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Is it a must to be used under backer board travertine tiles for kitchen countertops?
We were in the process of transformation and a kitchen for about 18×18 travertine tiles for the worktops. My main question is, do I need to cement backer board or use a plywood base would be good enough? The tiles have been and will continue to be sealed very well. We plan with flexible mortar. Is it easy backer board for water / mold issues, flexibility, or what? Also, what the risks of using plywood. Thank you very much!
it should work OK. the big risk is the plywood absorbing the water from the grouting, an such, or just spills over time, and disintegrating. getting a decent bonding surface might be tough, but since it lays flat, you really don’t need all that good a bond anyway. you could probably even seal the plywood with paint,(both sides, and especially the edges) or some such. don’t use any oil based products, you will never get anything to stick to it.
now if you ever put them where they have to hang onto a wall or something, this will not work well. the thin set you choose will also have a bearing on how well it works, buy the good stuff, don’t try to save pennies there. Yes, flexibility is a problem, but if you build it real sturdy, this should not be a major problem. build it poorly, nothing will work well.