I have a skid of 1/4" Hardibacker coming next week to use for the first time. I have heard nothing but good things about it and am anxious to give it a try. I'll let you know how it works out.

Hi Harry
I like it too..much easier to handle than 1/4 inch concrete board. There are a few drawbacks though..can't use it out side..or in a steam room..or in areas that are always wet..can't nail it too close to the edges,or it splits, and I;ve had 2 failures with it where the tile cracked along the backer board joint...both were grouted with epoxy, ..not sure if I can blame the board on that..but it's never happened with any other board...If I had the choice, I'd use Ditra exclusively!

Hi,

Never used the Hardi board.Is that like a dense fibre-board that they keep trying to push on us?
I remember years ago Georgia Pacific had one that was recommended for floors and wet areas.Had gypsum pressed in it.

I'll stick to Wonderboard or Perma-base.Actually for walls on studs I'm thinking of mudding instead.Have only done three in the past,all dry areas.But I think I'll start doing showers that way.

Yesterday I spent a long time furring out the studs in a new shower to get everything flat for the Wonderboard.In the same amount of time I could have done it the old fashioned way with mud and it would be even flatter.And there's less stress on the tiles with a mud wall and no seams.For a few years now I've also used Schluter's Kerdi mat in all showers over cbu,pan and curb.

It'll be hard to sell me on Hardi-backer.

Bri .... I heard the same thing in regard to steam rooms etc but this batch is a trial installation in kitchen, hall and bath areas. If it meets or exceeds the specifications as in other CBU's ... especially if it's easier to use, then I might continue with it's use and of course price will be another factor.

Ron ... Hardibacker backer is a cement board which is easier to use than the others. That's all I know right now until I use it. Gypsum products don't go over very well with me either.

Hi Harry
Yeah..it's good for that application....I think it's made from cement and wood fiber(cellulose),which is why they don't want it used in really wet locations. At least it doesn't stink like concrete board!..and yes..much easier to cut.

Harry

I haven't used Hardibacker, but I did get to play with it at the JLC Live show in Baltimore. The Hardi rep was there, and, in an effort to get me to make the switch, he said he would give me the electric shears that are used to cut the stuff.

My local suppliers weren't keen on getting the stuff in stock, so I never pursued it. I did use the shears on some pieces at the show, and they do cut the 1/4" stuff quite easily.

(Jana says "Hi" :p )

Hi back at ya Jana!

I just got a piece of Hardibacker sample in front of me and it looks and feels very solid .... not crumbly like some of the other cbu's. They also state a much higher fexural strength than the other boards. It certainly isn't what I expected, I like the looks of this stuff. Doesn't look like I'll be countersinking any nails though.

Well .... I installed the Hardibacker on Monday and found it much easier to install than Durock. I used a screw-gun which counter sunk the screws perfectly (after I got used to the gun). The seams taped nicely without ridges or high spots .... the corners took nails or screws without breaking and it was light and easy to move around and work with, and this stuff is almost twice as strong as Durock.