Can I use backer board vs plasterboard?

Ciderman · Post by **Ciderman** » Tue Dec 19, 2023 5:48 am

Hello folks,
I'm putting a stud wall up to hide a very uneven stone wall in my kitchen.
Basically I want a nice clean and straight surface for installing a new kitchen, and allow tiles as the splashback.

I'm wondering if it would be any advantage in using that hard cement board or hardie backer board instead of ordinary gypsum plasterboard.... then a light skim of plaster.

It's really just to give that slightly more solid wall to reduce that hollow flimsy box feel.
I've built a substantial stud frame, 400mm spaced studs and plenty of noggins, plus there's three window reveals to be clad also.

I see cement board is available in 2400 x 1200 sheets... so what's your thoughts?
Many thanks in advance!

aeromech3 · Post by **aeromech3** » Tue Dec 19, 2023 6:58 am

Cost and time: need to use self tapping screws or drill each fixing hole or use roofing nails, this increases the risk of splits in the board, as far as I know.
The thicker cement board is recommended for walls and so there is added weight, held only by the fixing method.

Ciderman · Post by **Ciderman** » Tue Dec 19, 2023 7:51 am

Thank you Aeromech,
I very since checked and one sheet of 2400 x 1200 is approx 50kg... so it's easily likely to end up a quarter of a ton hanging off the studwork...

Maybe I'll just stick to the knauf and a skim then.
Possibly even just add some hardie boards for the tiled areas and window reveals.
Thanks a million for replying mate

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Tue Dec 19, 2023 8:27 am

Just a further point to consider if you intend to fix cabinets on the wall then it might be an idea to sheath the frame in ply, and board over, in the appropriate areas or let in rails to the frame so you have strong fitting points.

DWD

Ciderman · Post by **Ciderman** » Tue Dec 19, 2023 9:57 am

That's actually a superb idea! Plus will stiffen up the stud framework.