Aquapanel or Hardibacker - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

DS Tiling · 21-03-2008

I am looking to strengthen an 18mm chipboard substrate to take 333x333mm travertine. I would normally use 12mm aquapanel spf'd and screwed for such a job but was thinking of trying the 6mm Hardibacker to reduce the height a bit. I am slightly nervous of the thin hardibacker and don't want a failure as travertine requires good preperation. Has anyone used the 6mm hardibacker spf'd and glued and how rigid was it or should i just stick with the Aquapanel.

Thanks

**grumpygrouter** · 21-03-2008

Ive used it but not really for strengthening a floor, more to bridge over 2 different substrates before tiling. It is quite a dense substance but as for adding extra strength, I don't know how much it would give. part of the Hardie literature states

Ensure the floor satisfies requirements of local building codes and does not deflect more than (length of floor/360). Excessive flexing may cause tiled floor to crack.

This says to me it doesn't add strength to the floor, just gives a good surface to tile onto.

Grumpy

**Dave** · 21-03-2008

When sticking these type of boards down..it is advisable to use rapid setting adhesives..this will aid in the fast tracking of the tiling.......

**grumpygrouter** · 21-03-2008

Don't think you would substitute if for ply though would you Dave?

Grumpy

**Dave** · 21-03-2008

Depends upon the substrate russ.......deflection and that.........

**grumpygrouter** · 21-03-2008

...as a strengthener to reduce deflection?

Grumps

**Dave** · 21-03-2008

A bed of adhesive and 12mm hardie backer is a very strong duo.....6mm, i would use if substrate was strong.....

DS Tiling · 21-03-2008

I agree with the 12mm+ addy but wasn't so sure about the 6mm. The hardie literature sort of covers itself by adding the bit about the substrate being rigid. I think I will stick with the aquapanel on this ocassion or ply it but would be tempted to go for the 18mm ply which is even more height. Can't find a flexural strength figure for the hardie. Anyway many thanks best go spend some time with the Mrs.

Cheers for input.

**grumpygrouter** · 21-03-2008

It is interesting to note that 6mm hardie is more dense than 12mm!

Grumpy

**Dave** · 21-03-2008

Russ...if you pick up a sheet of 12mm compared to 6mm you will know what i mean..........

**grumpygrouter** · 21-03-2008

I know where you are coming from Dave. Just find it a bit funny thats all that they make 2 products, one for walls and one for floors where the wall product gives more strength to the floor than the "proprietory" product.

Ply is much simpler to understand, thicker means stronger.

Grumps

**whitebeam** · 22-03-2008

6mm hardie backer laid down fast set with extra sbr mixed in and then screw to floor board's, It won't be going anywhere.