Installation Guide
WonderBoard
®
Lite
Installation Guide
UNDERLAYMENT
FOR TILE & STONE
WonderBoard
®
Lite
Surface Preparation
Coverage
Look for this icon on
products that qualify for a
Lifetime Warranty
Over Wood Subfloor
For best results, be sure plywood subfloor panels are
gapped 1/8" at seams. If plywood is not gapped, saw
cut joints all the way through the plywood sheets. Keep
joints free of mortar.
1
Subfloor and countertop base should be an exterior
grade plywood with a minimum thickness of 3/4"
when using 1/4" WonderBoard Lite. When using
7/16" WonderBoard Lite, base should be a minimum
of 5/8" thick. The total wood subfloor including
the plywood and WonderBoard Lite should be a
minimum of 1" thick.
2
Ensure the subfloor is structurally sound and clear of
debris.
3
Joists or framing should be spaced no more than
16" on center.
Over Vinyl Floors
Do not apply directly over cushioned or sponged back
flooring. Subfloor under linoleum must comply with
requirements of wood subfloor and should be well
bonded.
1
Clean flooring thoroughly and remove all waxes,
coatings and other contaminants.
Over Existing Plastic Laminated Countertops
1
I
f thoroughly bonded and rigid, clean to remove all
contaminants then roughen surface with coarse sander
.
2
Remove any loose material.
Level or straightedge
Scoring tool
Square notch trowel
Hammer
Drill and drill bits
Latex or polymer-modified thin-set mortar
such as: FlexBond
®
Crack Prevention Mortar
1-1/2" galvanized roofing nails or
1-1/4" Backerboard Screws
2" wide alkali-resistant fiberglass joint tape
1/4" WonderBoard Lite
7/16" WonderBoard Lite
Tools & Materials Checklist
Tip:
Use a circular saw with a
carbide-tipped blade for large
cutouts or a drill with a
masonry bit for small holes.
Save time by pre-cutting all panels then fastening.
1
With scoring tool or utility knife and straight-edge,
score through fiberglass mesh on one side.
2
Snap board at score line.
3
Cut mesh on other side and snap back. Cut through
mesh on both sides.
4
Knock out piece with hammer and smooth with file.
Scoring & Cutting Panels
800-272-8786
custombuildingproducts.com
For Wood Floors & Countertops
For Walls & Showers
36" x 60" x 7/16" 15 sq. ft.
36" x 60" x 1/4" 15 sq. ft.
Size
Size
1/4" WonderBoard
®
Lite
Backerboard
7/16" WonderBoard
®
Lite
Backerboard
1
Using a 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4" square-notch trowel, apply
a leveling bed of thin-set mortar to the subfloor.
2
Place WonderBoard Lite panels perpendicular to the
plywood sheets, leaving a 1/8" gap between each
panel.
3
Stagger panel joints to eliminate a continuous gap
line across the floor.
4
Fasten WonderBoard Lite every 6"-8" around all
edges using 1-1/4" cement backerboard screws or
1-1/2" galvanized roofing nails. Around perimeter
of each board, position fasteners within 1/2" -2" of
edges and throughout the panels.
5
Fill all joints between panels with thin-set mortar
then embed 2" wide (5 cm) fiberglass mesh tape and
smooth. Leave a 1/8"-1/4" gap around perimeter of
wall for expansion.
1
In wet areas, nail or staple 15 lb. roofing felt or 4 mil
polyethylene sheeting to studs prior to installing the
WonderBoard Lite.
2
Stagger panel joints to eliminate a continuous gap
line across the wall.
3
Fasten WonderBoard Lite panels to studs every
6"-8" around all edges using 1-1/4" cement backer-
board screws or 1-1/2" galvanized roofing nails.
Around perimeter of each board, position fasteners
within 1/2"-2" of edges. Leave a 1/8" gap between
panels, corners and floor.
4
Fill gaps between panels and corners with a thin-set
mortar, then embed 2" wide (5 cm) fiberglass mesh
tape and smooth.
Following the thin-set mortar instructions, you can now
install the floorcovering.
1
Clear all debris from WonderBoard Lite and vacuum
to eliminate excess dust or dirt. Lightly dampen
panels with sponge or cloth.
2
Use a thin-set mortar and spread with a notch trowel
(see trowel for correct size based on tile dimensions).
3
Press tile firmly into place in a perpendicular motion
across ridges, moving back and forth 1/8"-1/4".
FIBER
GYPSUM
WonderBoard Lite can be used on horizontal
or vertical (7/16" only) applications such as
walls, ceilings, floors, decks, countertops and
vanities. Use under any tile or natural stone.
Meets All ANSI
Specifications for
Cement Backerboard
For Use in
Wet Areas
For Indoor and
Outdoor Use
Contains
No Wood Fiber
or Gypsum
Eligible for a
Lifetime Warranty —
No failures in 40 years
Tip:
Tile installation should cure
24 hours before grouting.
Setting Tile
Wall Installation: 7/16" WonderBoard Lite
Installation for Ceramic Tile or Natural Stone
Floor or Countertop Installation:
1/4" or 7/16" WonderBoard Lite
Floors & Countertops
Score then snap
WonderBoard Lite
5/8" subfloor with 16" on
center framing
Adhere to subfloor Stagger surface and
panel joints
Installation over existing
vinyl floor
Press tiles into place
Fasten to studs Tape gaps
Not for use over concrete/gypsum substrates.
WonderBoard Lite must not be used as a structural load-bearing
member. Foundation must be sound at all times. WonderBoard Lite
is unaffected by water but is not a water barrier.
Fire Performance: WonderBoard Lite has achieved a fire resistance
rating for cementitious backer units per ANSI/UL 263 and CAN/ULC
S101, Report No. 21766.
WonderBoard
®
Lite is a registered trademark of Modulars, Inc.
Recommended:
Please wear approved safety glasses and dust mask.
WBPLB 11/12