Backsplashes protect the walls behind kitchen counters and sinks from water damage and stains. While you can apply tile directly to drywall, it’s not recommended. Drywall paper facing can become soggy from moisture exposure. This leads to tiles detaching or cracking. Using a water-resistant backer board provides a more durable and stable base for tiles.
Installing backer board for a backsplash is a straightforward DIY project. With the right materials and proper technique, you can achieve a long-lasting, professional result. We’ll walk through the complete process of installing backer board for a kitchen backsplash below.
What is Backer Board?
Backer board, also called cement board, is a building material made of cement fused to a fiberglass mesh. It provides a durable, moisture-resistant foundation for tiling wet areas like showers and backsplashes.
Unlike drywall, backer board will not degrade or mold when exposed to moisture over time. Its cement material is highly resistant to water damage.
There are a few different brands of backer board available, but some of the most common options include:
- Hardiebacker Board – The original cement backer board created by James Hardie. It features a 1/4 inch fiber-cement thickness.
- Durock Next Gen – A lighter and more mold/mildew resistant backer board by USG. It has tapered edges for easy joint treatment.
- PermaBase Flex – A 1/4 inch backer board from National Gypsum that resists cracking and offers more flexibility.
- WonderBoard Lite – A thinner and lighter 1/8 inch backer board option by Custom Building Products.
All these backer board options provide a suitable base for backsplash tiling. The thickness you need will depend on your project requirements.
Backer Board vs. Cement Board vs. Greenboard
There are a few terms used interchangeably when referring to wall boards behind tile. Here’s a quick overview of how they differ:
- Backer board – A generic term used to describe any wall board installed prior to tiling. It “backs” the tile.
- Cement board – Backer board made from a fiber cement material for moisture resistance. Hardiebacker is a common brand.
- Greenboard – Drywall with a moisture-resistant paper facing. Less durable than cement board.
For backsplashes, true cement-based backer board is the optimal choice. It will be the most resistant to water exposure over time.
Advantages of Using Backer Board
There are several advantages to using proper backer board over regular drywall for backsplash installations:
Water Resistant – Backer board is highly water-resistant and won’t break down due to moisture exposure. Drywall facing paper can become warped and damaged.
Prevents Mold or Mildew – The fiberglass mesh and cement material won’t support mold growth. Drywall facing risks mold development when exposed to moisture.
Sturdy Foundation – Backer board offers a more durable surface for solid tile adhesion. Tiles applied directly to drywall risk becoming unbonded over time.
Fire Resistant – Cement boards offer greater fire resistance and won’t emit toxic gases when exposed to high heat like drywall.
Easy to Cut and Install – Backer board cuts similarly to drywall and installs with similar techniques. No specialized skills needed.
Using proper moisture-resistant backer board gives you assurance that your backsplash tiling will remain securely adhered and protected behind your sink or stove for years to come.
How to Install Backer Board for Backsplash
Installing backer board for a kitchen backsplash is very doable as a DIY project. Here are the basic steps involved:
Gather Materials
- Backer board panels – 1/4 or 1/2 inch thickness
- Thinset mortar
- Tile adhesive mesh tape
- Screws
- Trowel
- Utility knife
- Straight edge
- Dust masks
- Safety glasses
Prepare the Wall
- Remove existing drywall surface and cut back to expose studs.
- Install any missing studs for proper support. Studs should be 16 inches on center.
- Clean exposed studs so backer board can lie flush.
Cut the Backer Board to Size
- Measure area and mark board for correct size.
- Cut board with utility knife and straightedge.
- Break off cut pieces by bending.
Install the Backer Board
- Apply thinset mortar to studs with notched trowel.
- Press backer board firmly into place.
- Screw board to each stud every 8 inches.
- Tape board seams with mesh tape and thinset.
That covers the basics of attaching cement backer board for a kitchen backsplash installation. We’ll now go into more detail on each step.
Step 1: Gather the Right Materials
Installing backer board requires just a handful of materials readily available at your local hardware store or home improvement center. Here’s a full list:
- Backer Board – Hardiebacker, Durock, PermaBase, etc. Get 1/4 or 1/2 inch thickness.
- Thinset Mortar – Used to “glue” the backer board panels to the wall studs. Make sure it’s suitable for backer board.
- Joint Tape – Special adhesive fiberglass mesh tape to reinforce seams between backer board sheets.
- Backer Board Screws – Corrosion resistant screws specially designed for cement board.
- Notched Trowel – For spreading thinset mortar onto studs and seams. Use a 1/4-inch square or U-notched trowel.
- Utility Knife – For scoring and snapping board cuts cleanly. A sturdy sharp blade is key.
- Straight Edge – A level or other straight tool to guide utility knife cuts.
- Dust Mask – To protect lungs from backer board dust when cutting.
- Safety Glasses – For eye protection from debris when cutting.
You may also find a backer board hammer and snapper tool useful. It helps score and snap precise cuts in the cement board. Using the right materials saves time and frustration down the line.
Step 2: Prepare the Wall Surface
With the right materials gathered, you can now start prepping the installation area:
- Remove existing drywall, tile, or any other material on the wall down to the studs. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask for protection.
- Check that all studs are plumb and structurally sound. Add or replace any missing or damaged studs. Standard spacing is 16 inches on center.
- Inspect electrical boxes, pipes, or other penetrations to make sure they are securely fastened with no gaps.
- Vacuum and wipe down studs to remove any debris. You want a flat surface for the backer board to adhere to.
Ensure no drywall or other moisture-vulnerable material remains before installing the cement board. Check for plumb studs at 16 inches on center to provide proper support. Now you’re ready to start applying the backer board.
Step 3: Measure and Cut the Backer Board to Size
Cement backer board for backsplashes usually comes in 3 by 5-foot panels that are 1/4 or 1/2 inch thick. You’ll need to cut these sheets to fit your wall dimensions.
- Measure the length and height of your backsplash installation area. Leave a 1/8-inch gap along the perimeter edges.
- Transfer measurements to mark cutting lines on your backer board sheet. Use a straight edge as a guide.
- To cut:
- Score the marked line several times with a utility knife.
- Snap the board upside down over a straight edge.
- Cut should break cleanly along scored line.
- Make any other required cutouts for outlets, pipes, etc.
- Break off any stray edge pieces by bending the board.
Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when cutting backer board. Take measurements carefully for tight seams and proper coverage. Use smooth cuts and edge pieces will fit together nicely.
Step 4: Install the Backer Board Panels
With boards cut to size, you can start attaching them to the prepared wall studs:
- Apply thinset mortar to the studs using a 1/4-inch notched trowel. Apply 1/8 to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Press the backer board firmly into place with seams over studs. Tightly butt joint edges.
- Use backer board screws to attach the panel every 8 inches across studs. Drive screw heads flush, not countersunk.
- For corner joints, overlap seams so they don’t align. This provides double thickness for strength.
- Wipe away any thinset that squeezes out from behind panels.
Ensure boards are fully embedded in the thinset and joints are tight before screwing in place every 8 inches. Don’t countersink screws – they need to sit flush.
Step 5: Tape and Mud the Seams
With all backer board sheets mounted, you can now tape and “mud” the joints:
- Mix up more thinset mortar to a toothpaste-like consistency.
- Butter both sides of the special fiberglass joint tape with the thinset.
- Apply centered over every seam and corner joint. Press firmly into thinset.
- Use a trowel to apply a smooth layer of thinset mud over all taped seams.
- Feather out the thinset 2 to 3 inches wide over joints.
- Let mud fully cure for 24 hours before tiling.
This finishes off the backer board installation. The joint tape and thinset creates reinforced seams for a water resistant barrier. Your backsplash is now ready for tiling!
Tips for Cutting Backer Board
Cutting cement fiber board takes some getting used to. Here are some tips:
- Use a utility knife with a sharp, sturdy blade. Replace blades frequently.
- Change blade depth to expose maximum length for long cuts.
- Score the cut line 4-5 times before snapping. Use a straight edge guide.
- Cut through 1/8-inch thick boards in one pass. Take 2-3 passes on 1/4-inch boards.
- Cut small curves with a jigsaw using a backer board blade. Use drill holes at corners.
- For outlet cutouts, drill holes at corners to insert blade and cut out the inside.
- Wear safety glasses and mask. Make cuts in a well-ventilated area.
- Go slow on cuts and use light, repeated scoring for clean breaks. Rushing can cause cracking.
Patience and the right technique will get you smooth, accurate cuts in backer board. Take your time and make multiple scoring passes on thicker boards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backer Board Installation
Here are answers to some common questions about installing backer boards:
Do I Need to Tape and Mud Backer Board Seams?
Yes, you need to reinforce backer board seams with joint tape and thinset mortar. This seals the seams and prevents cracks between panels.
What Thinset Should I Use With Backer Board?
Use thinset mortar designed for backer board installations. It will provide maximum adhesion to the cement fiber material.
Can I Use Drywall Screws for Backer Board?
No. Special backer board screws are required. They have enhanced corrosion resistance for the cement material. Using drywall screws risks poor connections.
Is Backer Board Waterproof?
Backer board itself is water-resistant but not completely waterproof. Use a waterproofing membrane over seams and corners before tiling for full water protection.
How Thick Should Backer Board Be For Backsplash?
Typically 1/4-inch boards suffice for backsplashes. Use 1/2-inch backer board for floors and full shower walls which require more durability.
How Do You Cut Holes in Backer Board?
Use a carbide grit hole saw drill bit for clean circular cutouts. For outlets, drill corners and use a utility knife to cut out the rest.
Can I Install Backer Board Vertically?
Yes, backer boards can run vertically for a backsplash. Make sure to offset seams between panels and supports are 16 inches on center.
Conclusion
Installing backer board is a necessary step when tiling a kitchen backsplash. Cement fiber backer board provides a waterproof base for durable tile adhesion.
Carefully follow the steps to prepare the wall, cut boards to size, mount panels, and seam tapes. Use the correct materials and techniques for best results.
Taking time to properly install backer board will give your backsplash finish the strength and longevity to look beautiful for decades. Once your cement board foundation is complete, you can creativity tile to your heart’s content!