What is the recommended width left between each tile for grouting and do you recommend putting felt asphalt between wall and cement board?thank you for help
Use the hardibacker, i have done a lot of tiling and used both, but the hardiebacker holds up a lot better than the wonderboard. Plus i have notice that the wonderboard is a little porous, so if the grout or tile doesn't seal just right, there is a chance for the water to seep in and get's to the studs.
Both will work but my personal choice is durock, if you have it . Home Depot carries it. Ive found durock easier to work with also.Tape with CEMENT board tape also. I ve seen people use dry wall nylon tape but its not the same.A vapor barrier is required behind either. Suggestion .. Seal slate ( if it s a natural stone and not a slate looking tile) Seal once before installing and once after installing , it easy to do As far as spacing it personal choice. For a 12 x12 I use 1/4 in for a couple reasons..Size varies w/ all tile and it gives a bit more play when setting. Plus I use wood spacers(cut from 1/4 luan) since most store bought spacers are plastic and they will compress as you stack and go up the wall.Using a 1/4 in joint is even more helpfull if it is natural stone .They really can vary in size. Wipe off the back of any slate since there is a film of dust from cutting and sizing them at the manufacture. Always use a thin set and a 1/4 x3/8 square notched trowel for that size tile. GL
12x12 tiles would have an 1/8 grout line.Look for the yellow boards(like sheet-rock,have a bright to dark yellow color)for the showers,these are moisture/mold resistant.Normally,4 square tiles are used and have a 3/16 grout line.Mastic and a 1/4 notched trowel.Rubber grout trowel and grout sponge with a bucket of water,change the water a few times.Don't let the grout dry completely before sponging excess grout off tiles,should have a thin clean grout lines.
Use Hardibacker and seal the seams with tape and thinset. Use thinset to set the tile using 1/4 spacers. I have used and recommend that you use a tile sealer to seal the slate prior to grouting and to use epoxy grout. The grout is more difficult to install but requires no sealers which need to be redone at least once a year in a shower and is well worth the initial time and effort. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the grout bags to ensure a uniform color and good grout set. MT C
