The advent of cement backer board has made it possible for do-it-yourselfers to lay tile like a pro. The reason: For most installations, it eliminates the need to set tile in a thick bed of mortar.

Q. I'm getting ready to buy backer board for a ceramic tile project. There are different types out there, and I'm a little confused. Which backer boards would you use and which would you avoid? You've ...

This is the traditional tile backer. First, felt paper is stapled to the floor and covered with expanded metal lath. Then ...