Cut cement backer board to size, fasten it to the plywood subfloor, and create a flat, stable, moisture resistant base ready for tile.

Start by confirming the existing plywood subfloor is solid, clean, and at least five eighths of an inch thick for residential floors or follow local code for thicker panels. Lay out a dry fit of the cement backer board with staggered joints and a quarter inch gap at walls to allow for thinset and movement. Use a pencil and a carbide scoring tool or a circular saw with a cement cutting blade to cut panels, and always wear a rated dust mask and eye protection because the dust is harmful. Apply a thin layer of unmodified thinset mortar with a one quarter inch by three sixteenth inch square notch trowel to the plywood only when manufacturer instructions call for it, or use a gap fill method with screws and a thinset underlayment if advised by the board maker. Fasten the panels with corrosion resistant cement board screws spaced every six inches along the edges and every eight inches in the field while keeping screw heads just below the surface and not overdriven. After fastening, tape all seams with alkali resistant fiberglass mesh tape and cover the tape with a thin layer of thinset, and check the entire floor for level by using a long straightedge and shim low spots with thinset or replace uneven panels until the surface is flat within one eighth inch over ten feet for tile work.

Common issues start with an unsupported or soft plywood subfloor that will lead to tile and grout cracking, so reinforce the subfloor with additional plywood or a layer of exterior grade plywood glued and screwed to create proper stiffness. Another frequent mistake is overdriving screws or using the wrong fasteners which can create loose panels or weak holding strength, so always use the recommended corrosion resistant cement board screws and stop when the head is flush or slightly below the surface. Lastly, people skip sealing seams or use improper tape which can allow movement or moisture problems, so always use alkali resistant fiberglass tape and cover it with a full embedment of thinset and allow curing time before proceeding to waterproofing or tile installation.

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