Asked on Aug 05, 2012

Which side of the Hardibacker backer board do I lay the tile? Rough or smooth side?

Karen
by Karen
Doing a tub tile repair. Need to re-install tiles after putting new section of backer board. I have Hardibacker. There is a rough side and a smooth side. Which side do I lay the the against?
  3 answers
  • 3po3 3po3 on Aug 05, 2012
    I believe the tile should be adhered to the smooth side.
  • If you look carefully on the edges along the long side you will see a indent much like you would find on wall board. This is only visible on one side and not the other. This is the smooth side of the board. This indent allows you to tape with fiberglass tape and thin set compound to give you a solid surface in which to place the tile. So smooth side out.
    • Curtis Young Curtis Young on Apr 18, 2019

      That's not "hardibacker" brand you are referring to "dura rock " duraroc is the brand that has tapered edges hardibacker doesn't matter it's flat on both sides

  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Aug 06, 2012
    The rough side is the back or bottom...with 1/4 " hardie there is often scoring lines on the front...1/2" just has the printing on the front.