How To Choose the Setting Bed You Will Use for Your Tiling Job
The first type, backer board, is a popular choice because it is durable and can be used on jobs where a lot of moisture may become present. It is easy to work with and apply as well. This type of backing has cement in the center of its core and then is reinforced with another material outside of that. You have probably heard of Wonder Board, which is a popular brand of backer board and a wise choice for installation. Most types of this board are great though, and you really just want to choose the one that is designed to work best in the type of situation you will be putting it into.
The second type, drywall, is pretty self explanatory and will be a decent choice for a setting bed if you will be installing it in an area that will stay dry. Never use it, not even the water resistant type (the green sheets of drywall) in areas that will get wet because it is not strong enough to exist in such conditions.
The third type to choose from is exterior-grade plywood. This type of setting bed is not entirely unheard of, and has been used for countertops or even floors, but if so, it is covered thoroughly with a membrane that is entirely waterproof, and even still it is not highly recommended to use this as a setting bed. The reason it is not recommended is because wood commonly swells when wet and that will create problems for you later on down the line.
The fourth type of backer board is glass mat gypsum board. This material looks like drywall in appearance but has an acrylic coating that makes it a great source of backing for tile. Do not put it in areas that will continually be wet but you can use it in areas that will become wet at times without worry.
The fifth type of setting board is an existing plastic laminate counter top. This is great to use because it already is installed and guides you in preciseness as to where your tiles will be lain. It is easy to prep for adhesion and simplifies your overall labor time.
The sixth type of setting bed you can choose to use is a Self-Leveling Compound. This is a wonderful product for creating a strong setting bed on which you can place your tile. It is easy to use, mix and apply and it sets in a short amount of time (just a few hours). This is a highly recommended material for creating a sturdy setting bed.
The seventh type of backing board is simply tile over tile. You can do this if you are not using small tiles (less than three inches) which will not adhere well to existing ones or if you are not using it in the shower, which because of prolonged dampness must be entirely leak proof, which you cannot ensure by tiling over the existing tile. It is easy to prep the existing surface of tile you are tiling over and its ease aids in labor time spent doing the job.
The last type of setting bed to discuss is a mortar bed. You have to float a mortar bed with this type of backing and that is no easy feat if you are not experienced in doing so. That said, this type of material is fantastic to use and highly recommended for those who know how to properly use it. You can use it in areas that become and remain for sustained amounts of time, highly saturated with water. If you are looking for strength and durability but do not have the skill to float the mortar bed here, hiring a professional is highly recommended and well worth the expense.
Investigate the type of setting bed you think you would like to use prior to installation to ensure the choice you have made is best for the job you will be performing.
