Cement Board For Fireplace Tile

Cement backer board is commonly used to form a base for ceramic tile.

Cement board for fireplace tile.

Backer boards can be nailed or screwed into studs or cinderblock brick mortar or concrete. I used cement board as the ship lap because cement board is fire resistant. Thick 3 x 5 ft. Measure the fireplace surround with a measuring tape.

First cut a header piece the width of your entire space. Cement board cement board is the most durable trouble free tile backer for tub surrounds showers floors and all other wet areas. We ended up going with 1 4 inch thickness but it also comes in 1 2 inch. It s also heavy and smells kinda icky when you cut it just so you know ahead of time.

Cement board forms a durable stable base for tile and it has no organic materials unlike drywall greenboard or plywood so it is not prone to mold rot shrinkage or decomposition due to moisture. Ceramic tile laid over cement board is one of the most durable floor or wall surfaces you can install. Place a straight edge along the areas of the cement board that must be cut. You can not use wood to ship lap on your fireplace that is a fire hazard.

The 1st piece in the photo below. Cement board is a combo of cement and fibers that usually comes in 3 5 foot sheets. Fiber cement is a versatile backing material that works well in a number of different applications including some projects involving fireplaces. Use these measurements to mark where the cement board must.

Cut the cement board pieces to size. Durock brand cement board with edgeguard offers architects builders and tile contractors a strong water durable tile backerboard for floors walls countertops tub shower areas and exterior finish systems. Hardiebacker is a brand name for a line of fiber cement boards used in construction projects. You must use a fire resistant material around your fireplace.

Just add water to the dry mix apply and set cement dries as hard as fire brick. It isn t waterproof but absorbs moisture well and is a great support for tiles. Also called a cementitious backer unit or cbu. Proper installation for fireplace tile cement board step 1.

Its made from cement and sand and is reinforced by fiberglass mats on both sides so it s impervious to water. It s typically available in 1 2 in.