
Can Durock cement board be used outside?
USG Durock® cement board is intended for use with tile, thin brick and exterior stucco coatings only. It can be used on the exterior of buildings as a base for exterior plaster (stucco) systems and sometimes as the finish system itself.
Can hardibacker be used outside?
There are a few key things that make HardieBacker board different from Durock. It should be noted that HardieBacker is approved only for internal use and should never be used outside. Durock can be used for both internal and external situations. Durock is a reliable cement product that contains glass mesh.
Does hardibacker need waterproofing?
Does Hardie board need waterproofing? Concrete backer-board, once commonly referred to in the field by the brand name Wonderboard (r), is a cement product designed as a sheathing material for walls and floors. Most concrete backer-boards on the market today are not water-resistant, but all are waterproof. Click to see full answer.
Can you use cement board outside?
It is a common misconception that cement boards are only intended for indoor use. In fact, cement boards can serve as an excellent substrate for a variety of outdoor applications, including stucco, tile, thin brick, porcelain tile, soffit panels, outdoor grills and kitchens, adhered stone veneer, and more.
What is an ANSI 118.1?
What is the minimum subfloor thickness for a hardiebacker?
What kind of knife do you use to cut a hardiebacker board?
What is modified thinset?
Can you use structural adhesive on a hardiebacker board?
Can you use liquid nails on tile?
Can you use 1/4" cement board in a shower?
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How do you install Hardie board indoors?
1:543:56How to Install HardieBacker Cement Board on Walls - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKeep fasteners 3/8 inch from board edges and two inches in from sheet corners. Set fastener headsMoreKeep fasteners 3/8 inch from board edges and two inches in from sheet corners. Set fastener heads flush with the surface.
Is Hardie board toxic?
HardiePlank® siding is made from natural and sustainable raw materials: cement, sand, wood fiber, and water. It has no asbestos, glass fibers, or formaldehyde, which makes it a safe building product as well. The materials are low in toxicity; therefore, it does not harm the environment.
Can I use cement board instead of drywall?
While you can use cement board instead of drywall, it's not always practical. For starters, cement board is 2-3 times the cost of drywall. It's also harder to find cement boards in the larger 4 x 8' sheets. Cement board does have its place, though, and is very useful for high moisture rooms.
What are the cons of Hardie board?
Hardie board is close, but the one drawback of Hardie board siding is upfront costs. This material is heavier than vinyl, which means installation requires more labor and specialized installation. The material itself is also more costly than most vinyl options.
Is there asbestos in Hardie board?
Today's James Hardie products do not contain asbestos.
Is Hardie board the same as cement board?
The James Hardie brand produces high-quality fiber cement siding products, often called Hardie Board or HardiePlank. These terms are often interchanged with fiber cement. However, these brand name James Hardie products typically cost more than lower grade siding.
Can you use cement board as wall?
Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: Flooring: For ceramic tile floors, the cement board usually rests on a plywood subfloor (minimum 5/8-inch-thick exterior-grade plywood or OSB).
Can cement board be used without tile?
Cement backer board is often used as a tile base on plywood or OSB subfloor. Cement backer board on concrete as a subfloor or underlayment is usually not recommended or needed. In most cases, you can apply tile directly to the concrete.
Is cement board stronger than drywall?
When comparing Sheetrock vs Cement Board for Durability, the conclusion is: Impact Strength: Cement Board is better than Sheetrock. Fire Resistance: Both are extremely good. Moisture Resistance: Cement Board is better than Sheetrock.
Does Hardie board break easily?
Hardie siding is waterproof, fire resistant, and pest and insect resistant, which means that not only will the siding last, but it will protect the interior of your home for longer, without warping or breaking.
What causes Hardie board to crack?
Common Causes For Hardie Board Cracking Or Splitting Nails driven below the panel surface and directional nailing can cause cracking and splitting of fiber cement. Nailing too high or close at an edge. This can create a small crack which leads from the nail to the edge of the siding board. House Settling or moving.
How long does Hardie board last?
50 yearsHardie Board siding is a greater financial investment than vinyl siding, but it lasts longer too. So as you consider this aspect of your decision, realize you will enjoy this outstanding siding for up to 50 years.
Is cement backer board toxic?
Using a handheld circular saw to cut fiber‑cement board can generate respirable crystalline silica dust. When inhaled over time, the small particles of silica can irreversibly damage the lungs.
Is Fibre cement board toxic?
Toxicology Information Summary: Fibre cement is non-toxic in its intact form. The following applies to respirable dust that may be generated during cutting, rebating, drilling, routing, sawing, crushing or otherwise abrading fibre cement.
What is Hardie board made of?
Hardie Board siding is a super durable siding product from the James Hardie company that looks amazing, is long-lasting, and comes with a fabulous warranty. It's made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers which combine to create an outstanding material to both protect and beautify homes.
What was the main problem with fiber cement board siding?
Fiber Cement is Difficult to Install Cutting fiber cement siding generates respirable crystalline silica, a known human carcinogen. Inhaling too much silica can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD.
Siding Installation & Technical Docs | James Hardie Pros
Hardie™ Architectural Collection: Hardie® Plank: Hardie® Shingle: Hardie® Panel: Hardie® Trim: Hardie® Soffit: Hardie® Backer Board
Pros, Cons, & Costs of Hardie Board Siding - HomeAdvisor
The Cost. Hardie board siding runs about $0.70 to $5.25 per square foot.This could lead to a total cost of anywhere from $4,700 to $13,300.Why such a huge flux in the price range? You have to consider the amount of siding you’ll need, how long it will take and any additional fees for equipment and materials.
Installation Guide - James Hardie Pros
English | 2 FLOOR INSTALLATION (Interior Application Only) ®We recommend 1/4 in HardieBacker board for floor applications, unless 1/2 in thickness is needed for transition.
What is hardboard siding?
Hardboard, or fiberboard as it's also known, is a smooth, dense, engineered wood product similar to particleboard. When manufactured as siding, hardboard is typically constructed in plank form with a wood-grained veneer to give it the appearance of solid wood. Whether you have a bit of new hardboard leftover after siding your home’s exterior ...
How to prepare wood for sanding?
To prepare the wood, carefully sand down the old finish without removing the decorative grain. Because your product may contain silica, wear a dust mask or use a respirator as instructed by the manufacturer when sanding or cutting hardboard to avoid inhaling the dust.
What is recycled siding?
Recycled siding can accent the home’s interior as a paneled ceiling or a chair rail and lower paneling. For the home with high or vaulted ceilings, a tongue-and-groove wood surface overhead adds warmth and character.
Can weathered hardboard be used as siding?
Weathered hardboard that has lost its integrity or durability as siding and most of its color can find its place as rustic, decorative moldings indoors. When used as flooring trim along the bottom of your walls, faded wood-grain siding can hide scuff marks and lend an earthy touch.
Who is Lorna Hordos?
Lorna Hordos is a home-flipping business owner and freelance writer. She writes friendly, conversational business, home and lifestyle articles for Bizfluent, azcentral, Daltile, Marazzi, Lowes, Philips Lighting, WordPress.com and numerous other publications.
What is a Hardie Board Siding?
The term “Hardie Board” is used to describe a cement board siding manufactured by James Hardie. It is typically gray in color, but it can be painted any color desired.
What Is Fiber Cement Siding?
Fiber cement siding is a specially engineered product that looks like wood, but it is made from cement and various types of other materials.
How is Hardie Board Siding Manufactured?
James Hardie manufactures their products by combining cement, sand, cellulose fibers and mineral pigments with water.
How Much Does James Hardie Siding Cost?
Hardie Plank siding is more expensive than other types of siding but it’s worth the investment. Hardie Plank costs anywhere between $0.80 and $6.00 per square foot.
Is it Safe to Install Hardie On Your Own?
The sales for James Hardie siding have increased due to more people wanting replacement windows for their homes. The reason is because of its superior good looks, durability and energy efficiency.
How can I hire someone with the correct qualifications?
You should ask for references from their previous customers that can testify as to his or her skill set, their work et hic and reliability.
What Nails to Use for Hardie Board Siding Installation?
The most commonly recommended type of nail is a ring shanked, smooth shank or plastic coated smooth shank nail.
What are the pros and cons of hardie board siding?
Hardie Board Siding: The Pros 1 Longevity: Most hardie board siding comes with a 50-year, limited transferable warranty. This siding is completely rot and insect resistant and can even handle salt spray from the ocean. 2 Appearance: Hardie board siding can be made to mimic just about any other siding material, including wood lap boards, cedar shingles, and wood shake siding. Color options are virtually unlimited. These colors are accompanied by a 15 year warranty on the finish. 3 Fire Resistance: Hardie board siding is 90 percent sand and cement which makes it fire-resistant. Case in point, a St. Paul Minnesota house fire torched two fire trucks parked 60 feet away, but the cement board siding home next door, 50 feet away, remained unscathed. 4 Storm Resistance: Whether you’re looking for a siding material that can withstand the next Katrina, or one that can fend off the next summer hailstorm without sustaining damage, cement board siding is a proven commodity in the weather department.
How much does siding cost per square foot?
Hardie board siding runs about $0.70 to $5.25 per square foot. This could lead to a total cost of anywhere from $4,700 to $13,300. Why such a huge flux in the price range? You have to consider the amount of siding you’ll need, how long it will take and any additional fees for equipment and materials. However, if the pros speak to you more than the cons, the price doesn’t matter that much.
How long does hardie board last?
Longevity: Most hardie board siding comes with a 50-year, limited transferable warranty. This siding is completely rot and insect resistant and can even handle salt spray from the ocean.
Why don't woodpeckers peck on board?
Because the board is cement, bugs do not nest in it, and woodpeckers don’t peck it.
Is hardie board siding affordable?
This siding seems to be a rising trend in the industry lately. It’s a product that lasts, comes in a wide variety of textures and colors, and it’s affordable. The benefits extend beyond those factors, and when it comes to hardie board siding, there is a long list of pros.
Can Hardie siding be installed?
If the proper installation techniques are met, Hardie siding can be installed safely. Check out the James Hardie website for installation best practices.
Is hardie board siding maintenance free?
First of all, because of its weight, the siding requires more resources to install than other siding materials. Second, it’s not a maintenance-free siding material. You will have to repaint it in time. High Installation and Labor Costs: Hardie board siding requires more planning, a larger labor force, and takes longer to install due ...
What is fibre cement?
Fibre cement Internal linings are a durable and stable alternative to plasterboard and grooved MDF. Fibre cement wall sheets provide interior design versatility, while Villaboard sheets can be painted, wall-papered or tiled to achieve an aesthetically pleasing finish. Villaboard sheets also have the advantage of featuring a rebated long edge which require a set joint to create long, seamless walls. James Hardie HardieGroove panels create the look of painted vertical joint timber paneling without the hassle of natural timber, which can shrink, swell and warp leading to cracked paint.
What is axon cladding?
Axon cladding is a vertically grooved fibre cement sheet which can be used as an alternative to HardieGroove lining. Axon cladding's grooves are slightly wider apart (133mm instead of 100mm) and the wide groove has a more subtle shadow line than the V-groove of HardieGroove.
What is James Hardie's internal lining?
Being lightweight with the ease of being installed direct to frame, James Hardie’s internal linings are also used for ceilings, eaves and soffits. James Hardie's Fibre Cement (FC) internal linings are known for their durability. They're resistant to termites, fire rot and damage from moisture.
What is a sandbox resistant to?
They're resistant to termites, fire rot and damage from moisture. They're ideal for wet areas such as a laundries, kitchens, ensuite bathrooms and main bathrooms excluding shower recesses.
How To Install Hardie Board: A Step-by- Step Guide
Are you building your dream house and want to choose the perfect siding for your home? Your current siding may have started to wear down, or has been damaged, and you want to install new sidings to give your home an impeccable overall exterior.
What Is Hardie Board Siding?
Hardie board is a beautiful and durable exterior product that can last for decades if properly installed. Hardie boards are made up of cement fibers, in which cement is combined with sand, water, and cellulose wood fiber to create a long-lasting material to protect and beautify homes.
Why Choose Hardie Board over Other Types of Sidings
One of the most important home improvements you need to make every 20 or 30 years is changing or updating your sidings to add value to your home. Installing sidings can be expensive, so you want to ensure that your sidings are installed properly.
How to Know Your Home Needs New Siding?
If your sidings have been installed for many years, and now their boards or panels are coming off, repairing them would probably not be the right solution. So, to prevent further damage to the house, it would be better to install new Hardie board sidings that add durability to your house’s foundation.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Hardie Board Siding?
Hardie boards are a popular choice for homeowners due its easy maintenance and protection. However, every product comes with its pros and cons.
Things to Consider Before Installing Hardie Board
Hardie boards are heavy and difficult to install. Before you begin installing Hardie board, you must take the following safety precautions:
INSTALLATION OF HARDIE BOARD SIDING: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
For Hardie boards to last long and look beautiful, these boards must be installed correctly. If not installed properly, they can look uneven on the walls and are more susceptible to damage. Here is a step-to-step guide to ensure a smooth installation process:
What happens if the Hardie board gets wet?
Excess water is detrimental for Hardie boards. Delamination occurs as the water gets inside layers and weakens the glue.
Does Hardie board need sealing?
Generally, Hardie boards do not require sealing. The boards are water-resistant enough to live for years enduring storms and rains. But the places that come with constant contact with water need sealing like using Hardie boards in showers or indoors will require sealing.
Can Hardie board be used outside?
Yes, Hardie boards are absolutely fine to use outside. Hardie board sidings can withstand any sort of weather condition. They are best known for their persistent durability across harsh climates.
How to maintain Hardie plank siding?
Lower maintenance cost is one of their significant advantages. But you still have to maintain Hardie plank sidings to maintain the beauty and value of your house.
How long can Hardie board go unpainted?
There is no hard and fast rule on painting Hardie boards. Painting depends on the location of the house and weather conditions. A higher amount of rain and little shades will cause the surface to deteriorate soon.
What is an ANSI 118.1?
Unmodified thinset (ANSI 118.1) or acrylic modified thinset (ANSI 118.4) is specified between the HardieBacker board and the subfloor to eliminate any deviations between our product and the subfloor. This decreases the probability of popping or cracking tiles due to deflection and air pockets.
What is the minimum subfloor thickness for a hardiebacker?
The minimum subfloor specified is 5/8" exterior grade plywood or 23/32'' exterior grade OSB subflooring. HardieBacker board must be installed in accordance with local building codes and the floor must be engineered not to exceed the L/360 deflection criteria, including live and dead design loads, for the specific joist spacing used. HardieBacker board is not designed for use over concrete.
What kind of knife do you use to cut a hardiebacker board?
HardieBacker board may be cut with a carbide-tipped scoring knife (found at Home Depot® and Lowe's® Home Improvement stores), utility knife, or cutting shears (manual, electric or pneumatic). If you use a grinder be sure to cut outside and use a dust reducing circular saw with a Diablo® HardieBlade™ circular saw for more protection use a HEPA vacuum extraction.
What is modified thinset?
The modified thinset used with our product is a fortified cement-based mortar and should specifically conform to ANSI (American National Standards Institute) A 118.4. The thinset can be fortified in a pre-mixed powder form or with a liquid additive.
Can you use structural adhesive on a hardiebacker board?
Where HardieBacker board is being installed directly to wood or metal framing, the use of a structural adhesive in addition to mechanical fastening can be used. However, the board must be forced into the structural adhesive almost immediately upon application to insure that no ridge or crown is formed. The creation of a crown or ridge will result in an additional thickness of mortar being applied to fill in the valley created by the crown. This will require a longer curing time and result in a weaker bond between the tile and the mortar and the underlayment. The use of a structural adhesive does not result in fewer fasteners being required.
Can you use liquid nails on tile?
No. Where HardieBacker board is being installed over a code-complying subfloor for the attachment of tile, the board is installed over a 3/32''-1/4'' thick bed of bonding mortar and then nailed down. ''Liquid Nails'' is not a bonding mortar. It is a structural adhesive generally used to bond the subfloor to the floor joists just prior to nailing. It creates a very solid joint between the surface of the floor joist and the subfloor and aids in reducing floor squeak. The properties of Liquid Nails are such that it is applied via a tube in the form of a bead-like caulking. It is not trowelable like a mortar and therefore results in high ridges with unsupported areas that can deflect under load, resulting in cracked tile.
Can you use 1/4" cement board in a shower?
Yes, HardieBacker 1/4'' cement board may be used in a shower. However, we recommend HardieBacker 500 if you need to make a smooth transition to drywall. The board must be mechanically fastened every 8'' on center to the wood or metal studs spaced a maximum of 16'' on center.

Hardie Board Siding: The Pros
The Cons
- What’s not to like about hardie board siding? Two things stand out. First of all, because of its weight, the siding requires more resources to install than other siding materials. Second, it’s not a maintenance-free siding material. You will have to repaint it in time. 1. High Installation and Labor Costs: Hardie board siding requires more planning...
The Cost
- Hardie board siding runs about $0.70 to $5.25 per square foot. This could lead to a total cost of anywhere from $4,700 to $13,300. Why such a huge flux in the price range? You have to consider the amount of siding you’ll need, how long it will take and any additional fees for equipment and materials. However, if the pros speak to you more than the cons, the price doesn’t matter that m…
Local Considerations
- The costs and benefits of hardie board siding will vary based on your climate, number of contractors, demand and materials. You should always consult with 3-4 professionals before hiring one. You don’t want to get a hardie board siding installation that needs constant repair. On the other hand, you don’t want to pay too much or additional fees that are unwarranted.
80 Comments
- Jason, May 9: 10$ a sq ft is only to buy and install not the removal of the old hardy board? Is that right .
- Jason, May 9: 600sq ft of hardy board with the highest part 36 ft high. What is a fair price for removal and replace. Basically the whole job. Time and material and dumping?
- Marie Walker, May 10: We are looking to buy a new home in Texas and most of the new cons…
- Jason, May 9: 10$ a sq ft is only to buy and install not the removal of the old hardy board? Is that right .
- Jason, May 9: 600sq ft of hardy board with the highest part 36 ft high. What is a fair price for removal and replace. Basically the whole job. Time and material and dumping?
- Marie Walker, May 10: We are looking to buy a new home in Texas and most of the new construction say they use fiber cement for siding, just wanted to know if it was a good product. Thank you helped.
- James Hardie, May 10: You’re welcome!