How To Cut Tile Backer Board: Three Easy Ways Of Cutting Tile Backer Board


Three Easy Ways Of Cutting Tile Backer Board

Both home experts and homeowners benefit from cement backer board. This thin, cementitious board serves as an underlayment for wall and floor tile installations as well as for a variety of floor coverings since it is embedded with a glass-fiber mesh. Working with cement backer board has a number of benefits, one of which is that it is simple to cut. You may cut cement board using a variety of techniques. Cement board comes in a variety of varieties that can be used as tile underlayment. Use the right thickness for the application, always (which might also make cutting the backer board easier). You have at least three distinct methods for cutting cement backer board, depending on the project, the tools you have, and your personal preferences. The finest approach for straight cuts is one that is completely manual and requires no power instruments. The other two techniques, which both call for power tools, let you create straight or curved lines as well as holes.

Tools & Materials Needed

  • Utility Knife & Spare Knife Blades
  • Straight Edge Ruler (Metal)
  • Corded Or Cordless Drill
  • Multi-Purpose Carbide Grit Hole Saw
  • Angle Grinder & Masonry Cutting Disc
  • Hearing Protection
  • NIOSH/MSHA Approved Mask
  • Eye Protection & Speed Square
  • Cement Backer Board

Way 1: Using A Utility Knife And Straightedge

Most brands of cement backer board can be cut using the same method as drywall, if you've ever used a utility knife to cut drywall. You lightly draw the utility knife across the board while using the straightedge as a guide. After that, flip the cement board over, fold up one side, and finish the cut.
  • Place The Straightedge
    The straightedge must be made of metal and cannot be made of wood or plastic because it will be used to cut. Along the anticipated cut line, place the straightedge on the cement backer board.
  • Score One Side Of The Board
    Draw the utility knife down the cut line using a brand-new blade. You don't have to press firmly. Not a complete cut, just a score line is required.
  • Turn The Board Over
    The cement backer board should be turned over such that the former top is now on the bottom. To prevent accidently breaking the board at the score line and taking out the mesh from the board, turn the board slowly.
  • Make The Second Cut
    The smaller of the two sides should be folded up at a 90-degree angle. Put the blade's tip inside the "V" formed by the fold. For cutting the fiber mesh, lightly score the line. Distinguish the two halves.

Way 2: Using A Power Saw Or Grinder

Both an angle grinder and an electric circular saw with a masonry cutting disc can be used to cut cement backer board.
  • Prepare The Saw And Work Area
    Use a low RPM circular saw or grinder or reduce the saw's revolutions per minute (RPM) setting to reduce dust production. Use a blade with a carbide tip. Put on your best personal defense.
  • Create A Line On The Board
    The intended cut line should be drawn with a straightedge and pencil. If you want this to be a curved or irregular line, you can also create a freestyle line.
  • Cut The Backer Board
    Start the grinder or saw. Follow the line as you slowly move the blade across the backer board. In a manner similar to how you might cut wood with a saw, the blade should completely penetrate the board.

Way 3: Using A Drill

Cutting round holes in the cement backer board is a common chore when creating a bathtub or shower and can be done using a corded or cordless electric drill equipped with a carbide-grit hole saw.
  • Mark The Cement Board Cut Point
    Make a mark with a pencil or an indelible marker in the center of the circle you want to cut. To make sure the circle is in the right place, use the Speed Square to draw a circle around the dot.
  • Fit The Hole Saw On The Drill
    Insert the hole saw into either the corded or cordless drill. Run the drill for a brief period of time to ensure that the hole saw is properly positioned and stable.
  • Make The Circle Cut
    The marked area should receive the pilot drill bit that is connected to the hole saw. Drill carefully until the saw's teeth engage and start to form a circular groove. As you continue to grind out the circle, apply light pressure to the drill. Reduce the pressure a little as the cut nears completion and let the hole saw finish the cut.

Safety Considerations

The dust created during cutting cement backer board may contain crystalline silica that can be inhaled. Long-term exposure to silica dust may result in lung illness. Use a power saw with a dust collection system at all times. Wear a dust mask or respirator that has been approved by NIOSH/OSHA whenever cutting outside.
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