What cement board means
Cement board is a rigid panel of cement and glass fiber mesh used as a tile backer on walls and floors, because it does not rot or soften when wet.
Also called backer board, cement backer board.
Where it matters on a tile job
Cement board is not waterproof by itself; showers need a membrane or a vapor barrier behind it. Spell out the wet area system on the estimate.
What the model code says
- The code lists nonasbestos fiber-cement backer board under ASTM C1288. (IRC 2021, Chapter 7)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for cement board before you quote.
What it costs
Jobs that involve cement board are priced in the tile installation cost guide: about $2,100 typical, usually $950 to $5,000. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price. The tile installation cost calculator prices a job line by line.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Tile installation cost calculator
- Cost guide: Tile installation cost
- Tools, templates and guides: Free tile resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 7, Wall Covering (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.