Outdoor Tile Countertop Substrate
by Steve
QUESTION:We have built an outdoor counter top substrate using 3/4" outdoor rated plywood. The Counter will have a roof over it. The tile will be 2"x2" porcelain (1/4" - 5/16" thick).Do I need to put a cement backer board down or can I simply put a 1/8" thick later of thinset (with additive) and let it fully cure then install the tile using the normal notched trowel method of laying down thinset and tile? Trying to avoid the cement backer board hassle... if I have to use a backer material how thick and what type? Note we are in a winter climate state (NH) but the counter will have a solid roof over it... ANSWER:Yeah, installing cement backer board can be a pain, but this is not a project you ever want to have to do over.Using a "waterproof" (not just moisture resistant) backer is one way to do it, however, you can go another route and cover the plywood base with a waterproof membrane and then tile over it. You really should be using 1 1/8" marine grade plywood subsrate though. If you lived in a dry climate like Arizona, I'd say you could probably get away with just the plywood if you also sealed/painted the plywood. But you live in NH and even with a roof the plywood will be subjected to plenty of moisture, which will take it's toll. Outdoor plywood will still rot when exposed to moisture long enough. The only difference is that it's made with a water-proof glue, so you need to properly protect it with a long-lasting durable paint outdoors (before laying the waterproof cement backer or membrane). So, you definitely should attach a waterproof layer (backer or membrane) to the plywood. Good Luck, Ryan P.S. Get all the facts, answers, explanations and simple solutions with step-by-step instructions for any issue, problem or question with our Granite & Marble Maintenance Manuals.
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