Pro Tiler Tools

How Do You Cut Tile Backer Board?

09/06/2025

Whether you're working on a bathroom wall, a wet room floor, or a kitchen splashback, tile backer boards provide the moisture-resistant and stable surface needed to keep tiles firmly in place. But one question we often hear is, how do you cut tile backer board? This blog post walks you through everything you need to know.

What Is Tile Backer Board?

A backer board for tile is a rigid, cementitious or foam-based board that offers a solid, water-resistant surface for tile installation. They serve as a substrate onto which tiles are adhered, offering protection against water, moisture, mould, and other potential damages.

At Pro Tiler Tools, we offer a wide range of high-quality tile backer boards and accessories to make your tiling projects a success. Our range includes industry-leading brands and widely used backer boards for tile, with ever-popular names such as HardieBacker Board, Premtool Tile Backer Board, Jackoboard, Schluter Kerdi Board, Marmox Board, Warmup Insulation Board and Wedi Board.

Read More:

Why Use Tile Backer Boards?

Tile backer boards are ideal for a variety of tiling applications, including walls, floors and ceilings. They provide a strong and stable base for tiles, ensuring they are securely fixed. Our range of tile backer boards is perfect for wet areas such as bathrooms, showers and wet rooms, where moisture resistance is essential. 

We offer a wide range of high-quality tile backer boards and accessories to make your tiling projects a success. Our range includes industry-leading brands and widely used backer boards for tile, with ever-popular names such as Hardie Backer Board, Jackoboard, Schluter Kerdi Board, Marmox Board, Warmup Insulation Board, Wedi Board and more, all of which are renowned for their durability, strength and ease of use.

Our tile backer boards come in various sizes and thicknesses, from 4mm to all the way up to 80mm and include popular thicknesses such as 6mm, 10mm and 12mm tile backer boards. We stock a variety of XPS Tile Backer Boards and Fibre Cement Boards perfect for areas which need to be water-resistant or that are having underfloor heating systems laid.

How Do You Cut Tile Backer Board?

How you cut tile backer board depends on the backer board's thickness and material. Usually, a utility knife and a straight edge are all you need. 

Tools Needed To Cut Tile Backer Boards

The tools you'll need depend on the type and thickness of the board you're using. Here are some suggestions:

Cutting Tile Backer Board

To cut tile backer board, simply follow these four steps:

  1. Measure, set out and mark your cut line using a pencil and ruler.

  2. Score the board along the line using your knife or scoring tool.

  3. Apply light, consistent pressure and repeat the score 2–3 times.

  4. Snap the board along the scored line over a hard edge.

This method produces a clean, straight cut and minimal dust, perfect for quick installations on walls or splashbacks.

Both 6mm and 12mm tile backer boards can be scored to break; however, if you’re using a particularly thick tongue and groove board, such as the Cembloc DryBloc TG4 22mm Tongue & Groove Flooring Board, then power tools will need to be used. However, you must make sure that these cuts happen in a well-ventilated area with the correct PPE.

Tips for Cutting Backer Board for Tile

  • Cut outdoors if possible: Especially when using power tools, this helps control dust.

  • Use the right blade: For cement-based boards, use carbide or diamond-tipped blades to prevent premature dulling.
    Dry fit first: Before making permanent cuts, lay the board in place and mark your lines precisely.

  • Smooth the Edges: You may want to use sandpaper or a rubbing pad to smooth any rough edges, ensuring a professional finish.

  • Don’t forget to plan ahead and get some supporting materials to help fit your tile backer board:

  • Backer Board Tape

  • Backer Board Washers

  • Backer Board Screws


Which Type of Tile Backer Board Should I Use?

Tile backer boards should be used in any room where you plan to install tile or stone flooring and where moisture, heavy use, or the need for a stable surface are factors. We stock Tile backer boards from brands such as Premtool Tile Backer Board, Jackoboard and Kerdi Board. These boards are commonly used for both floor and wall tile installations.Some other trustworthy brands of tile backer board that we stock include:

Here are the key rooms where backer boards are used, and suggestions on which type of board to use:

Bathroom

Kitchen

Utility Room

Showers & Wetrooms

Bathrooms are prone to high moisture levels from showers, baths, and sinks. The use of backer boards helps to prevent water damage to underlying structures.

Kitchens experience frequent spills and high humidity from cooking activities. Backer boards provide a stable surface for tiling backsplashes, countertops, and floors.

Laundry rooms often deal with water from washing machines and utility sinks, making moisture resistance crucial.

Direct and constant exposure to water in showers and wet rooms necessitates a waterproof and stable surface.

Recommended Backer Boards:

Cement, fibre cement, and XPS backer boards are ideal due to their moisture resistance.

Recommended Backer Boards:

Cement backer boards and fibre cement boards are well-suited for kitchen environments.

Recommended Backer Boards:

Cement backer boards like Hardie Backer board and fibre cement board are good choices for laundry rooms.

Recommended Backer Boards:

Opt for a cement backer board or XPS tile backer boards like Wedi Board or Kerdi-Board - due to its waterproof membrane.

Tile Backer Board FAQs

What is the Best Tool for Cutting Backer Boards?

The best tool depends on the type of board. Utility knives work well for softer boards, while scorers are ideal for rigid materials like cement boards.

What Are Backer Board Prices?

In terms of affordability, a more budget-friendly option would be Premtool tile backer board. In terms of more mid-low range budgets, Jackoboard, Marmox tile backer board and Kerakoll VipaBoard are great options. For mid to higher range budgets, Wedi Board and Warmup insulation boards are solid choices. Finally, Schluter KERDI-BOARD is a more premium option.

Is Backer Board Needed?

Tile backer boards give better strength, structure, and better water resistance than standard drywall, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

What Can I Use Instead Of Backer Board?

Cement board is a popular alternative as it can support heavy tiles without warping or deteriorating, and has excellent moisture resistance, durability, and flexibility for both interior and exterior applications. 

Do You Prime Backer Board?

In these circumstances, you may want to consider priming your tile backer board:

  1. If you’re applying a self-levelling compound over the backer board before tiling, priming might be necessary to ensure proper adhesion of the underlayment. Use a tile primer recommended by the self-levelling compound manufacturer.

  2. If you’re concerned about adhesive adhering properly to the backer board, a bonding primer might be recommended.

  3. If your backer board has been painted or treated with a coating that could interfere with adhesion, a primer designed for use over such surfaces might be necessary.

In any case, always check the manufacturer’s instructions within product data sheets.

There is a lot of detail in this article about why you may not want to prime certain types of board, too: Types Of Tile Backer Board: Fibre Cement Board vs XPS Tile Backer Board. 

For technical advice and support relating to tile backer boards, contact our experienced sales team on 01604 859800 or via email at [email protected].