Backerboard is a sub-material used in construction projects, especially for tiling. It comes in two types: compressed concrete with fiberglass and waterproof greenboard. Backerboard doesn’t add structural strength, but it makes tiling easier. Greenboard is water-resistant but not waterproof, while concrete backing board is stronger and impervious to moisture. However, it’s heavy and difficult to handle during installation. The choice of which type to use depends on the area where it will be installed.
Backerboard is a type of sub-material used in a variety of construction projects, most often, tile projects. The most popular type is made of compressed concrete pressed between two sheets of fiberglass. Another type is a 1.3cm waterproof greenboard. The determining factor as to which type to choose is the area where it will be installed.
The backing board does not add any structural strength to the floor or walls. If strength is an issue, brace the area first, before adding the additional weight of the board. Cement board, in particular, is heavy, so it’s important to place it on a strong subfloor.
Using backerboard makes tiling an easy do-it-yourself project. Prior to its development, laying tile required the person doing the job to lay a thick bed of mud with mortar. This created a waterproof barrier and provided a flat area for the tiles to be installed. Installation is simple with the backing board, which is screwed directly into the sub-floor. A thin application of mortar under the plank fills any voids between the plank and the subfloor.
Greenboard is water resistant, but not waterproof. Greenboard is not suitable for use in areas where it will be exposed to a large amount of moisture. While it will do well in areas with some moisture, such as on a bathroom wall or under a backsplash, when exposed to a lot of moisture, greenboard can crack and disintegrate.
Concrete backing board is a much stronger material. Typically available in a half-inch (1.3 cm) thickness, it is impervious to moisture. This is an ideal choice for showers, bathroom floors and other wet weather applications. The concrete backing is long lasting; many types advertise an expected life of 50 years. It is also resistant to mildew, decay and deformation.
The major disadvantage of concrete backing board is that it is heavy and can be difficult to handle during installation. Available in 3 x 5ft (9m x 1.5m) and 4 x 6ft (1.2m x 1.8m) sizes, depending on the manufacturer, taking the board to a small bathroom or laundry room for installation can be difficult. It is often necessary to bring full sheets of backing board to the area where it will be installed to make precise cuts along pipes and other fittings.
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