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At a Glance
Why Choose This Product
Resists water absorption throughout the panel
Modified cement coating provides a bonding surface for tile, stone, glass, and mosaics
Adds strength and stability to the lightweight foam panel
Weighs less and is easier to position than traditional cement backer board
Cuts with common tools and can be shaped around inside or outside corners
Supports standard shower walls, transitions, and custom building applications
Product Information
HYDRO-BLOK® Backer Board combines waterproofing and a tile substrate in one lightweight panel for shower walls, ceilings, tub surrounds, and other wet or dry installations. Its XPS foam core is waterproof throughout the panel, supporting a complete waterproof wall assembly when seams and penetrations are properly sealed.
Fiberglass mesh and a modified cement coating cover the foam core, adding strength and providing a reliable bonding surface. These waterproof wall panels support ceramic and porcelain tile, natural stone, glass, and mosaic finishes for residential and commercial tile installations.
The foam-core construction is easier to carry, cut, and position than traditional cementitious backer board. Panels can be custom cut and shaped around inside or outside corners, helping installers create clean wall layouts and transitions with less effort. Multiple thicknesses accommodate standard shower walls and custom building applications.
Common Questions
HYDRO-BLOK Backer Board is designed as a tile substrate for shower walls, ceilings, tub surrounds, and other wet or dry wall applications. Its waterproof construction makes it suitable for tiled areas exposed to moisture, while the cement-coated faces support tile, stone, glass, and mosaic finishes.
The XPS foam core is 100% waterproof throughout the panel. Cutting the panel does not change the waterproof nature of its foam core, but seams, corners, fasteners, and penetrations must be sealed with approved HYDRO-BLOK materials to complete a waterproof shower wall assembly.
The modified cement coating provides a bonding surface for ceramic and porcelain tile, natural stone, glass tile, and mosaics. Select setting materials appropriate for both the chosen finish and the installation environment, and follow current HYDRO-BLOK and setting-material manufacturer requirements.
Each panel has a 100% waterproof XPS foam core covered with fiberglass mesh and a modified cement coating. The foam keeps the board lightweight, the mesh reinforces the panel, and the cement-coated exterior creates a strong surface for bonding tile and other compatible finishes.
HYDRO-BLOK Backer Board can be cut with a utility knife, hand saw, or small circular saw. Panels may be custom cut and scored to bend around inside or outside corners, making them useful for transitions and custom wall layouts. Resulting joints must be sealed as required.
The panels must be mechanically secured with approved HYDRO-BLOK washers and screws. The washers distribute fastening pressure across the panel, while the matching screws anchor the board to the framing. Fastener locations and exposed hardware must be sealed according to current HYDRO-BLOK installation instructions.
HYDRO-BLOK offers backer board thicknesses from 1/4" through 2", with panel dimensions varying by thickness. Available formats include 3' × 5', 3' × 4', 4' × 5', and approximately 4' × 5.3'. Select the thickness and dimensions required for the specific wall, ceiling, or custom-building application.
Unlike traditional cementitious backer board, HYDRO-BLOK uses a waterproof foam core beneath reinforced cement-coated faces. This construction makes the panels easier to carry and cut while combining the tile substrate and waterproof panel field in one product. Seams and penetrations still require approved sealing materials.
