Tile contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike turn to Hardibacker® backerboard to protect their tile. It provides superior moisture resistance, is easy to install, and won’t scratch porcelain or enamel surfaces. Hardibacker backerboard’s dimensional stability and exceptional bonding surface ensure a lasting tile application. That’s what you can expect from America’s #1 backerboard.

1/4" Hardibacker® tile backerboard is recommended for countertops and floor applications. 1/2" Hardibacker backerboard is recommended for wall applications. However, if additional height is required on floors or countertops, 1/2" Hardibacker backerboard may be used.

Superior Water and Mold Resistance Won’t swell, rot, or deteriorate. Easy to Score & Snap Just score one side and snap upward. Cuts cleanly and is non-abrasive. Easy to Install Fastening is fast and easy with preprinted nailing pattern. A Surface that Bonds Tile adheres securely with modified thinset. Lightweight Easy to handle and carry

• Postition cutting station in well-ventilated area; otherwise, additional mechanical ventilation (e.g. box fan, HEPA vacuum, etc.) is required.
  
• Use a straight edge as a guide to score the sheet’s face with a carbide-tipped scoring knife and snap upward along the score line. The use of shears (manual, electric or pneumatic) is also acceptable.
  
• For cutouts and small holes score around perimeter and break out from the face side with hammer.
  
• NEVER use high speed power tools (e.g. saws, grinders, etc.) to cut James Hardie products indoors as they may generate excessive silica dust.
  
• NEVER dry sweep.

1. Ensure cabinets are level and secure
   • Use minimum 1/2" exterior grade plywood or equivalent, positioned across the wood cabinet. Space between plywood supports is not to exceed 16" on center.
2. Determine layout of Hardibacker® backerboard
   • Do not align Hardibacker® backerboard with plywood joints.
   • Score and snap sheets to required sizes and make necessary cutouts.
   • Leave 1/8" gap between sheet edges.
3. Attach Hardibacker® backerboard to countertop
   • Apply a supporting bed of dry-set mortar or modified thinset to plywood with a 1/4" square-notched trowel. Mastic can also be used with a 5/32" V-notched trowel.
   • Use the fastener pattern as a guide. Fasten Hardibacker backerboard with specified nails or screws (as listed in “Materials Required”) every 8" over the entire surface. Keep fasteners 3/8" from sheet edges and 2" in from sheet corners.
4. Tape joints prior to tiling
   • Prior to setting the tile, fill all joints with the same mortar used to set the tiles.
   • Embed 2" wide high-strength alkali-resistant glass fiber cementitious backer unit tape in the mortar and level.

1. Ensure subfloor is structurally sound
   
   On existing structures:
   • Hardibacker® backerboard may be installed over Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) and other resilient flooring. Remove all other existing floor coverings, including cushioned vinyl.
     
   • Ensure subfloor is not damaged. Replace any loose, warped, uneven or damaged sections of floor.
     
   • Make certain subfloor is a clean and flat surface.
     
   
   For all floors:
   • Use minimum 5/8" exterior grade plywood or 23/32" exterior grade OSB, complying with Local Building Codes and ANSI A108.11. Joists’ spacing not to exceed a maximum of 19.2" on center.
     
   • The floor must be engineered not to exceed the L/360 deflection criteria, including live and dead design loads, for the specific joist spacing used.
   
   
2. Determine layout of Hardibacker® backerboard
   • Stagger all Hardibacker backerboard joints. Do not align with subfloor joints.
   • Never allow all four corners of sheets to meet at one point.
   • Leave 1/8" gap between sheet edges.
   • Keep sheet edges 1/8" back from walls and cabinet bases.
   • Score and snap sheets to required sizes and make necessary cutouts.
   
   
3. Attach Hardibacker® backerboard to subfloor
   • Apply a supporting bed of dry-set mortar or modified thinset to subfloor.
   • Embed Hardibacker backerboard firmly and evenly in the wet mortar.
   • Use the fastener pattern as a guide. Fasten Hardibacker backerboard with specified nails or screws (as listed in “Materials Required”) every 8" over the entire surface. Keep fasteners 3/8" from sheet edges and 2" in from sheet corners.
   • Set fastener heads flush with the surface without overdriving.
   
   
4. Tape joints prior to tiling
   • Prior to setting the tile, fill all joints with the same mortar used to set the tiles.
   • Embed 2" wide high-strength alkali-resistant glass fiber cementitious backer unit tape in the mortar and level.

1. Ensure framing is structurally sound
   • Must comply with Local Building Codes and ANSI A108.11.
   • Use a minimum of 2" x 4" wood studs or 20 gauge metal studs, which must be straight, properly aligned and spaced a maximum of 16" on center.
   • In tub and shower enclosures, ensure that the framing is adequately reinforced at the corners.
   
   
2. Determine layout of Hardibacker® backerboard
   • Sheets may be installed vertically or horizontally.
   • All joint ends and edges must be supported by a structural framing member when needed.
   • Score and snap sheets to required sizes and make necessary cutouts.
   • Leave 1/8" gap between sheet edges.
   
   
3. Attach Hardibacker® backerboard to framing
   • If required by Local Building Codes, install a moisture barrier between studs and backerboard.
   • Install sheets 1/4" above floor, tub or shower pan.
   • Fasten backerboard with specified nails or screws (as listed in “Materials Required”) a maximum of 8" around
   • perimeter and all supporting studs.
   • Keep fasteners 3/8" from sheet edges and 2" in from sheet corners.
   • Set fastener heads flush with the surface, without overdriving.
   
   
4. Tape joints prior to tiling
   • Prior to setting the tile, fill all joints with the same mortar used to set the tiles.
   • Embed 2" wide high-strength alkali-resistant glass fiber cementitious backer unit tape in the mortar and level.

1. Refer to ANSI A108 or A108.5 and the mortar and tile manufacturers’ published application guidelines for complete tiling instructions.
   
2. Wipe the surface of Hardibacker® backerboard clean with a damp sponge just prior to adding mastic or mortar.
3. Spread the mastic or mortar with a notched trowel.
4. Twist or press and beat in tiles, complying with ANSI A137.1.
5. Allow a minimum of 24 hours curing set time before grouting.

• Always follow the recommendations of the flooring material manufacturer. Stone pieces exceeding 1/2" x 12" x 12" may require alternative procedures such as the use of medium mortar beds instead of backerboard.
  
• Marble and natural stones must have sufficient flexural strength for use in flooring systems.* Where the quality and strength of the stone is unknown, the floor must be engineered not to exceed the L/720 deflection criteria, including live and dead design loads, for the specific joist spacing used. The strength of your natural stone will have an impact on the ultimate performance of your flooring system.

• Latex or acrylic modified thinset (complying with ANSI A118.4).
• Dry-set mortar for use between subfloor and backerboard only (complying with ANSI A118.1).

• Latex or acrylic modified thinset (complying with ANSI A118.4).
• Type 1 mastic (complying with ANSI A136.1).

• 2" wide high strength alkali-resistant glass fiber cementitious backer unit reinforcing tape.

• Minimum 1-1/4" long corrosion-resistant roofing nail.
• Minimum 1-1/4" long No. 8 x 0.375" self-drilling corrosion-resistant ribbed waferhead screws.
• If compliance with ANSI A108.11 is not required, minimum 1" long No. 8 x 0.323" HD self-drilling corrosion-resistant ribbed buglehead screws may be used for floors.
• If applying 1/2" Hardibacker® backerboard over gypsum, use minimum 1-3/4" long corrosion-resistant roofing nails.

• Minimum 3/4" long corrosion-resistant roofing nails.
• Minimum 3/4" long ribbed counter sinking corrosion-resistant screws.
• 18 gauge corrosion-resistant polymer coated 3/4" staples with a 1/4" crown.
• For 1/2" Hardibacker backerboard, use minimum 1-1/4" long corrosion-resistant roofing nails or ribbed counter sinking screws.

• International Code Council Evaluation Service Legacy Report NER-405
  
• City of Los Angeles Research Report No. 24862
  
• HUD Materials Release Nos. 1263c and 1268b
  
• City of New York MEA No. 223-93M
  
• 2003-2004 Tile Council of America Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation (F144-03, B412-03, B415-03, C513-03, W223-03, W244-03, RH135-03 and RW816-03)*