PermaBASE PLUS 3-ft x 5-ft x 1/2-in Waterproof Cement Backer Board 1.0 Sheets

Charlotte Wood Middle School, Danville, California

It was 1991, and our company was framing the entire middle school. The Charlotte Wood Middle School was built out of Douglas Fir Lumber, Pressure Treated Plates, and different kinds of Plywood. I negotiated a contract with a lumber mill in Oregon to provide all the dimensional lumber for the project. I had lumber being delivered from their mill for months. GREAT PROJECT! Rick Aguilar - Cost Estimator

Overview

• What It Is

• PermaBASE PLUS 3-ft x 5-ft x 1/2-in Waterproof Cement Backer Board

  • Size & Dimensions:
    – 3 feet x 5 feet
    – 1/2 inch thickness
    – Standard panel size, easy to handle and install

  • Material:
    – Cement backer board reinforced with fiberglass mesh
    – Designed for strength, durability, and moisture resistance

  • Waterproof Protection:
    – Provides a waterproof barrier behind tile installations
    – Prevents water damage to structural framing and substrates

  • Applications:
    – Ideal for wet areas such as showers, tub surrounds, and bathrooms
    – Suitable for countertops, floors, and wall tile underlayment

  • Installation Benefits:
    – Lightweight compared to traditional cement boards
    – Easy to cut and fasten with standard tools
    – Tapered edges for smooth joints and better tile adhesion

  • Performance:
    – Mold and mildew resistant
    – Dimensionally stable (doesn’t warp, swell, or disintegrate when exposed to water)
    – Provides a solid, durable base for ceramic tile, stone, and other finishes

  • Quantity:
    – Sold as 1.0 sheet (covers 15 square feet per board)

  Key Features & Performance

  🔑 Key Features

  • Waterproof Design – Protects walls and floors in wet areas from water intrusion.

  • Durable Cement Core – Strong, stable base reinforced with fiberglass mesh for added strength.

  • Lightweight & Easy to Handle – Easier to cut, carry, and install compared to traditional cement board.

  • Mold & Mildew Resistant – Inhibits growth for healthier, longer-lasting tile installations.

  • Smooth Surface with Tapered Edges – Provides tight, clean joints for improved tile adhesion.

  • Versatile Applications – Suitable for walls, floors, countertops, tub surrounds, and shower enclosures.

  ⚙️ Performance

  • Moisture Protection – Will not rot, warp, or deteriorate when exposed to water.

  • Dimensional Stability – Maintains integrity under tile, stone, or other finishes without swelling or buckling.

  • Load Bearing Strength – Supports heavy tile and natural stone without flexing.

  • Long-Lasting Reliability – Extends the life of tile installations by safeguarding against water damage.

  • Professional Grade – Meets industry standards for performance in wet and high-moisture environments.

  Best Uses:

  • 🛠️ Best Uses

    • Showers & Tub Surrounds – Provides a waterproof and mold-resistant base for tile in high-moisture areas.

    • Bathroom Walls & Floors – Ensures long-lasting protection beneath ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile.

    • Kitchen Countertops & Backsplashes – Creates a stable, moisture-resistant surface for tile installations.

    • Laundry & Utility Rooms – Protects against leaks and humidity in water-prone spaces.

    • Fireplace Surrounds – Withstands heat and provides a solid base for stone or tile finishes.

    • Commercial & Residential Projects – Ideal for both home renovations and professional building applications.

    • 🚫 Not Recommended For

      • Direct Exposure to the Elements – Not designed for exterior siding or applications exposed to continuous weather.

      • Structural Support – Should not be used as a load-bearing element; it’s a substrate, not a framing material.

      • Unfinished Surfaces – Do not leave exposed; must be covered with tile, stone, or another finish.

      • Steam Rooms or Saunas – Continuous high-heat and vapor conditions may exceed product limits unless additional waterproofing is applied.

      • Non-Tile Finishes – Not intended for paint, wallpaper, or other non-tile applications without proper treatment.

  Practical Project Ideas for Homeowners:

  • 🏡 Practical Project Ideas

    • Shower Remodel
      – Replace old drywall with a waterproof backer board for a tiled shower enclosure that resists mold and moisture.

    • Bathtub Surround Upgrade
      – Create a durable base for decorative tile or stone around the tub, adding both style and long-term protection.

    • Bathroom Floor Reinforcement
      – Lay PermaBASE under ceramic or porcelain floor tile to prevent cracking and water damage.

    • Kitchen Backsplash
      – Install as a sturdy, moisture-resistant substrate behind sinks and cooktops before adding tile.

    • Laundry Room Waterproofing
      – Use as a tile underlayment on floors and walls where leaks or humidity are common.

    • Outdoor Kitchen or BBQ Island (Sheltered Areas)
      – Line counters and prep spaces in covered patios with cement board before tiling for durability.

    • Fireplace Surround Makeover
      – Provide a heat- and moisture-resistant surface for stone or tile around indoor fireplaces.

    • Custom Countertops
      – Use as a foundation for tiled countertops in bathrooms, workshops, or outdoor bar setups (protected from direct weather).

• Why Choose - PermaBASE PLUS 3-ft x 5-ft x 1/2-in Waterproof Cement Backer Board?

  • • Proven Moisture Protection
      – Unlike drywall or greenboard, PermaBASE PLUS is fully waterproof and mold resistant, ensuring long-term durability in wet areas.

    • Strength with Ease
      – Reinforced with fiberglass mesh for toughness, yet lighter and easier to cut, carry, and install than traditional cement boards.

    • Superior Tile Support
      – Provides a solid, stable surface that prevents tile cracking, lifting, or warping over time — even with heavy stone.

    • Trusted for Wet Environments
      – Built to perform in showers, tub surrounds, laundry rooms, and other high-humidity spaces.

    • Professional & DIY Friendly
      – Meets industry standards for contractors while still being manageable for homeowners tackling their own projects.

    • Versatility
      – Ideal for walls, floors, countertops, and even fireplace surrounds — one board for multiple applications.

    • Peace of Mind
      – Helps protect your investment in tile and stone finishes by safeguarding the structure underneath.

  When This Board Really Shines

  • In Wet Areas – Perfect behind showers, tub surrounds, and bathroom walls where moisture protection is critical.

  • Under Heavy Tile or Stone – Provides the strength and stability needed to support larger, heavier finishes without flexing.

  • During Remodels – Lightweight design makes it easier to cut, carry, and install compared to traditional cement boards, saving time and effort.

  • For Long-Term Durability – Outlasts drywall, greenboard, and other substrates that break down with water exposure.

  • In Multi-Surface Projects – Excels as a versatile base for floors, walls, countertops, and fireplace surrounds, reducing the need for multiple materials.

  • For DIY Homeowners – Tapered edges, smooth surface, and easy handling make it friendly for first-time tile installers.

  • In High-Humidity Rooms – Ideal for laundry rooms, utility rooms, or anywhere condensation and humidity can damage ordinary wallboard.

Ask Rick, example:“What’s the best Gypsum Board for this application? or “ When should I use fire-rated (Type X) drywall?”

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