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DensShield® Tile Backer

Discover how DensShield® Tile Backer's built in moisture barrier can help support your kitchen and bathroom tile projects - ideal for floors, walls, ceilings, and countertops.
Left side shows a person handling a large gray board, center shows a close-up of DensShield® backer board being installed with a drill, right side shows a finished modern bathroom with green tile wall and white vanity.
Overview

Start with Moisture Resistance You Can Trust

Resistance That Starts Below the Surface
Overhead view of two builders holding and lifting a DensShield Tile Backer board across a wooden platform with railing at a construction site. Two workers lift aDensShield Tile Backer board together, one holding it from the foreground and another gripping a drill behind it.

Before tiling moisture-prone areas, choose DensShield® Tile Backer – the first tile backer board with a built-in moisture barrier. This innovative feature can help simplify tile installation prep while helping to protecting your projects from moisture, mold, and mildew. Designed with dual-sided fiberglass mats and a moisture-resistant acrylic coating, DensShield® Tile Backer offers moisture and mildew resistance. The fiberglass mat gypsum board features a water-resistant treated core and a built-in moisture barrier. Plus, it installs in just 3 easy steps, making it effortless to achieve greater ease in wet wall areas.

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Benefits

Built-In Advantages

Every panel delivers moisture resistance, strength, and efficiency where it matters most.
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Built In Moisture Barrier

The built-in moisture-resistant coating stops water at the surface, removing additional waterproofing step. DensShield® Tile Backer helps save material and labor costs required with cement or fiber cement boards.

Blue circular icon with a white shield and a water droplet symbol indicating moisture-resistant protection.

No Special Fasters or Tools

With DensShield® Tile Backer, cutting is as simple as scoring and snapping with a standard utility knife, while cutting cement and fiber cement boards often require carbine tip circular saw.

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Lightweight, Easier to Install

DensShield® Tile Backer weighs approximately 20% less than the leading cement board and approximately 25% less than the leading fiber cement board.¹ DensShield® Tile Backer is nonabrasive, unlike leading and fiber cement tile backer, which helps to protect previously installed fixtures.

Comparison

Choose the Right Backer Board for the Job

See how DensShield® Tile Backer stacks up against cement and fiber cement backer boards.
Detail view of layered DensShield® Tile Backer panels showing textures and core materials for comparison of backer board products.
DensShield® Tile Backer
  • Built-in moisture barrier reduces the number of steps and install time.
  • Lighter than competing fiber cement and cement products.1
  • Simply use a utility knife and corrosion-resistant drywall screws for installation.
Image showing a close-up of fiber cement backer board material with layered edges and surface texture for comparison against another backer board.
Cement Board
  • Requires purchase and application of a separate moisture barrier when used in wet areas.2
  • Leading cement board weighs approximately 20% more than DensShield® Tile Backer.3
  • Cutting cement board requires specialized tools, such as a carbide tip circular saw or electric drill with hole-saw bits for holes. For installation, specialized cement board screws are necessary.
Stacked gray cement backer board sheets with rough textured edges shown close-up for product comparison.
Fiber Cement Board
  • Requires purchase and application of a separate moisture barrier when used in wet areas.2
  • Leading fiber cement board weighs approximately 25% more than DensShield® Tile Backer.4
  • For cutting fiber cement boards, carbide tipped scoring tools or mechanical shears are recommended. For installation, specialized fiber cement screws are necessary.

Installation

Ready to Install?

Check out our quick 3 step installation process
Project Solutions

Choose the right size for your project.

Whether you’re working on a remodel or a new build, DensShield® Tile Backer delivers consistent moisture resistance and durability for residential and light commercial tile projects.
Man in a blue shirt and safety glasses spreading joint compound along a taped seam on a gray DensShield® tile backer board wall in a bathroom installation.A person kneeling on a gray subfloor, using a cordless drill to secure a moisture-resistant backer board (DensShield) at the base of a wall, with black-and-white hexagon tile visible on one side and installation tools nearby.
1/2" DensShield® Tile Backer

Perfect for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes, countertops, tub and shower walls, niches, and benches. Designed for easy use and versatility.

5/8" DensShield® Tile Backer

Ideal for fire-rated assemblies, this board is a reliable choice for areas like laundry rooms and kitchens.

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1/2" & 1/4" DensShield® Tile Backer

Ideal for kitchen and bathroom floors, DensShield® Tile Backer helps to provide reliable floor resilience for tile projects, offering both peace of mind and added value.

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Resources

Find Everything You Need

Get all the detailed technical information you need to know about DensShield® Tile Backer.

1. Source: USG Durock Cement Board Submittal (Lit #CB321618, Printed 2/25); James Hardie Cement Backer Board (Lit #HB1629, Printed 11/19)

2. According to the Handbook for Ceramic Tile from the Tile Council of North America (TCNA).

3. Source: Installation Guide for DUROCK® Cement Board (Lit #CB321650EN; Printed 5/24); Submittal Sheet for DUROCK® Cement Board (Lit #CB321618; Printed 2/25)

4. Source: Technical Data Sheet for HardieBacker® Cement Board (Lit #HB1629; Printed 11/19).