Tile - Floor/Wall
James Hardie - HardieBacker® Backerboard
HardieBacker® Cement Board
HardieBacker® Cement Board’s unique cement formulation and structure provide the ideal combination of strength, uniform composition and performance that no other backer…
or Give us a Call
Product Summary
HardieBacker 1/4" Cement Board - This light, simple-to-cut, no-mesh board features our exclusive EZ Grid® recessed fastener pattern, making installation even easier.
HardieBacker 500 Cement Board - HardieBacker 500 cement board is resistant to damage from moisture. Its smooth surface allows for finishing with paint, wallpaper or texture.
HardieBacker® Cement Board with HydroDefense™ Technology is the First and Only Waterproof Cement Backer Board. HardieBacker® Cement Board with HydroDefense™ Technology provides the unmatched strength, ease of use, and excellent tile adhesion you’ve come to expect from HardieBacker®—now with a waterproof composition throughout the board.
Construction and Materials
The James Hardie HardieBacker® Backerboard is a cement board designed as a substrate for tile installations on floors, walls, and countertops. It offers a superior alternative to alternatives like paper-faced gypsum board and lath and cement.
Construction and Materials:
- Core Material: HardieBacker® is composed of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. This composition provides a highly durable and water-resistant core.
- Reinforcement: The backerboard features a unique reinforcing mesh embedded within the cement matrix. This mesh enhances the board's structural integrity and resistance to cracking.
- Surface Texture: The surface of HardieBacker® is designed to promote excellent adhesion for thin-set mortar and tile adhesives.
- Dimensions: Available in various thicknesses and sheet sizes to accommodate different project needs. Common thicknesses include 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Moisture Resistance: Unlike paper-faced gypsum boards, HardieBacker® is inherently resistant to moisture and does not rot, swell, or degrade when exposed to water. This makes it an ideal choice for wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- Mold Resistance: The inorganic composition of HardieBacker® means it will not support the growth of mold or mildew, contributing to healthier indoor environments.
- Strength and Durability: The cementitious nature of the board provides a strong and stable substrate that can withstand the weight of tiles and the stresses of building movement.
- Fire Resistance: HardieBacker® is non-combustible, contributing to the fire safety of the building structure.
- Ease of Installation: The backerboard can be easily cut with standard tools and installed using screws or adhesive.
- Compatibility: It is compatible with a wide range of tile types, including ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone.
Applications:
- Residential and commercial tile installations
- Wet areas: showers, bathtubs, backsplashes
- Floors: underlayment for tile, stone, and other hard surface flooring
- Walls: kitchen walls, bathroom walls, accent walls
- Countertops
Features and Benefits
James Hardie HardieBacker® Backerboard is a premium cement backerboard designed to provide a superior substrate for tile installations in wet areas and general wall applications. Engineered for durability and performance, it offers peace of mind for contractors and homeowners alike.
Features and Benefits
- Engineered Cement Composition: HardieBacker is made from a proprietary blend of Portland cement, aggregate, and reinforcing fibers. This robust composition makes it exceptionally strong, durable, and resistant to moisture, rot, and mold.
- Moisture Resistance: Unlike traditional gypsum-based products, HardieBacker is inherently resistant to water damage. This is crucial for bathrooms, showers, tubs, and kitchens, where moisture exposure is a constant concern. It significantly reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth behind tiles.
- Fire Resistance: The inorganic cementitious material of HardieBacker provides excellent fire resistance, contributing to a safer building environment.
- Exceptional Strength and Durability: HardieBacker offers superior structural integrity, providing a solid and stable base for tiles. This prevents tile cracking and grout joint failure due to substrate movement, ensuring a long-lasting and beautiful finish.
- Corrosion Resistance: The cementitious nature of HardieBacker makes it resistant to corrosion, which is important when used in conjunction with metal fasteners and other building components.
- Ease of Installation: HardieBacker is lightweight and easy to cut with standard tools, simplifying the installation process. It can be screwed or adhered to wood or metal studs, and its smooth, flat surface is ready for tiling immediately after installation.
- Variety of Thicknesses: Available in multiple thicknesses (e.g., 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch), allowing for selection based on specific project requirements and desired tile profiles.
- Manufacturer Backing: As a product from James Hardie, a trusted name in building materials, HardieBacker benefits from extensive research, development, and a commitment to quality and innovation.
Core Advantages
- Unrivaled Moisture and Mold Resistance: The primary advantage of HardieBacker is its superior performance in wet environments. Its non-organic composition means it will not rot, swell, or deteriorate when exposed to moisture, effectively preventing mold and mildew growth, which are common problems with other backer boards. This translates to healthier indoor environments and reduced maintenance.
- Long-Term Tile Performance: By providing an exceptionally stable and strong substrate, HardieBacker ensures that tile installations remain secure and aesthetically pleasing for years to come. It minimizes the risk of costly repairs due to tile or grout failure caused by substrate issues.
- Installation Efficiency: Despite its robust nature, HardieBacker is designed for straightforward installation, saving labor and time on the job site. Its ease of cutting and fastening contributes to a more efficient workflow for installers.
- Peace of Mind: The combination of durability, moisture resistance, and fire resistance offered by HardieBacker provides homeowners and builders with the confidence that their tile projects are built on a foundation of quality and reliability, minimizing future concerns.
Options-Styles
James Hardie - HardieBacker® Backerboard is a high-performance cement backerboard designed as a superior substrate for tile installations on floors, walls, and countertops. It offers enhanced durability and moisture resistance compared to traditional materials.
Style and Options
HardieBacker® Backerboard is available in different thicknesses to accommodate various project needs and provide optimal support for tile.
- HardieBacker 1/4": Ideal for wall applications and can also be used on countertops.
- HardieBacker 1/2" Cement Board with Integrated Vapor Barrier: Specifically designed for use in wet areas such as tub and shower surrounds. This option features an integrated vapor barrier, offering an extra layer of protection against moisture penetration.
Product Features and Benefits
HardieBacker® Backerboard offers several key features that contribute to its effectiveness as a tile substrate:
- Durable Construction: Made from fiber-reinforced cement, it provides a strong, rigid surface that resists cracking and degradation.
- Moisture Resistance: Engineered to resist moisture and prevent water damage, making it suitable for wet areas.
- Non-combustible: Offers fire resistance for added safety in building applications.
- Pest and Rot Resistant: Unlike wood-based products, HardieBacker® Backerboard is impervious to rot, decay, and insect damage.
- Lightweight and Easy to Cut: Designed for ease of installation, it can be cut with standard tools.
- Smooth Surface: Provides a consistent, flat surface for tile adhesion, ensuring a professional finish.
Applications
HardieBacker® Backerboard is suitable for a wide range of interior applications:
- Floors
- Walls
- Countertops
- Tub and shower surrounds (specifically the 1/2" board with integrated vapor barrier)
Installation Considerations
The product is designed for straightforward installation using recommended fasteners and adhesives. Proper installation is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of the tile system. Specific details regarding installation methods, including screw patterns and adhesive requirements, are available to ensure optimal results.
- Homepage
- Products
- Ideas, Tips & Tools
- Specifications
- Instructions
- Warranty
- About Us
- Video
-
Green - Environmental
- Product Availability and Pricing Click here for details
-
Similar Products
- See all our Tile - Floor/Wall and Walls products.
MSI
Stone Flooring & Wall Tile
MSI supplies and stocks the most extensive selection of natural stone tiles and slabs in the country. Our network of dealers and distributors offers products appropriate for…
or Give us a Call
Product Summary
MSI supplies and stocks the most extensive selection of natural stone tiles and slabs in the country. Our network of dealers and distributors offers products appropriate for enhancing and upgrading every residential property.
With our selection of natural stone, MSI has the products needed to beautify any property and increase its value. At many of our locations, our dealers can bring their clients to our showroom to touch and see a wide selection of our stone and countertop products before choosing which product is right for their needs.
Construction and Materials
MSI Surfaces offers a diverse range of flooring and wall tiles, categorized under Natural Stone, Ceramic, and Porcelain. These materials are selected for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and suitability for various applications within residential and commercial spaces.
Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles from MSI Surfaces are sourced from quarries around the world, offering unique variations in color, pattern, and texture. The construction of these tiles involves quarrying blocks of stone, which are then cut and finished to specific dimensions and surface treatments. Common finishing techniques include polished, honed, tumbled, and natural cleft, each contributing to a distinct look and feel.
- Materials:
- Marble: Known for its elegant veining and luxurious appearance.
- Granite: Characterized by its hardness, durability, and speckled patterns.
- Travertine: Features natural pitting and unique porous textures.
- Slate: Offers a rustic and earthy appeal with its natural cleft surface.
- Limestone: Provides a softer, more matte finish with subtle color variations.
- Construction:
- Sourced from natural geological formations.
- Cut into precise tile dimensions.
- Surface finishing to achieve desired texture and sheen.
- Often available in various thicknesses depending on the stone type and application.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are manufactured by firing clay at high temperatures. The process involves mixing clay with other natural materials, shaping the mixture into tiles, and then firing them in a kiln. Many ceramic tiles are glazed, a process where a liquid glass-like coating is applied and then fired again to create a durable, water-resistant, and often decorative surface.
- Materials:
- Clay: The primary component, mixed with feldspar, quartz, and other minerals.
- Glaze: A protective and decorative coating applied to the surface.
- Construction:
- Mixing and preparation of clay body.
- Pressing or extruding the clay into tile shapes.
- First firing (biscuit firing) to harden the clay.
- Glazing and application of decorative patterns (if applicable).
- Second firing to fuse the glaze to the tile body.
- Some ceramic tiles may undergo additional processes such as screening or digital printing for enhanced designs.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are a denser and less porous type of ceramic tile, made from a refined mixture of clay, kaolin, quartz, and feldspar. The higher firing temperature and denser composition result in a tile that is exceptionally hard, durable, and resistant to water, staining, and frost. Porcelain tiles can be through-body, meaning the color and pattern extend all the way through the tile, making chips less noticeable.
- Materials:
- High-purity clay and refined minerals: Including kaolin, quartz, and feldspar.
- Pigments for color.
- Construction:
- Precise blending of fine raw materials.
- Dry pressing of the mixture under high pressure.
- Firing at extremely high temperatures (typically over 1,200°C or 2,200°F).
- This high firing process vitrifies the tile, creating a dense and impermeable material.
- Surface treatments can include unglazed, glazed, or digitally printed designs.
- Through-body coloring is common for enhanced durability.
The construction and materials used by MSI Surfaces ensure that their tile offerings meet a high standard of quality, performance, and aesthetic versatility, catering to a wide array of design preferences and functional requirements.
Features and Benefits
MSI Surfaces offers a comprehensive collection of floor and wall tile options, encompassing natural stone, ceramic, and porcelain materials. This diverse range allows for the creation of aesthetically pleasing and durable surfaces for any residential or commercial application.
Whether you're seeking the timeless elegance of natural stone, the versatility of ceramic, or the robust performance of porcelain, MSI Surfaces provides a solution to meet your design and functional needs. Each category is curated to offer a wide array of colors, patterns, and finishes, ensuring compatibility with various interior design styles.
Natural Stone Tile
- Feature: Authentic natural variations in color, veining, and texture.
- Benefit: Creates a unique and luxurious look for any space, with each tile possessing its own distinct character.
- Feature: Wide selection of materials including marble, granite, travertine, slate, and quartzite.
- Benefit: Offers a broad spectrum of aesthetic possibilities, from classic to contemporary, and provides inherent durability and timeless appeal.
- Feature: Available in various finishes such as polished, honed, tumbled, and natural.
- Benefit: Allows for customization of the desired look and feel, from high-gloss sophistication to a more rustic, understated elegance.
Ceramic Tile
- Feature: Extensive range of designs, colors, and patterns.
- Benefit: Provides unparalleled design flexibility to match any decor, from intricate mosaics to bold graphic prints.
- Feature: Durable and water-resistant properties.
- Benefit: Ideal for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, offering long-lasting beauty and easy maintenance.
- Feature: Cost-effective and versatile.
- Benefit: A budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on style or functionality, suitable for a wide array of projects.
Porcelain Tile
- Feature: Exceptionally dense and durable composition.
- Benefit: Offers superior resistance to chipping, cracking, and wear, making it suitable for demanding environments, including commercial spaces and outdoor applications.
- Feature: Highly resistant to moisture and staining.
- Benefit: Ensures excellent performance in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where spills and humidity are common, simplifying cleanup and maintenance.
- Feature: Mimics the look of natural materials like wood, stone, and concrete.
- Benefit: Provides the aesthetic appeal of premium materials at a more accessible price point, with added benefits of durability and low maintenance.
- Feature: Suitable for both floor and wall applications, as well as interior and exterior use.
- Benefit: Offers a cohesive design solution for entire projects, providing a uniform look and consistent performance across different areas.
Core Advantages of MSI Surfaces Floor and Wall Tile:
- Versatile Design Options: A vast selection across natural stone, ceramic, and porcelain ensures a perfect aesthetic for any project.
- Durability and Performance: Materials are chosen for their resilience, offering long-lasting beauty and resistance to wear, moisture, and stains.
- Ease of Maintenance: Surfaces are designed for simple cleaning and upkeep, reducing the time and effort required for maintenance.
- Value and Affordability: Offering a range of options to fit various budgets without sacrificing quality or style.
Options-Styles
MSI Surfaces offers a diverse range of tile options, focusing on natural stone, ceramic, and porcelain for both floor and wall applications. Their extensive collection is designed to cater to a wide array of aesthetic preferences and functional needs, whether for residential or commercial spaces.
Style Options:
- Natural Stone: MSI Surfaces provides natural stone tiles that bring timeless elegance and unique character to any project. This category includes materials such as marble, granite, travertine, slate, and limestone. Each type of natural stone offers distinct visual qualities, from the veining patterns of marble to the earthy textures of slate, allowing for a truly bespoke look. These stones are celebrated for their durability and the luxurious feel they impart.
- Ceramic Tile: Ceramic tiles from MSI Surfaces offer versatility and a broad spectrum of design possibilities. They are known for their affordability, ease of maintenance, and ability to mimic the look of other materials, including natural stone, wood, and even metal. Ceramic tiles are available in a vast array of colors, patterns, sizes, and finishes, making them suitable for a wide range of interior design styles.
- Porcelain Tile: Porcelain tiles are a premium choice from MSI Surfaces, recognized for their exceptional durability, water resistance, and low porosity. Made from a denser, more finely ground clay mixture that is fired at higher temperatures than ceramic, porcelain is ideal for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone environments like bathrooms and kitchens. Porcelain tiles can authentically replicate the appearance of natural stone, wood, concrete, and more, offering a robust and aesthetically pleasing flooring and wall solution.
Product Features and Applications:
MSI Surfaces' tile products are designed for versatility and performance, suitable for various installation locations:
- Floor Tiles: The collection includes numerous options specifically engineered for flooring, providing durability and slip resistance required for high-traffic areas. From the natural beauty of stone to the practical advantages of porcelain, MSI offers solutions for living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces.
- Wall Tiles: For vertical surfaces, MSI Surfaces presents a selection of tiles that add aesthetic appeal and protection. This includes elegant natural stone for accent walls, classic ceramic for backsplashes, and durable porcelain for shower surrounds and feature walls.
- Variety of Finishes: Tiles are available in a range of finishes to suit different design needs and functional requirements. These can include polished, honed, matte, textured, and tumbled finishes, each offering a distinct visual and tactile experience.
- Diverse Color Palettes and Patterns: The product range encompasses a wide spectrum of colors, from subtle neutrals and earth tones to bold and vibrant hues. Many tiles feature intricate patterns, geometric designs, or realistic natural variations, providing ample opportunity for creative design expression.
- Size and Shape Options: MSI Surfaces offers tiles in a variety of standard and contemporary sizes and shapes, including large format tiles, mosaics, and traditional subway tiles, allowing for flexibility in design and installation.
- Homepage
- Products
- Catalog
- Ideas, Tips & Tools
- Specifications
- Instructions
- About Us
- General Information
- Video
- Photo Gallery
-
Green - Environmental
- Product Availability and Pricing Click here for details
-
Similar Products
- See all our Tile - Floor/Wall products.