Top 10 Companies in the Cement Backer Board Industry (2026): Market Leaders Strengthening Global Construction

In Business Insights
January 27, 2026


The Global Cement Backer Board Market was valued at USD 1.29 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.65 Billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.8% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This growth is propelled by robust residential and commercial construction activity, a surge in renovation and remodeling projects, and the widespread adoption of cement backer board as the preferred substrate for tile installations in moisture-prone areas.

As building standards evolve to prioritize durability and moisture management, the focus shifts to the key manufacturers who are driving product innovation, performance standards, and integrated system solutions. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Cement Backer Board Industry—a combination of global building material giants and specialist manufacturers fortifying the foundations of modern construction.


🔟 1. James Hardie Industries plc

Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
Key Offering: Hardie® Backer Board, Fiber-Cement Products

James Hardie is a global leader in fiber-cement building products, renowned for its high-performance backer board solutions. The company’s Hardie® Backer Board is engineered for superior durability, mold resistance, and dimensional stability, making it a top choice for professional contractors in both residential and commercial tile applications.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Advanced fiber-cement technology for enhanced strength

  • Product development focused on easier installation and cutting

  • Commitment to sustainable manufacturing processes

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Cement Backer Board Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Georgia-Pacific

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Key Offering: DensShield® Tile Backer, GP DensDeck®

Georgia-Pacific is a major North American manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of gypsum and cementitious board products. Their DensShield® Tile Backer is a prominent solution featuring a integrated waterproofing membrane, simplifying installation for showers and other wet areas.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Integration of waterproofing technology directly into backer boards

  • Focus on lightweight, high-strength formulations


8️⃣ 3. Knauf Gips KG

Headquarters: Iphofen, Germany
Key Offering: Knauf Aquapanel® Cement Board

Knauf is a global building materials leader with a strong presence in Europe and expanding influence worldwide. Their Aquapanel® Cement Board is a versatile, water-resistant substrate designed for interiors and exteriors, trusted for its impact resistance and suitability for various claddings.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of boards for both interior and exterior applications

  • Emphasis on product sustainability and recyclability


7️⃣ 4. Saint-Gobain

Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: CertainTeed Durock® Brand Cement Board

Through its subsidiary CertainTeed, Saint-Gobain is a powerhouse in the North American building products market. The Durock® brand is synonymous with reliability in cement backer boards, offering products known for their exceptional strength and moisture resistance for floor and wall tile underlayment.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Continuous improvement of board composition for easier handling

  • Support for professional installer training and best practices

Download FREE Sample Report:
Cement Backer Board Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. National Gypsum Company

Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Key Offering: PermaBASE® Cement Board

National Gypsum is a leading US manufacturer of gypsum board and cement backer products. Their PermaBASE® Cement Board is a widely specified product known for its durability, fire resistance, and consistent quality, serving both the professional and DIY markets.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Investment in manufacturing efficiency and product consistency

  • Development of accessory products for complete system solutions


5️⃣ 6. Johns Manville

Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, USA
Key Offering: JM Tile Backer Board

A Berkshire Hathaway company, Johns Manville is a leading manufacturer of insulation and building materials. While primarily known for insulation, the company offers specialized tile backer boards that complement its broader building envelope solutions.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Leveraging expertise in fiberglass technology for board reinforcement

  • Focus on products that contribute to overall building performance


4️⃣ 7. Allura (Elementia)

Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Allura Fiber Cement Backer Board

Allura, part of Elementia, is a significant player in the North American fiber-cement market. The company produces a range of backer board products designed to meet the demands of tough tile jobs, emphasizing durability and resistance to moisture and mold.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Expansion of production capacity to meet growing demand

  • Product development aligned with regional building codes


3️⃣ 8. Schluter Systems

Headquarters: Iserlohn, Germany
Key Offering: Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD, Integrated Tile Installation Systems

Schluter Systems is a global specialist in tile installation materials, renowned for its system-based approach. While not a traditional cement board, their KERDI-BOARD, a waterproof, load-bearing foam panel, represents a major innovation in the substrate market, challenging conventional materials with its lightweight and insulating properties.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Pioneering lightweight, waterproof, and insulating substrate alternatives

  • Development of complete uncoupling and waterproofing systems


2️⃣ 9. Custom Building Products

Headquarters: Seal Beach, California, USA
Key Offering: TEC® SkillSet® Tile Backer Board (Distribution)

Custom Building Products is a leading manufacturer of tile and stone installation systems. The company plays a key role in the market through the distribution of complementary substrates and, critically, the mortars, grouts, and membranes required for a complete and reliable tile assembly.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Focus on system compatibility between backer boards and mortars/adhesives

  • Extensive technical support and training for flooring contractors


1️⃣ 10. Laticrete International, Inc.

Headquarters: Bethany, Connecticut, USA
Key Offering: Strata Mat™, Hydro Ban® Board (Distribution & System Solutions)

Laticrete is another global leader in tile and stone installation systems. Similar to its peers, Laticrete’s strength lies in providing a full suite of products—including membranes and adhesives—that are tested and approved for use with various cement backer boards, ensuring performance and warranty coverage for installers.

Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of high-performance waterproofing and crack-isolation membranes

  • Global expansion of technical and educational resources for installers

Get Full Report Here:
Cement Backer Board Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🏗️ Outlook: The Future of Cement Backer Board Is Smarter and More Integrated

The cement backer board market is undergoing a significant evolution. While traditional cement boards continue to be the workhorse for tile underlayment, the industry is innovating with lighter-weight materials, enhanced performance features, and a stronger emphasis on integrated system solutions.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rise of lightweight foam-based panels as alternatives to traditional heavy boards

  • Increased integration of waterproofing membranes directly into panel systems

  • Growing demand for products that address both installation speed and long-term durability

  • Manufacturer-contractor alliances focused on training and system warranties

Get Full Report Here:
Cement Backer Board Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential building materials—they’re reinforcing the standards for quality, durability, and innovation in global construction.