If you’re planning a tile installation project, choosing the right cement backer board is critical for durability and moisture resistance. Whether you’re tiling a bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor area, your backer board serves as the foundation for your tiles—so picking the wrong one can lead to cracks, mold, or loose tiles over time.
The three most popular backer boards are:
✔ WonderBoard – A rugged cement board known for strength
✔ Durock – A versatile cement board with high moisture resistance
✔ HardieBacker – A fiber cement board that’s lightweight and easy to cut
Each has different strengths, weaknesses, and ideal uses. In this guide, we’ll compare WonderBoard vs. Durock vs. HardieBacker to help you choose the best option for your project.
What Is a Cement Backer Board?
A cement backer board is a tile substrate that provides stability, strength, and moisture resistance. It is used behind tile installations to prevent warping, rot, or movement.
🔹 Where is it used?
- Bathroom & shower walls
- Kitchen backsplashes
- Floors (to prevent tile cracking)
- Countertops
- Outdoor tiled areas
Why not drywall? Regular drywall absorbs moisture, which leads to mold, tile failure, and rot. Cement backer boards don’t break down in wet conditions, making them the best choice for tile projects.
WonderBoard vs. Durock vs. HardieBacker: Quick Comparison
| Feature | WonderBoard | Durock | HardieBacker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Cement & fiberglass mesh | Cement & polymer mesh | Cement & cellulose fibers |
| Weight | Heavy (3 lbs/sq ft) | Lighter (2.5 lbs/sq ft) | Lightest (2.6 lbs/sq ft) |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent (best for wet areas) | Excellent (water-durable) | Good (HydroDefense is waterproof) |
| Ease of Cutting | Hard to cut (crumbles easily) | Easier than WonderBoard | Easiest (score-and-snap method) |
| Best For | Showers, floors, and high-traffic areas | Indoor & outdoor use | DIY projects, walls, countertops |
| Price | 💲💲 (Affordable) | 💲💲 (Affordable) | 💲💲💲 (Slightly more expensive) |
WonderBoard: Strength and Durability
✅ Best for: Showers, high-traffic floors, and wet areas
WonderBoard is a tough, fiber-reinforced cement board that’s ideal for high-moisture and high-traffic areas. It’s more rugged than HardieBacker, making it perfect for showers and floors that need extra strength.
Pros of WonderBoard
✔ Extremely durable – Can handle heavy tile loads
✔ High moisture resistance – Ideal for wet areas like showers
✔ Affordable – Costs about $12-$15 per 3×5’ sheet
Cons of WonderBoard
❌ Hard to cut – Crumbles when scored, making it difficult for DIYers
❌ Heavy & rigid – Harder to handle and install than HardieBacker
💡 Best Use: If you’re tiling shower walls, wet areas, or heavy-use floors, WonderBoard is a great choice—but be prepared for a tougher installation process.
Durock: Versatile and Moisture-Resistant
✅ Best for: Indoor and outdoor projects
Durock is a cement board with polymer-coated fiberglass mesh. It’s easier to cut than WonderBoard and doesn’t crumble as much. Plus, it’s approved for exterior use, making it a great choice for outdoor tile projects.
Pros of Durock
✔ Easier to cut than WonderBoard – Can be scored and snapped
✔ Works for indoor & outdoor applications
✔ Affordable – Costs about $12-$16 per 3×5’ sheet
Cons of Durock
❌ Rough texture – Can make tile installation slightly harder
❌ Still heavier than HardieBacker
💡 Best Use: If you need a strong, water-resistant board that can be used indoors and outdoors, Durock is a great option.
HardieBacker: Lightweight & DIY-Friendly
✅ Best for: DIY projects, walls, and countertops
HardieBacker is a fiber cement board made with cement and cellulose fibers. It’s lighter, easier to cut, and smoother than WonderBoard and Durock, making it ideal for DIYers.
Pros of HardieBacker
✔ Lightweight & easy to handle – Best for DIYers
✔ Smooth surface – Makes tiling easier
✔ Easiest to cut – Score-and-snap method
Cons of HardieBacker
❌ Not as strong as WonderBoard or Durock – Less ideal for heavy floors
❌ More expensive – Costs about $14-$18 per 3×5’ sheet
💡 Best Use: If you’re a DIYer looking for an easy-to-install backer board, HardieBacker is the best option.
Which Cement Backer Board Should You Choose?
🏆 Best for Showers & Wet Areas: WonderBoard (Most moisture-resistant)
🏆 Best for Outdoor & Versatile Use: Durock (Indoor & outdoor projects)
🏆 Best for DIYers & Easy Installation: HardieBacker (Lightweight & easy to cut)
When to Choose Each One:
| Project Type | Best Backer Board |
|---|---|
| Shower walls | WonderBoard or Durock |
| Bathroom floors | WonderBoard or HardieBacker |
| Kitchen backsplash | HardieBacker |
| Countertops | HardieBacker |
| Outdoor tile | Durock |
| Heavy tile loads | WonderBoard |
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re a beginner or DIYer, HardieBacker is the easiest to install. If you’re doing a professional job in a wet area, WonderBoard or Durock are better choices.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
If you’re tiling a shower, bathroom, or outdoor area, choosing the right backer board is critical.
- Use WonderBoard for maximum durability in wet areas.
- Use Durock for versatility and outdoor applications.
- Use HardieBacker if you want the easiest installation.
No matter which you choose, proper installation (using thin-set mortar and mesh tape) will ensure your tiles stay secure for years.