Cement board is the superior choice for areas with high moisture, heavy tile, or direct water contact. Unlike drywall, it won't rot, degrade, or support mold growth when wet. However, it is heavier, more expensive, and difficult to finish for smooth, painted walls.
Yes, but only in specific moisture-prone areas, such as behind tile in showers or backsplashes. For regular living spaces, using cement board instead of drywall is not recommended due to its heavy weight, difficult finishing, poor insulating properties, and higher cost.
Cement backer board is much heavier than other materials such as drywall or plywood. This makes it more difficult to transport and install, especially for walls and ceilings. Because cement backer board is heavier, more support may be required during installation, increasing the overall labor and time.
Advantages of Drywall
Drywall is cheaper than cement board. This makes it a go-to choice for budget-friendly projects. Drywall provides a smooth finish to surfaces.
Screws are the superior and recommended choice for attaching cement board over nails. Screws provide superior holding power, resist pulling out under the weight of tile, and allow for controlled, flush countersinking without cracking the board.
Common Mistakes: How to Install Cement Board the Wrong Way
Most drywall screws typically lack the necessary corrosion-resistant coating and will deteriorate over time when used with cement boards.
The absolute cheapest wall coverings are standard drywall (for unfinished walls) and peel-and-stick wallpaper or paint (for existing walls). These options minimize material waste and labor costs, typically ranging from $0.30 to $1.50 per square foot depending on the brand and volume.
Cement board is moisture resistant, but it is not waterproof. Without a dedicated waterproofing layer, moisture can pass through seams, fasteners, and the board itself, eventually reaching the structure behind it.
Drywall alternatives like plywood, plaster, and shiplap provide options for those seeking unique aesthetics or improved functionality in wall finishes. While drywall is affordable, easy to repair, and fire-resistant, these materials offer benefits that might better suit specific needs.
Typically, the smooth side is used for mastic applications of tile; the rough side for mortar applications.
Cement backer boards (CBU) are not waterproof or water resistant. You will need to use an ANSI A118. 10 waterproofing membrane on top.
One of the biggest issues with fiber cement is its reaction to temperature changes. Like many building materials, it expands in the heat and contracts in the cold. Over time, this constant movement can cause stress, leading to cracks in the boards. This is especially true in climates with dramatic seasonal shifts.
Yes, you can absolutely paint cement board (like Hardie board, Durock, or Hardiebacker). Because it is porous and highly alkaline, it requires proper preparation and specific products to ensure the paint adheres correctly and lasts for years.
"The cement board is for the tile mortar to stick to, and is an excellent bond. The drywall is for the wall integrity, because it's stiff. Cement board is actually cement, but it's not strong. Putting tile directly on green board is when short cuts are chosen.
Cement boards (e.g., HardieBacker, Durock) are water-resistant but not completely waterproof. To prevent moisture and mold from penetrating the wall cavity or subfloor, you must use a liquid-applied waterproofing membrane or a surface sealer.
Both HardieBacker (often called Hardie Board) and Durock are excellent cement backer boards used beneath tile. HardieBacker is lighter, cuts cleanly, and has higher compressive strength. Durock, made of Portland cement and reinforced with fiberglass mesh, is heavier but excels in moisture resistance.
Fiber cement siding is one of the most durable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting siding materials available. With a lifespan of 50 to 100 years, it outperforms other siding options in terms of longevity, resistance to damage, and overall value.
14 Best Drywall Alternatives for Your Walls
Transforming your walls doesn't have to break the bank. The cheapest, most impactful options include peel-and-stick vinyl wallpaper, large-format wall tapestries, budget-friendly faux wood paneling, or simply applying a fresh coat of paint.
The cheapest way to panel a wall is to install DIY faux paneling using pre-cut MDF strips or cheap 4x8-foot hardboard/plywood sheets. Instead of paying for expensive prefabricated plank or slat wall kits, you buy large sheets and cut them yourself, which can cost as little as $15 to $50 depending on the wall size.
Cement board should typically be screwed every 8 inches along all studs for walls and floors. For ceilings, increase the frequency to every 6 inches. Screws should be placed 3/8 to 1/2 inch from edges and 2 inches from corners.
To tape cement board seams for tiling, use an alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh tape (never standard drywall tape) and thin-set mortar. Apply the self-adhesive tape over all joints and corners, then press a thin, flat layer of thin-set over the mesh to embed it and fill the gaps.
Better Adhesion
Plywood is porous, and not designed for use with most of today's latex-based thinset mortars. Cement backerboard is designed specifically for this use. You get a smoother application, and better adhesion so your tile job is less likely to fail when the backerboard is made of cement.