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 UltraBacker 3-ft x 5-ft x 1/4-in Waterproof Cement Backer Board

  • Brand & Type: PermaBASE UltraBacker – waterproof cement backer board

  • Dimensions: 3 ft (width) x 5 ft (length) x 1/4 in (thickness)

  • Coverage: 15 sq. ft. per sheet (single board = 1.0 sheet)

  • Material: Cement board reinforced with lightweight foam core and fiberglass mesh for added strength

  • Primary Use: Provides a stable, moisture-resistant underlayment for tile installation

  • Waterproofing: Engineered to resist water damage, mold, and mildew

  • Applications: Ideal for wet areas such as showers, tub surrounds, countertops, and backsplashes

  • Durability: Strong, rigid, and resistant to warping, swelling, or deterioration from moisture exposure

  • Ease of Installation:

    • Lighter and easier to cut than traditional cement board

    • Can be scored and snapped with a utility knife

    • Compatible with thin-set mortars and tile adhesives

  • Additional Benefits: Helps extend the life of tile installations by protecting against substrate movement and water penetration

  Key Features & Performance

  🔑 Key Features

  • Waterproof Core: Built to resist water damage, mold, and mildew in wet environments.

  • Lightweight Design: Up to 20% lighter than traditional cement boards for easier handling.

  • Durable Construction: Cement and fiberglass mesh reinforcement for strength and stability.

  • Easy to Cut & Install: Can be scored and snapped with a utility knife—no special tools required.

  • Tile-Ready Surface: Provides a smooth, stable base for tile applications.

  • Versatile Applications: Ideal for showers, tub surrounds, kitchen backsplashes, countertops, and floors.

  • Consistent Thickness: Ensures even tile installation and minimizes lippage.

  ⚙️ Performance

  • Moisture Resistance: Maintains structural integrity in wet areas, preventing warping or swelling.

  • Mold & Mildew Protection: Inorganic materials help block fungal growth.

  • Dimensional Stability: Holds shape under heat, humidity, and tile load.

  • Impact Resistance: Stronger than drywall or fiber cement backers.

  • Longevity: Extends the life of tile installations by protecting against substrate movement and water intrusion.

  Best Uses:

  • 🛠️ Best Uses

    • Showers & Tub Surrounds
      Creates a durable, waterproof surface behind tile in bathrooms, preventing moisture damage.

    • Kitchen Backsplashes
      Provides a stable, mold-resistant base for tile installations behind sinks and cooking areas.

    • Countertops
      Ideal under tile countertops, ensuring strength and long-lasting support.

    • Floors in Wet Areas
      Perfect for laundry rooms, bathrooms, and entryways where water exposure is common.

    • Fireplace Surrounds
      Heat-resistant and stable, making it a safe substrate for tiling around fireplaces.

    • Commercial Applications
      Suitable for high-traffic or high-moisture areas such as locker rooms, spas, and kitchens.

    • 🚫 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 Renovation
      Line shower walls with UltraBacker as a waterproof tile-ready surface for a spa-like upgrade.

    • Tub Surround Makeover
      Replace old drywall or damaged backer with UltraBacker to protect against long-term water damage.

    • Kitchen Backsplash
      Install behind decorative tile to create a durable, water-resistant backsplash that handles splashes and steam.

    • Outdoor Kitchen or Bar
      Use as a base for tile or stone veneer in an outdoor cooking space, thanks to its moisture resistance.

    • Laundry Room Wall Protection
      Add behind tile in laundry rooms to guard against humidity, leaks, and spills.

    • Fireplace Surround
      Install around a fireplace as a heat-safe, stable foundation for tile or stone finishes.

    • Bathroom Countertops
      Reinforce under tile countertops for strength and long-term performance.

    • Entryway or Mudroom Flooring
      Use as an underlayment beneath tile in high-traffic, moisture-prone areas.

• Why Choose - PermaBASE PLUS 3-ft x 5-ft x 1/4-in Waterproof Cement Backer Board?

  • • Lighter Weight
      PermaBASE PLUS weighs about 15-17% less than standard PermaBASE cement board, making it easier to carry, cut, and install.

    • Strong, Rigid Substrate
      Despite being lighter, it retains the same qualities of strength, rigidity, and impact resistance as traditional PermaBASE products.

    • Moisture & Mold Resistance
      Like the rest of the PermaBASE line, PLUS is built to resist moisture damage, does not rot or swell, and helps guard against mold/mildew.

    • EdgeTech® Reinforced Edge
      Reinforced edges allow fasteners (screws or nails) to be placed closer to the board’s edges without risk of breaking out or damage, improving installation flexibility.

    • Interior & Some Exterior Use
      PLUS is suitable for both interior applications and certain exterior ones (e.g. outdoor kitchens, masonry veneer, stucco) depending on local conditions and finishing systems.

    • Warranty
      It includes a lifetime limited warranty for interior applications, and a 15-year limited warranty for exterior applications.

  When This Board Really Shines

  • Moisture-Prone Areas
    It’s excellent in places where moisture, humidity, or occasional water exposure are constant issues: showers, tub surrounds, steam rooms, saunas. Because it resists water, won’t rot, swell or disintegrate. PermaBASE Building Products+2Lowe's PDF+2

  • Mold & Mildew Sensitive Environments
    Because it tests with top scores on mold resistance standards (ASTM D3273, G21), it's great for areas that are hard to dry out (bathrooms, basements, etc.). Lowe's PDF+2Syndigo+2

  • When Weight & Handling Matter
    For DIYers, remodelers, or when working overhead or transporting boards upstairs, the lighter weight (about 15-17% lighter than standard PermaBASE) is a big win. Easier to carry, cut, position. PermaBASE Building Products+1

  • Faster Install / Tight Schedules
    Because of the easier cutting (cleaner cuts, less finishing needed after cutting), EdgeTech® reinforced edge that tolerates fasteners closer to the edges, and dimensional stability, you’ll spend less time fussing with warpage or overly brittle edges, less waste, etc. Good for projects with tight timelines. Lowe's PDF+2Syndigo+2

  • Versatile Use (Interior & Exterior)
    If your project calls for a board that can serve inside and outside (e.g. outdoor kitchens, stucco or masonry veneer, tile backsplashes, floors etc.), PLUS is rated for both interior & exterior use in many applications. Lowe's PDF+1

  • When You Need Edge Strength & Fastener Flexibility
    The reinforced edge (EdgeTech®) allows fasteners closer to edges without splitting/breaking out. That helps in installation where tight edges are common or boards butt up near frames/windows etc. Lowe's PDF+1

  • Fire & Building Code Requirements
    For assemblies that require 1-hour or 2-hour fire-rated walls, PLUS is UL Classified for those ratings in many cases. If building code or safety demands fire rating, this board helps meet those standards. Lowe's PDF+1

  • Desire for Warranty & Durability
    If you want to invest in something long lasting, with fewer potential issues down the road, PLUS has strong moisture absorption ratings, solid structural/stiffness properties, and comes with good warranties (lifetime for many interior uses, years for exterior) that give peace of mind.

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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