How to Install Tile Backer Boards
16/07/2026
Whether you’re installing wall or floor tiles, a tile backer board is essential. When installed correctly, a tile backer board provides a strong, stable, and smooth surface to support your tiles. In this guide, we’ll explain how to lay backer boards for tiles, how to fix tile backer boards to a wall, and share our expert tips to help you achieve a professional finish.
What is Tile Backer Board?
A tile backer board is a durable building board that’s installed beneath tiles to provide a secure, water-resistant base. No matter the size, weight or material of your tiles, every tiled wall and floor can benefit from a suitable tile backer board. They’re purposely designed to provide a rigid, moisture-resistant layer to prevent movement, improve adhesion and protect against water damage.
Types of Tile Backer Boards
There are two popular types of tile backer boards; the right backer board for your tiling project depends on the weight, size, and material of your tiles, as well as the location:
Fibre Cement Backer Boards
These are robust, durable backer boards suitable for heavy-duty tiles and tiling projects.
Popular Brands: Cembloc, Hardie Backer Board, No More Ply Board, Fibre Cement Board, Fireboard, and Kerakoll.
£9.00 INC VAT
£10.79 INC VAT
£34.01 INC VAT
£27.71 INC VAT
Extruded Polystyrene Boards (XPS) Tile Backer Board
Designed for thermal insulation, with added water resistance for high moisture areas.
Popular Brands: PREMTOOL Board, XPS Tile Backer Board, Wedi Board, Kerdi-Board, Jackboard, Warmup Insulation Boards, and Marmox Board.
FROM £15.59 INC VAT
£21.59 INC VAT
£5.03 INC VAT
FROM £10.79 INC VAT
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Tools Needed for Installing Tile Backer Boards
Before you start installing your tile backer board, you’ll need the essential tools and materials, including:
Washers (if specified by manufacturer)
Drill
Utility Knife
How to Lay Tile Backer Boards
Follow these eight easy steps to install tile backer boards to your wall or floor:
Step One: Preparation
Start by removing any loose plaster, wallpaper or debris, ensuring the surface is clean and dry.
Repair any major holes or cracks, and check that the surface is reasonably flat for easier installation.
Step Two: Check for stud positions
When installing tiling on a stud wall, ensure your backer boards are reinforced by the timber studs. Locate these studs and position the boards on them for additional support.
Step Three: Measure the area
Using a tape measure, mark the area accurately before cutting your backer boards. You’ll want to stagger the joints where possible to avoid creating weak points.
Step Four: Cut your boards
Calculate how many boards you need to cover your wall or floor, and cut any backer boards to fit the size or around corners, fixtures, and fittings.
Most tile backer boards can be easily cut using a sharp utility knife. Thicker cement boards may require a handsaw or power tool. Always wear suitable protective clothing, including work gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.
Step Five: Dry fit your boards
Always do a test run before securing your backer boards. Position each board in place before fixing it to ensure it fits correctly. Leave a small expansion gap between boards and around the edge, following the manufacturer's guidance.
Step Six: Waterproof the joins
As you install each board, run a small bead of tile backer board adhesive or tile backer board tape along the edge. This will create a waterproof barrier and help strengthen the overall installation.
Step Seven: Apply adhesive
Adhesive is not always required, but some manufacturers recommend it. Adding tile backer board adhesive to the back of your tile boards can enhance their strength and the bond between the boards and the substrate. To apply tile adhesive to your backer boards, add a small amount to the centre of each board and use a notched trowel to spread it evenly across the board.
Step Eight: Fit the boards
Secure your backer boards into place using the backer board screws and fittings recommended by the manufacturer. Work from the centre outwards to ensure the board sits flat.
In most cases, fixings should be 300mm apart for a secure fix, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Common Backer Board Installation Mistakes to Avoid
With a team of expert tilers, we’ve seen our fair share of successes and mistakes. Here are our top tips to avoid unnecessary installation errors:
Use specific backer board screws, not drywall screws
Always use adhesive where required or recommended
Install onto an even & structurally sound surface
Double-check your measurements before cutting
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions
Where Can You Install Tile Backer Boards?
Tile backer boards are designed specifically for tiled environments where moisture, weight and movement can affect the final installation.
This means backer boards can be installed in a variety of locations, including:
Bathrooms
Wet rooms
Kitchens
Utility rooms
Conservatories
Installing tile backer boards can be simple. With the right tools and proper techniques, you can achieve a solid foundation for your tiling project. For technical advice and support, contact our experienced sales team on 01604 859800 or via email at [email protected].