DensShield® Tile Backer
Start with Moisture Protection You Can Trust
Protection That Starts Below the Surface
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.
Built-In Advantages
Every panel delivers moisture protection, strength, and efficiency where it matters most.
Built In Moisture Barrier
The built-in moisture-resistant coating stops water at the surface, streamlining the installation process, saving valuable time and
reducing the added cost required with cement or fiber cement boards.
No Special Fasteners 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 requires a carbide tip circular saw.
Lightweight, Easier to Install & Handle
Content: DensShield® Tile Backer weighs approximately 20% less than the leading cement board and approximately 25% less than the leading fiber cement board.¹
Choose the Right Backer for the Job
See how DensShield® Tile Backer stacks up against traditional backer boards and alternative substrates.
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.
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.
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 cement board screws are necessary.
Ready to Install?
Check out our quick 3 step installation ProcessPerformance That Adapts to Your Project
Whether you’re working on a remodel or a new build, DensShield® Tile Backer delivers consistent moisture protection and durability for residential and commercial tile projects.
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.
1/2" & 1/4" DensShield® Tile Backer
Perfect for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes, countertops, tub and shower walls, niches, and benches. Designed for easy use and versatility.
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. Based on NAHB and Intertek study.
3. No material can be considered moldproof. When properly used with good design, handling and construction practices, our Dens® Suite of Gypsum Products provides increased moisture and mold resistance compared to standard paper-faced wallboard products.
4. Source: Installation Guide for DUROCK® Cement Board (Lit #CB321650EN; Printed 5/24); Submittal Sheet for DUROCK® Cement Board (Lit #CB321618; Printed 2/25)
5. According to the Handbook for Ceramic Tile from the Tile Council of North America (TCNA).
6. Source: Technical Data Sheet for HardieBacker® Cement Board (Lit #HB1629; Printed 11/19).
