What is a Cement Board?
Cement board is a building material made of a mixture of glass fibers and cement, usually formed into 4 by 8 foot sheets, 1/4 or 1/2 inch thick. It is typically used as a backing for tiled walls and floors, or on the exterior of buildings. If used on building exteriors, cement board may either be stuccoed, or simply painted as the final exterior surface. While cement board is rigid and very strong and can be cut to desired sizes, because it is cement-based the cutting tools and saws need to be carbide-tipped. Further, regular wood drills will not work; metal drills will be needed to bore holes. Unlike sheet rock or paper-backed gypsum board, when attached to studs, floors or exterior walls cement board forms a strong, impact-resistant surface, strengthening the structure it is attached to. Common, or regular, cement board is water resistant, though not actually waterproof. It is often used in bathrooms as a backing for sink, tub and shower tiles. This board is constructed of a gypsum-b
