How to Replace Ceramic on Cement Board

Secure the cement board to a plywood subfloor or wall posts with cement board screws and a drill. Space the screws down the joists or framing posts approximately 8 inches.

Arrange the tiles in the order you want them before you start installing them. Trim any tiles as necessary with a wet saw. To minimize the amount of cuts, start tiling at the midpoint of the floor or wall and work your way out.

Mix the thinset in a mixing tub according to the manufacturer's instructions. The proper consistency should be like smooth peanut butter.

Spread a ¼-inch layer of thinset onto the cement board with the flat side of a trowel. Keep the thinset in manageable sections to prevent it from drying before use. Run the notched side of the trowel over the thinset to create grooves, removing air bubbles.

Press the tile into the thinset and gently apply pressure to the center of the tile to remove trapped air from underneath the tile. Place spacers between the tiles as you go to ensure even grout lines. Finish tiling around the entire floor or wall, and trim tiles as necessary to go around fixtures, doors or windows. Allow the thinset to dry for 24 hours.

Mix the grout according to manufacturer's instructions in a clean mixing tub. Apply the grout to the tile with a rubber float held at a 45-degree angle. Push the float down a grout line and push it on a diagonal to completely fill the line and remove any excess grout from the tile's surface. Allow the grout to harden for approximately 30 minutes.

Wipe down the tiles with a damp sponge. Smooth out the grout lines with the sponge and clean the haze left behind by the grout from the tiles.

Apply a grout sealant to the entire wall or floor after allowing the grout to harden for 24 hours.