When it comes to tiling projects, one often overlooked but crucial component is tile backer board. These boards play a significant role in providing a sturdy and stable substrate for tile installations, particularly in wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. Typically, backer boards are made from materials such as cement, fibre cement, or foam core with a cementitious coating, which makes them water-resistant and suitable for damp environments. Additionally, they offer some degree of insulation and help prevent moisture from reaching the underlying structure, which can prevent mould and mildew growth. With a wide variety of options available, how do you choose the right backing board for your specific project needs? In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about tile backer boards and how to make the best choice for your project.

What Are Tile Backer Boards?

Before delving into the selection process, let's first understand what tile backer boards are. Essentially, these are panels or sheets made from materials like cement, foam, or fibre cement, designed to provide a stable and supportive surface for tile installation. They serve as a substrate onto which tiles are adhered, offering protection against moisture, mould, and other potential damages.

Understanding Your Options

When selecting a tile backer board, consider factors such as the project's location, moisture levels, and the type of tiles you'll be installing. Here are some popular options to consider:

XPS Tile Backer Board

XPS Tile Backer Boards are constructed from extruded polystyrene foam, known for its high compressive strength and low thermal conductivity. This combination of properties makes XPS boards highly efficient in reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency in buildings. Whether you're insulating walls or floors, XPS insulation boards offer a reliable solution.

Premtool Tile Backer Board

Premtool Tile Backer Boards are the ultimate solution for flawless tiling installations. Engineered with exceptional strength, superior moisture resistance, effortless workability and coupled with their great value trade price, the Premtool Tile Backer Boards are extremely popular amongst both professional tilers and DIY'ers. Our collection of Premtool Backer Boards are available in 6mm, 10mm and 12mm, allowing you to tailor your selection to the unique demands of your project. These tile backer boards are not only easy to handle and cut but also contribute to thermal insulation and soundproofing, enhancing the overall comfort of your spaces.

Jackoboard

Jackoboard construction boards are specifically designed to thrive in areas where moisture resistance thermal insulation and durability are important considerations. Made from an extruded polystyrene foam, Jackoboard Plano Construction Boards are water-repellent and easy to work with. Finished on both sides with a special coating, they are ready to be tiled, rendered or plastered. Their excellent thermal insulation properties make them ideal for use as effective thermal insulation. The construction boards are perfectly suited for interior construction and furnishings, especially in rooms subject to high moisture levels.

Marmox Multiboard

Marmox multiboards are renowned for their versatility and durability. Composed of extruded polystyrene foam sandwiched between layers of fibreglass mesh and coated with a polymer-modified cementitious mortar, these boards offer exceptional waterproofing, insulation, and strength. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to handle and install, while their fire resistance adds an extra layer of safety to buildings. Ideal for tiling, waterproofing, insulation, and more, Marmox multiboards are a trusted choice for construction and renovation projects where reliability and performance are paramount.

Kerdi Board

Kerdi Boards are known for their exceptional waterproofing and tile installation properties. Made from extruded polystyrene foam, Kerdi Boards feature a unique waterproofing membrane on both sides, providing a watertight barrier that protects substrates from moisture damage. These boards are specifically designed for use in wet areas such as showers, bathrooms, and kitchens, where maintaining a waterproof environment is crucial. Kerdi Boards are lightweight, easy to cut, and handle, making them convenient for installation. They offer excellent insulation properties and serve as an ideal substrate for tile and stone installations. Their integrated vapour barrier ensures a long-lasting and durable tile assembly.

Wedi Board

Wedi Tile Backer Boards provide exceptional strength, excellent thermal insulation and moisture resistance, making them suitable for various applications, including wet rooms, bathrooms and shower areas. These boards are specifically engineered to provide a stable and waterproof substrate for tile installation, ensuring long-lasting results. The versatile tile backer boards can be easily cut and shaped to fit any area, allowing for seamless installation around corners, niches and other architectural features. Their lightweight construction makes them convenient to handle and install, reducing the time and effort required to complete your projects.

Fibre Cement Board

Fibre Cement Boards are versatile, well known for their durability, weather resistance, and versatility in construction applications. These boards are composed of a mixture of cement, cellulose fibres, and other additives. They come in various thicknesses and sizes, making them suitable for a wide range of uses. Fibre cement boards are popular for their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, fire, pests, and rot, making them an excellent choice for both residential and commercial projects.

Hardie Backer Board

Hardie Backer Boards have solidified their reputation as a go-to solution for creating the perfect tiling surface. Whether you're working with ceramic, porcelain, stone, or marble tiles, or on walls or floors, Hardie Backer Boards provide the ideal foundation for your tile installation projects. Designed to withstand the rigours of both residential and commercial applications, these backer boards offer unparalleled stability and support.

CemBacker Backer Board

These fibre cement boards are designed to deliver exceptional performance with their non-combustible and water-resistant protection properties, ensuring a long-lasting finish. CemBacker Backer Boards are engineered to provide superior stability, moisture resistance and hassle-free installation.

Aquapanel Board

Knauf Aquapanel Cement Boards are highly versatile boards, engineered specifically for wet area applications, providing exceptional waterproofing and stability for tile installations. Composed of cementitious core reinforced with glass mesh, Aquapanel boards offer superb strength and durability while remaining lightweight and easy to handle. They are designed to resist moisture, making them ideal for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas. Aquapanel boards ensure a reliable and long-lasting substrate for tile installations, offering peace of mind to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

XPS Tile Backer Board Vs Fibre Cement Board

Tile Backer Boards For Underfloor Heating

Warmup Insulation Boards are the perfect product if you are looking to improve the energy efficiency and insulation of your property. Our high-quality insulation boards provide an effective barrier against heat loss, helping to reduce your energy bills.

Adhesives to Use on Backer Boards

Choosing the right tile adhesive is crucial for ensuring proper tile adhesion to the backer board.

S1 Adhesive: Depending on the type of backer board and the conditions of your project, you may need to use an S1 rated adhesive which contains polymers for improved flexibility and adhesion, making it ideal for areas prone to moisture.

S2 Adhesive: An S2-rated adhesive is typically used for fixing tiles in areas where there is regular foot traffic, such as residential spaces or light commercial areas. It offers higher bond strength and flexibility compared to lower-rated adhesives, making it suitable for a wider range of tile types and substrates.

Epoxy Adhesive: For demanding applications or non-porous tiles, consider using epoxy adhesive such as Mapei Kerapoxy Adhesive. Epoxy provides exceptional bond strength and resistance to water, chemicals, and temperature fluctuations.

Why use different backer board thicknesses?

Tile Backer Board Fixings

Tile backer board adhesive is a specialised adhesive designed for securing tile backer boards to various substrates, such as walls, floors, or ceilings, before tiling. Adhesives such as Schluter KERDI-FIX, HardieFoam, Jackoboard Board-Fix and No More Ply Mega Strength Adhesive are formulated to provide strong adhesion and bond strength, ensuring that the backer boards remain firmly in place during the tile installation process and throughout their service life. This adhesive is essential for creating a stable and secure base for tile installations, helping to prevent tiles from loosening or shifting over time.

Tile Backer Board Tape is an essential component in ensuring the long-lasting integrity of your tiling projects. It plays a crucial role in preventing cracks and enhancing the stability of tile backer boards. When it comes to tile backer board installations, it's crucial to choose a tape that offers superior adhesion and durability. We also stock a range of Mesh Tapes that are engineered to withstand the stresses and movement that can occur over time, maintaining the integrity of your tiling work.

Tile Backer Board Washers are an essential component in securing and fastening tile backer boards to various surfaces, providing a solid foundation for your tile projects. Whether you're working with ceramic, porcelain, stone, or marble tiles, our Backer Board Washers are engineered to deliver exceptional under tile reliability.

Backer Board Screws are specially designed to provide secure fastenings for xps tile backer boards and fibre cement boards, ensuring your tile installations are sturdy and long-lasting. Our selection includes various types of screws suitable for different materials. Whether you're working with wood, cement board, or other substrates, we offer the perfect tile backer board screws to meet your specific project requirements.

Choosing the right tile backer board is essential for the success and longevity of your tiling project. By understanding the different types of backer boards available and considering factors such as moisture resistance and adhesive compatibility, you can ensure a durable and beautiful tiled surface that will stand the test of time.

For high-quality tile backer boards and a wide range of tiling tools and materials, speak to our experienced sales team today on 01604 859800. With our extensive selection and expert advice, you'll have everything you need to tackle your next tiling project with confidence.