The side with the “Durock” printing and visibly contrasting tapered edges (along the 5′ side) is the “rough” side.
Which side of durock do you tile?
Face the rough side out if you will be using thin-set mortar adhesive to install the tile but the smooth side out if you will be using latex mastic.
What is the smooth side of durock?
According to information in U.S. Gypsum’s Web site (), the smooth side of their Durock product is for mastic, and the rough side is for mortar applications. The textured surface enhances bonding and reduces tile slip.
Do you need to know which side of USG Durock cement board?
No, it does not matter. In the past, USG Durock® Brand Cement Board had a smooth side and a rough side that were used for different applications. Currently, USG Durock® Brand Cement Board is produced in such a way that it does not matter which side faces out.
Does it matter which side of cement board faces out?
Durock Surface which side down. Does the rough side of the cement board go down on the subfloor or the smooth side. I can see possible benefits of the rough side up to give the tile more adhering power but again the smooth side might provide a more level surface.
Which is the best cement board to use?
Also, fasten the cement board at joints and corners. The do-it-yourselfer has more flexibility installing plywood floor cement board — the thinner, easier-to-cut 1/4-inch board is appropriate. Plywood floor underlayment must be 5/8 inch and 3/4 inch if installing a large modular tile — 12 inches or greater.
How do you attach cement board to the underlayment?
Apply a polymer-modified thin-set mortar to the underlayment before installing the board. Attach the cement board throughout the board with 1 1/4-inch cement board screws or 1 1/2-inch galvanized roofing nails. Attach it every four to six inches. Cement board contains hazardous materials.
