DIY Network

I have a house in Fishers, Indiana and am in the process of tiling it. The guy who is doing the tiling says I don't need to have any kind of a backer board as the floor is concrete under the carpet. Now I am from California and I remember the tile installer put a backer board over concrete and tiled on that. He says I don't need it, that the tiles won't crack, etc which is my concern.

So should I insist on backer board.

Nope - as long as the concrete is smooth and free of cracks and imperfections - then go for it. backer is not needed.

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it.

I would have to assume that is the main slab of the house and you couldn't ask for a better surface to tile on. The only reason to put any kind of backer in on a concrete slab would be to raise the level of the finished floor.

You can not/should not use backerboard on a concrete substrate. What was done in California was an industry no-no.

Possibly some kind of antifracture membrane or slip sheet with mud over top? Just thinking of earth vibrating under your Californian feet.