Can Concrete Board Be Used As Sheetrock?

Uses

• Because it is moisture-resistant, concrete board is best used as a backing for shower walls or anywhere that heavy materials such as ceramic tile make up a significant portion of the wall. Concrete board provides a smooth surface for various types of walls and can be adapted to use in various settings, such as agricultural buildings, mobile-home skirting and exterior stucco walls.

Limits

• Although concrete board is meant to replace drywall in places where drywall would be susceptible to moisture, it is not typically suitable as a replacement for all drywall applications. In most cases, this material comes in quarter-inch and half-inch thicknesses. Some companies offer an even heavier version with a 5/8-inch board, but do not use the 5/8 board for ceilings because it is too heavy and not intended for such purposes.

Advantages

• The advantages of concrete board are numerous. Aside from its durability and moisture resistance, concrete board often has a dual-surface feature, with a smooth side for certain applications and a textured side for others. Concrete board typically does not swell, crack, soften or disintegrate under most normal conditions. It is typically easy to cut and tends to be fairly lightweight despite its durability.

Installation

• Install concrete board in much the same way as you would install drywall. The primary difference is in the types of materials used to secure the concrete board in place. Concrete board requires the use of wood or steel screws resistant to corrosion. You could also use roofing nails that are hot-dipped and galvanized. Tile is usually applied with mortar. Some companies also recommend using a moisture barrier behind the concrete board to further ensure that no moisture permeates the board.