A cement backer board is basically a slab of prefabricated cement board made up of various materials including porcelain and stone.

Cement backer board is extremely durable and is able to withstand heavy pressure and is completely water resistant, it will not rot, swell or shrink under any circumstances and for this reason it is highly recommended when performing any type of ceramic floor tile or wall tile installations.

Cement backer board is also ideal for all types of bathroom installations, whether its a bath tub or floor tiles.

Cement backer board is very heavy because as the name implies it is a type of cement and we all know how heavy cement can be even when it is not mixed.

So to get the cement from the shop or hardware to your home you will have to get some help getting it into and out of your pickup truck or van. When installing cement backer board over plywood you will have to fasten the plywood and the cement board together using screws or nails.

But before you fasten them down securely together you will have to apply some thinset / mortar to the plywood so that they will bond to each other for a more secure hold.

Cement backer board on walls and countertops are installed basically in the same way that you would install when performing a ceramic tile floor installation, it is usually installed on the plywood.

As with all installations the area where you are going to be installing your cement backer board should be level and free from all dust and dirt.

For installing a cement backer board in a bathtub you should first install your waterproof membrane before installing your cement board backer, this also goes for if you are installing a shower stall.

All seams and edges of the cement backer board should be secured with tape.

Having a sturdy foundation in the beginning of your tiling project will guarantee that your ceramic tiles will not shift and crack for many years to come.

Installing a cement backer is one of the best ways to ensure that you will in fact have the best possible type of foundation for your ceramic tile floor.

Just one more thing do not forget to tape up the seams and edges of the board to ensure that there are no sharp edges protruding from the cement backer board.