DensShield Vs. HardieBacker (Here Are The Differences)

A successful installation of tile depends heavily on the type of substrate that is used to adhere to the tile. Whether you’re installing tile on a floor, wall, or countertop, using the appropriate substrate is essential to avoid breaks and cracks in the grout and tile. When it comes to tile, backer board is, without a doubt, the best choice.

However, with so many different types of backer boards on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for your project. One common comparison is often posed between the brand names, DensShield and HardieBacker. The major difference between the two is that the latter is a cement board, while the other is made of a water-resistant gypsum.

Both DensShield and HardieBacker have their own associated benefits and choosing between the two will largely depend on your particular situation and preference. Let’s explore the characteristics of each and what they have to offer, in order to help you make an informed decision about the type of backer board you need for your tile installation project.

DensShield is, arguably, the most common brand name for glass mat gypsum board tile backer. The sheets of glass mat gypsum are constructed using a waterproof, silicone-treated gypsum and then fortified on both sides with fiberglass matting.

This type of tile backer is advertised as “the first backer board with a built-in moisture barrier,” making it the ideal choice for bathrooms or other areas that will experience wetness. DensShield Tile Backer is specifically designed by Georgia-Pacific Gypsum to be used in interior tile installations that are susceptible to moisture.

In the past, paper-faced, impermeable gypsum, or “green board,” was used as a tile backer but is no longer recommended. It was discovered that these materials actually become adversely affected by moisture when it makes its way into the core and causes the paper coating to separate. With the paper walling away from the backer board, tile can easily fall off.

As better, more appropriate products became available, DensShield’s glass mat gypsum board claimed the spotlight. It not only protects against moisture and serves as a thorough substrate for tile; it is also approved by code.

HardieBacker is the most common brand name that is associated with the fiber cement backer board. Both cement board and fiber cement board are widely known and most often used for tile substrate. HardieBaker cement board was awarded the most preferred backer board brand by tile contractors and installers in the 2019 Tile and Stone Report reported by ClearSeas and in accordance with TILE magazine and the National Tile Contractors Association.

Its fiber cement structure is a blend of sand, compressed cement, and generally wood fibers throughout for reinforcement. However, HardieBacker Cement Board is advertised as 90% Portland cement, sand, and no loose filler or aggregate. Similar to conventional cement boards, fiber cement backing is typically heavier than gypsum and can be challenging to cut.

When compared to standard cement boards, fiber cement sheets are more delicate and special care should be taken to avoid breaking the board. For example, screws should be kept a minimum of one inch from the edge to prevent unnecessary damage.

While most fiber cement boards can be easily scored and snapped, HardieBacker requires you to use special tools in order to effectively trim small strips off the edge. HardieBacker fiber cement boards can be found at most home improvement centers and exist in a grey- or beige-colored form.

When it comes to strength, adhesion, and moisture protection, both DensShield and HardieBacker are forces to be reckoned with. Although, when pitting fiber cement board against glass mat gypsum board, the latter arguably comes out on top. DensShield’s ease of install, simple handling, and unmatched durability make it the most desirable option, selected time and time again, by contractors and homeowners.

However, since both options will serve as effective tile substrates, and are around the same price, it all comes down to your own personal preference.