On this episode of The Build Show, Jordan Smith breaks down one of the most important—and often overlooked—components of any tile installation: the backer board. Using a studio mockup, Jordan explains how a tile system works from the subfloor up and why the entire assembly depends on a strong, moisture-resistant backer board. You’ll learn what gives a backer board its strength, how it helps prevent deflection that leads to cracked grout and tile, and why moisture resistance is critical in showers, kitchens, and other wet areas. Jordan also covers why proper adhesion matters for long-term performance, common reasons tile installations fail, and what to look for when selecting a backer board that will hold up over time. Finally, he touches on installation considerations and why following manufacturer guidelines is essential for any tile system to perform as intended.

Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, James Hardie.

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