought all the supplies that I needed to place cement board down on the plywood before I placed the tile down. I had bought a trim to go around the table top, hoping that it would be flush with the tile once the time went into place, however using the cement board makes the trim flush with the cement board and after the tile is installed, it would be about 5 mm taller than the trim. Do I really need to use the cement board? Would it be a bad idea to place the tile and mortar directly on the plywood?
2007-09-04 13:00:29 · 8 answers · asked by Pink Cowgirl 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
This island will not have a sink in it. I am making it to be used as a table for the kids to eat at, so there is a chance of spilling drinks on it.
2007-09-04 13:10:27 · update #1
Use a slightly thinner plywood and glue it to the backer board. You will have adeqaute strength from the laminate and superior water protection from your backer board... The thicker plywood will find some use... it always does.
If there is still any concern about table strength, redesign/ add to the table skirt (kind of like joists for a table top).
why make it OK when you can make it great with a small amount of additional effort?
2007-09-05 07:37:19 · answer #1 · answered by mrrosema 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've laid some tile, floors,showers, and a couple tables(more of the mosaic type). I'm pretty sure that you need to use hardibacker(cement board) only for showers or kitchen/bath floors. It's main purpose is to prevent any air /moisture from seeping up through the bottom ,thus causing the tiles to break. Hardibacker helps seal all that out. But I don't think it's mandatory for your project. You won't have to worry about spilled liquids after your table is cured and sealed. The grout is what keeps anything from getting under your tiles. Make sure you wait at least 24 hours before sealing your new tile job. Maybe check out a tile book from the library or look up "How-to do -it Yourself" type of sites for tips. Good Luck!
2007-09-04 13:20:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, for your stated use cement board would not be needed. You can glue the tile directly to the plywood. Once the tile work is completed, wait a week then seal the tile and grout with a silicone sealer.
2007-09-05 04:53:58 · answer #3 · answered by big_mustache 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep in mind that although ceramic tile may be impervious to water and other fluids, the grout between the tile is not. if there is a chance that something will spill with any regularity it will get through the grout and you could end up with mold. this is not a situation into which you want to place your family. there is a product called tilebacker board which is available in 1/4" thickness. moisture will still get by the grout, but it will not be in contact with the wood structure which of course is organic.
2007-09-04 13:23:30 · answer #4 · answered by pacman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After multiple thousands of sq. ft. of tile, a simple, direct answer is... Plywood is OK/ Tile mortar will not seriously degrade plywood in the dry time. I suggest a poly based mortar and grout however since spills are possible.
Steven Wolf
2007-09-04 13:34:19 · answer #5 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Cement board is used for spaces where water is going to come in contact with the surface, like a tub, shower, or around your sink. If you're not adding a sink in this island, then don't worry about the cement board. You can do it directly onto the plywood.
2007-09-04 13:06:12 · answer #6 · answered by patience3987 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hi...no it is not necessary...because there will be no one walking on your island( i hope)....the reason for cement board is because plywood is flexible...so if installing ceramic on a floor...from enough walking on it the grout begins to crack and the tiles begin to pop up and spider web (cracking), in a shouwer it is necessary because of water contact and on a wall it is necessary because drywall is just surfaced with paper and eventually the tiles will start popping off the wall over time.... in your case cement board is not necesssary...it is recommended but nothing drastic is going to happen if you don't use it....any other questions please feel free to e mail me at fastjeepchick@yahoo.com...good luck
2007-09-04 13:16:58 · answer #7 · answered by fastjeepchick 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
wet glue/grout on that plywood is going to make it expand. once it shrinks back it will crack your tiles.
trust me - i know from experience.
its worth the big picture to use the backer board unless you want cracked tiles.
good luck!
2007-09-04 16:37:25 · answer #8 · answered by stevesherri 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In certain applications cement board is an advantage but in your case go with it. Seal the grout when your done.
2007-09-04 14:34:01 · answer #9 · answered by petethen2 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋