Whether you are thinking of tiling a floor, wall, shower enclosure or a wetroom, it is important to ensure that an effective substrate is in place before tiling. An even and stable substrate will improve the longevity and durability of the tiled surface, and tile backer boards are a great way to overcome the issues that are often associated with plywood, plaster and MDF, which are all susceptible to damage, rot and warping.
In this article we will take a closer look at tile backer boards, including how they can be used and how to install them.
What are tile backer boards?
Backer boards are prefabricated sheets that are often manufactured from cement and fibreglass, which creates a strengthened and stabilised surface that is ready for tiling. These materials work together to provide a surface with high thermal insulation properties, making backer boards a great choice for properties with underfloor heating thanks to the minimal heat transfer.
The panels are available in a range of sizes and thicknesses, which are ready to use on top of metal, timber stud work, and existing walls and floors. As soon as the boards are installed the surface will be ready for tiling, although they can also be used with tanking kits to create a fully waterproof surface that is ideal for tiled areas in bathrooms, showers and wetrooms.
Here at Quantum, we stock a variety of Baseboard tile backer boards and preformed shower trays, which are designed to provide a flat, waterproof surface that is ready for tiling. These panels are manufactured to the highest specifications and have become the industry benchmark for stable, impervious and durable backer boards. More information can be found within our Baseboard Product Focus which can be viewed here.
What are the benefits of using Baseboard backer boards?
Tile backer boards are becoming a very popular option for professional tilers thanks to their lightweight design, which ensures they are easy to handle and cut, without compromising on stability or strength. In addition, many tilers have switched to backer boards following significant changes that were made to the British Standard 5385-1: 2018.
The changes mean that wood-based and plywood sheets are no longer advised for use in fixing tiles. This is because since plywood was first introduced the quality of the sheets has significantly decreased, and the stability of the plywood can no longer be guaranteed. If moisture is able to permeate the wood it will eventually lead to failure of the tiled surface, in addition, delamination and resin bleed can occur. In comparison, backer boards are specifically designed for use in wet, damp and humid environments.
How are tile backer boards installed?
If you are wondering how our tile backer boards are installed, take a look at our Baseboard installation video. The video includes instructions on how to use the boards on walls, floors and within showers on both concrete and timber surfaces.
Many of our customers also opt for our AquaTank tanking kit, which is designed to create a waterproof surface that is ideal for wetrooms. More information can be found in this video.
Quantum Group Ni – Wholesale suppliers of tile backer boards
We hope this quick guide has helped to answer any questions that you may have about tile backer boards, although our experienced team are always available to answer your queries. As wholesale suppliers of tiles, tiling tools and tiling equipment, we offer our products to retail outlets across the UK and Ireland. If you would like to find out more about stocking our products or are searching for your nearest stockist of our Baseboard tile backer boards, please contact our team today.