How on earth do I cut Hardibacker?
Question:I am woking on installing a tile countertop in my kitchen. I have the plywood base down and it's level but I need to put hardibacker on top of it and I don't know how to cut it. I've heard of the score and snap method, but I am unsure how to do this. Do you score both sides? I tried scoring one side and snapping it but it didn't snap. I had to hit it with a hammer just to get it to bust off in smallish pieces.
Please HELP!
Answers:
Cutter blade is too thin and will stuck inside the board.
There is a special cutter for cutting hardibacker, around $10. Homedepot or Lowes should have it.
Cut one side, and snap it over a straight edge, like work bench or table, or use some 2 X 4.
Ask the floor guy at the store.
score the top side then use a circular saw to finish the cut thru the hardibacker. Scoring it will elliminate any chipping.
You can use a circular saw, but if you are only doing straight cuts just run a razor blade where you want to cut. Make sure you cut in to the board, then put a 2x4 underneath one edge of the cut and press down on the side that does not have the 2x4 underneath.
By the way do not use a circular saw on durock only Hardibacker
Most Tile Setters use a Dry- Cut diamond blade on a 4 1/2" disk grinder. You will get a clean cut, but it is very dusty, so cut outside with a dust mask. If you don't have a disk grinder you should consider buying one. You can also cut tile with the grinder/ diamond blade. Cost for both is a little over $100.
The boxcutter scoring is the best method combined with the snap-off with a 2 X 4 underneath, or a counter/table top for support. While cutting hardibacker, for outlets and lightswitches the best tool to use is a Dremmell, also for lightfixtures.
The best and easiest way to cut this hardibacker board is with a jigsaw. I have done it several times and although it is a little dusty it is still the best results.
The best way I've found to cutting hardibacker is using a diamond blade on a hand held grinder. I've been installing tile for over seven years now and there is nothing better. However, as someone said earlier, it does get very dusty, so cut outside. When you go to buy your blade, get a diamond blade that is entirely round NOT notched. The smooth blade will cut better and cut smoother. Not only will this combo(grinder/diamond blade) cut hardibacker but, it will cut your tiles as well. You will definitely need this combo to cut your kitchen sink opening. You will never regret making this purchase. If you have any questions contact me at pisofuerte360@yahoo.com. Good luck.
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