Installation Guide

2 | Determine layout of HardieBacker cement board

• Boards may be installed vertically or horizontally.

• Edges of the board parallel to framing must be supported by a structural framing member.

• Score and snap boards to required sizes and make necessary cutouts.

3 | Attach HardieBacker cement board to framing

• See applicable building codes regarding vapor barrier requirements.

• Install boards 1/4” above oor, tub or shower pan and caulk accordingly.

• Fasten cement board with specied nails or screws (as listed in “Materials

Required”) a maximum of 8” on center at all supports.

• Keep fasteners 3/8” from board edges and 2” in from sheet corners.

• Set fastener heads ush with the surface, without overdriving.

4 | Tape joints prior to tiling

• Fill all joints with mortar (see “Materials Required”).

• Embed 2” wide high-strength alkali-resistant glass ber tape in the mortar and level.

5 | Exterior application (HardieBacker 500 only)

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Additional details on page 4

• Install HardieBacker 500 over sub-sheathing with a code approved water-resistive

barrier, or in accordance with applicable code.

• May be used up to a height not exceeding the lesser of: through the second-story

above grade or 30 feet above grade.

• Follow wall installation steps 1 thru 4

3 | English

WALL INSTALLATION

1 | Ensure framing is structurally

sound

• Must comply with local building codes

and ANSI A108.11.

• Use a minimum of 2” x 4” wood studs

or 20-gauge metal studs, which must

be straight, properly aligned and

spaced a maximum of 16” on center.

• In tub and shower enclosures,

ensure that the framing is adequately

reinforced at the corners.

FINISHING WITH TILE

1. Refer to ANSI A108 and the mortar

and tile manufacturers’ published

application guidelines for complete

tiling instructions.

2. Wipe the surface of HardieBacker

cement board clean with a damp sponge

just prior to adding mastic or mortar.

3. Spread the mastic or mortar with

a notched trowel (Note: Please see

“Materials Required” to see which setting

material is required for your application.)