What is used to fasten cement board to a wood-framed subfloor?

What is used to fasten cement board to a wood-framed subfloor?

• A. galvanized nails or screws
• B. drywall screws
• C. adhesive and ring shank nails
• D. wedge anchors

Answer: (A)

When fastening cement board to a wood subfloor, you need fasteners that can securely bite into wood and resist moisture over time. Cement board is dense and hard, so the best choice is corrosion-resistant fasteners that are specifically suitable for cement board on wood framing. Galvanized nails or screws provide the necessary hold and durability, ensuring the board stays in place under tile and moisture. Other options don’t fit well here. Wedge anchors are designed for masonry or concrete, not wood subfloors. Relying on adhesive alone won’t give the lasting mechanical grip needed to hold cement board in place across joists, especially under tile and foot traffic. Drywall screws aren’t ideal because they’re generally not rated for use with cement board in moist environments and can corrode or fail under load.

When fastening cement board to a wood subfloor, you need fasteners that can securely bite into wood and resist moisture over time. Cement board is dense and hard, so the best choice is corrosion-resistant fasteners that are specifically suitable for cement board on wood framing. Galvanized nails or screws provide the necessary hold and durability, ensuring the board stays in place under tile and moisture.

Other options don’t fit well here. Wedge anchors are designed for masonry or concrete, not wood subfloors. Relying on adhesive alone won’t give the lasting mechanical grip needed to hold cement board in place across joists, especially under tile and foot traffic. Drywall screws aren’t ideal because they’re generally not rated for use with cement board in moist environments and can corrode or fail under load.