The Best Tile Backing Boards Available
TILE BACKER BOARDS-WHAT’s OUT THERE?
Each year we meet with 100’s of Tiling Contractors and Industry Experts the length and breadth of the country, and we are often asked who else is out there in terms of the distribution of Tile Backing Boards.
What other brands are available, and are they any good?
We at STS are never ones to shy away from being absolutely transparent with regards to our competitors, and we want our customers and partners to be as informed as possible too!
With this object in mind, we have compiled a comprehensive list below of other Tile Backer brands along with a brief overview of the companies who distribute them.
Allshield Tile Backer
This Cellulose Fibre-reinforced cement board is impermeable to water and has an A1 Fire Rating.
It is able to withstand freezing temperatures and is resistant to UV lights.
Manufacturer/Distributor-Soundis
One of the leading providers of innovative soundproofing and sound absorption solutions, this company has been successfully providing answers for a multitude of companies across all sectors for over 30 years.
Aquaboard Eco
This premium quality light-weight board is made from Magnesium Oxide (MgO).
Ideal for over boarding chipboard, concrete and stable timber floors, it provides a perfect substrate for all tile finishes including the heaviest of natural stone.
Suitable for use with wet underfloor heating, it is also asbestos free and incombustible.
Manufacturer/Distributor-Quantum/Tilepal
One of Ireland’s largest wholesale distributors of tiling and wet room products, Quantum acquired Scotland based Tilepal in 2019.
They offer a price match policy to ensure they supply at the cheapest pricing possible.
AQUAPANEL® Cement Board Indoor
A tough impact and water-resistant Backer Board for Walls. It is made of Glass Fibre Reinforced Cement.
Lightweight and easy to install, Aquapanel Cement Board Indoor is suitable for use in indoor wet and humid areas.
Boards can also be curved.
A1 Fire Rated.
Manufacturer/Distributor-Knauf
This company commenced its journey in 1932 when brothers Karl & Alfons Knauf began mining Gypsum deposits in Germany. Its operations are now global.
BAL Board
This is a specialist Magnesium Oxide (MgO) tile backer board, ideal for internal environments, which has BBA approval.
It provides a strong and stable background for floor and wall tiling.
Water and mould resistant, it will not swell or degrade over time, and is lightweight and easy to carry and install.
Suitable for use with underfloor heating, it comes with BAL’s trusted 25-year guarantee.
Manufacturer/Distributor-BAL Adhesives
Founded in 1962, this Stoke on Trent based company has been trusted by industry professionals for over 50 years.
They are part of the German-based Ardex Group
Delta Board
Multi-purpose, lightweight and easy to use, Delta Board is made of a high-density extruded polystyrene core with a factory applied reinforced cement coating.
Ideal for all tile types, cement-based screeds and synthetic renders can also be applied to this product.
Having excellent impact strength, thermal insulation properties and sound reduction, it is also resistant to water.
Manufacturer/Distributor-Tilemaster Adhesives.
Now established for over 30 years, this company from Leyland, Lancashire have prospered and expanded, and are now part of the Italian Kerakoll Group.
They distribute a large range of innovative and market-leading adhesive products for the tiling industry.
Dukkaboard
Dukkaboard Original
Strong, lightweight and waterproof Dukkaboard Original has a “ready to tile” glass fibre reinforced surface and is compatible with all tile adhesives. With great thermal insulation properties and high load strength, this product can be fixed to a wide range of substrates including concrete, masonry, screeds and wooden and metal stud work.
There is a 25 year Guarantee available on this product.
Dukkaboard XL
A Cement Fibre Tile Backing Board suitable for all tile finishes including the heaviest of natural stone.
Used for over boarding chipboard, concrete, plywood, and other stable surfaces, it is incombustible and asbestos-free.
Available in 6mm & 12mm thicknesses. Board dimensions are 1200 x 600mm.
Manufacturer/Distributor-Trimline Group
Trimline was founded over 35 years ago, on a very simple premise: to sell products that make their customers’ job easier, in a customer-centric environment and to always deliver value.
This same attitude and approach still drives them today.
Hardie® Backer
EZ GRID
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
A durable, water-resistant alternative to plywood for tiling on floors, this board will hold strong with applied weights of up to 200KG/m².
Ideal with all types of tile or natural stone flooring, the exclusive EZ Grid recessed pattern makes installation even easier.
Install it over an existing timber floor or in conjunction with underfloor heating.
Manufacturer/Distributor-James Hardie
James Hardie Europe GmbH is a subsidiary of the worldwide operating James Hardie Industries plc (JHIplc), which was founded in Australia in 1888. Today James Hardie Industries plc is an international market leader for fibre cement building materials with enormously strong market positions in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.
JACKOBOARD® Plano
Manufactured from extruded polystyrene foam and finished on either side with a special coating, these boards can be tiled, rendered and plastered. They have excellent thermal insulation properties and are ideal in Wetroom areas.
There is a large range of thicknesses available from 4mm to 80mm
Manufacturer/Distributor-Jackon UK
Located in Wigan, Lancashire, this company is part of the Norway based Jackon Group which has multiple sites, predominantly in Scandinavia.
Established in Fredrikstad in 1956, they specialize in Insulation Boards (Tile Backing Boards) and building systems made of EPS (expanded polystyrene) and XPS (extruded Polystyrene).
Their slogan “committed since 1956” is an expression of their commitment and dedication to develop a sustainable business.
Magply Tile Backer
A magnesium oxide board (MgO), this product can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Magply Tilebacker is a mineral based, homogeneous, environmentally friendly product with a manufacturing process that produces very little in the way of C02 emissions, unlike cement particle and gypsum boards which both generate high levels of C02.
Ideal for damp locations such as shower areas, bathrooms, and wet rooms, Magply Tilebacker can also be formed to follow gentle curves and is very stable and does not expand or contract when subject to temperature changes.
A1 Fire Rated
Manufacturer/Distributor-Magply
Based in Essex, with a branch in Ireland, Magply distributes a range of boards to cover a comprehensive and broad spectrum of applications.
Multiboard
A lightweight tile backer option, Multiboard is used for waterproofing, dry lining and for thermal insulation.
A unique patented surface allows for the fixing of heavier tiles, and it is completely impermeable to water.
Can be applied to walls, floors and ceilings.
Great for both kitchens and bathrooms, it is also certified for external use.
Manufacturer/Distributor-Marmox (UK) Ltd
Based in Chatham, Kent, Marmox turned 21 this year!
The company distributes a comprehensive range of associated brands including The Tilebacker, a simple and cost-effective product similar to Multiboard.
Made from an extruded polythene base and topped with a polymer cement embedded fibreglass mesh, this is suitable for use on concrete and wooden substrates.
Multi-pro Tile Backer
A Magnesium Oxide (MgO) board strengthened with two layers of alkaline resistant fibreglass mesh, this product has a relatively low impact on the environment.
Moisture resistant and A1 Fire rated, it is suitable as a tile backer for floors and ceilings and ideal in Bathrooms & Wet rooms.
Manufacturer/Distributor-Resistant Building Products Ltd
Based in Belfast in Northern Ireland, Resistant Building Products are the distributors of high-performance Magnesium Oxide (MgO) building boards. Resistant was developed and nurtured by sister company Tradewood & Co to provide an exceptional solution to an industry wide problem – the limitations of wood based construction products
Pro Backer Cement Backer Board
ProBacker is the simple choice for a professional finish. Easy to cut and install, these boards are ideal for indoor use, and can be utilised in Wetroom areas.
Suitable for a range of surfaces including wooden & solid floors, they can also be used on walls.
A1 Fire Rated.
Manufacturer/Distributor-Verona
Based in Yorkshire, Verona celebrated their 20th Anniversary this year. Founded as the Mosaic Tile Company in 2001, they have grown to become the UK’s leading distributor of Tiles and Mosaics.
ProWarm™ Backer-Pro Board
ProWarm™ BACKER-PRO insulation Boards are ideal for two primary purposes; as a superior waterproof surface to fix wall or floor tiles and as a first class heat insulation for underfloor heating systems.
ProWarm™ XP-PRO Insulation Boards are specifically designed for use with the ProWarm electric underfloor heating systems on concrete/screeded floors.
High compressive strength (30 tonnes / m2), light weight, high efficiency and low cost make this thermal board an ideal choice when fitting heating on to a poorly insulated concrete or screed base.
Manufacturer/Distributor-ProWarm Underfloor Heating.
As their name suggests, ProWarm are underfloor heating experts, and their brand is the best online seller in the UK.
Their electric systems are backed with a lifetime warranty.
Siniat Tilebacker
A versatile tile backing board for domestic bath and shower room installations. Siniat Tilebacker is water and moisture resistant and can be fully tiled with weights up to 60KG.
No need to prime the boards prior to tiling.
Class A2 Fire Rated.
Manufacturer/Distributor-Siniat
Siniat manufacturers drywall products and systems for partitions, ceilings, wall linings and external sheathing purposes. Their products are used by small builders through to some of the most acclaimed architects and construction companies in the country.
ULTRA Tile Backer Board
Lightweight and high performance made from extruded polystyrene faced with fibreglass mesh and polymer mortar on each side.
This product is waterproof and can be used on walls, floors and ceilings.
It also has insulating benefits and is especially conducive when used with under floor heating, resulting in reduced energy costs.
Range from 6-50mm thicknesses.
Manufacturer/Distributor-Tyne Insulation Supplies Ltd
Tyne Insulation Supplies Ltd (Based in Newcastle with a branch in Manchester) was founded in 1989 and is a leading independent stockist of insulation materials and associated products. In a market increasingly dominated by the vested interests of large corporations, they have survived and prospered by offering exceptional value and service.
Wedi Building Panel
Made from “wedi specific” extruded polyethylene closed cell foam and reinforced with a synthetic resin mortar coated fibreglass mesh, the Wedi building panel can be tiled with ceramic, glass or stone tiles both in mosaic or large format.
Light and 100% waterproof these boards are ideal for interior walls, floors and ceilings
Manufacturer/Distributor-Wedi GmbH
Founded in 1983 by Helmut Wedi in Emsdetten, Germany, this company is well established in Europe and is particularly strong in France & Germany.
They opened a Manufacturing plant in Batavia, Illinois in 2017 to break into the North American market.
This year Wedi became part of Ardex GmbH, but will maintain their identity as an independent company within the group.
