Does the side of Hardibacker cement board really matter?

Question

I saw somewhere that the rough side should face out in case of thinset and smooth in case of mastic. I hung some boards randomly before knowing so some smooth sides are facing out and I'll be using thinset.

Does it matter to the extent that I really need to redo?

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Feb 14 '19 at 18:17

3

According to the James Hardie Website FAQ, either side is fine to use. However, they recommend smooth side to be up and nailed every 8" on center.

answered Feb 14 '19 at 18:17

Jerry_Contrary

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I agree. They put a little more effort into finishing one side more smoothly just to make troweling easier, but it won't affect the outcome of the project. – isherwood Feb 14 '19 at 18:22
Okay, so I don't need to redo, correct? – amphibient Feb 14 '19 at 18:34
1

Not unless you are just really OCD and it will keep you up nights. – Jerry_Contrary Feb 14 '19 at 18:35
I am slightly OCD, LOL – amphibient Feb 14 '19 at 18:49

Does the side of Hardibacker cement board really matter?

1 Answers1