particle board / hardibacker

fish3211 · 08-04-2005, 01:30 PM

I have seen numerous posts concerning the required removal of particle board underlayment prior to using hardibacker. In the process of removing old carpeting, I have sections of the house which has 3/4 inch plywood while other sections have a combination of 1/2-inch plywood covered by 1/4-inch particle board. Floor has 2X10 floor joists on 12 inch centers, double joists every 3 feet. Is it possible to overlay the 1/4-inch particle board with a 1/4-inch exterior grade plywood and then install the thin-set with the hardibacker? Rather not remove 1/4-inch particle board if possible since it may be glued down to the 1/2-inch plywood.

In advance, thanks for any information that you have.

housedocs · 08-06-2005, 09:23 AM

Particle board isn't an acceptable underlayment for tile period, per TCA specs. In fact IMHO it isn't acceptable for anything other than making speaker boxes maybe. If it gets wet at all it will swell and cause you problems, and it's going to get wet when you put thinset on it to set the hardibacker.

Teetorbilt · 08-06-2005, 11:50 PM

In response to Housedocs, DITTO.
IMHO, particleboard does not belong inside of a house. I think of it as a long term release fertilizer, outside.
Recycle when you can.

JustaFramer · 08-07-2005, 01:14 AM

Just for reference Hardi makes a backer that is 1/2" thick.

Neil_K · 08-10-2005, 09:32 PM

I've never seen particleboard that thin before, Then again I've never looked for it, either.

If you're sure its 1/4", maybe find an inconspicuous area (one that will wind up under a couch or bed or something in case it doesn't work), drop your circular sawblade to 1/4" and cut a square. See if it comes up. That should at least tell you if it will come up.

08-04-2005, 01:30 PM	#1
fish3211 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1	particle board / hardibacker I have seen numerous posts concerning the required removal of particle board underlayment prior to using hardibacker. In the process of removing old carpeting, I have sections of the house which has 3/4 inch plywood while other sections have a combination of 1/2-inch plywood covered by 1/4-inch particle board. Floor has 2X10 floor joists on 12 inch centers, double joists every 3 feet. Is it possible to overlay the 1/4-inch particle board with a 1/4-inch exterior grade plywood and then install the thin-set with the hardibacker? Rather not remove 1/4-inch particle board if possible since it may be glued down to the 1/2-inch plywood. In advance, thanks for any information that you have.

08-06-2005, 09:23 AM	#2
housedocs aka:awesomedell Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Central Missouri Posts: 206	particle board / hardibacker Particle board isn't an acceptable underlayment for tile period, per TCA specs. In fact IMHO it isn't acceptable for anything other than making speaker boxes maybe. If it gets wet at all it will swell and cause you problems, and it's going to get wet when you put thinset on it to set the hardibacker. __________________ All you need is ignorance and confidence and success is assured. - Mark Twain

08-06-2005, 11:50 PM	#3
Teetorbilt Contractor Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Jensen Beach, FL Posts: 835	particle board / hardibacker In response to Housedocs, DITTO. IMHO, particleboard does not belong inside of a house. I think of it as a long term release fertilizer, outside. Recycle when you can.

08-07-2005, 01:14 AM	#4
JustaFramer Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 72	particle board / hardibacker Just for reference Hardi makes a backer that is 1/2" thick.

08-10-2005, 09:32 PM	#5
Neil_K Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 57	particle board / hardibacker I've never seen particleboard that thin before, Then again I've never looked for it, either. If you're sure its 1/4", maybe find an inconspicuous area (one that will wind up under a couch or bed or something in case it doesn't work), drop your circular sawblade to 1/4" and cut a square. See if it comes up. That should at least tell you if it will come up.

particle board / hardibacker