[lskoester]

Hi, In my upstairs bathroom, wood subfloor, there are currently 3 layers of vinyl flooring, the bottom layer is asbestos (tested). I do not want to have to remove this layer. I can remove the top 2 layers without disturbing the adhesion of the asbestos layer. I want new ceramic tile. Can I install wonderboard, or concrete board (or whatever it is called) THEN the ceramic tile? Will this be firm enough to stop the floor from flexing and breaking the tile? Also what is the base floor concrete board actually called so I buy the right one? Thanks!

[ballengerb1]

Here is the easy answer re: what the base is called. My favorite product is called Hardiebacker made by the James Hardie Company. Another similar product is called Wonderboard. I prefer Hardiebacker, both get glued and screwed to the sub fllor prior to tiling. Now lets look at you 3 layers. You can take the top layer, #3, off without an issue, but #2 needs to stay if it is glued to the 1st layer. If #2 is not glued then you can take it up without making the asbestos become friable.