Fiber cement is a heavy-duty, low-maintenance material that has changed the game for homeowners. Hardie backer board is a well-known product, but it’s not the only high-performing fiber cement material on the market. In fact, Allura is recognized as one of the best alternatives to Hardie backer board for a number of reasons.
Whether you’re a contractor or a first-time homeowner, it’s important to have an understanding of all the materials available. Being aware of the pros and cons of different products and providers can help you make smart consumer decisions and invest in your home properly.
Take a look at some of the proven selling points of fiber cement, and you will see the distinguishing factors that make Allura the best alternative to Hardie backer board.
What is Backerboard?
Backerboard is used as a base layer behind the outermost layer. Designed to be water-resistant, backerboard provides an additional layer of protection to safeguard the structure from water damage. It is often installed in areas that are at a high risk for wetness and humidity, like kitchen tiles and backsplash.
Walls, ceilings, and countertops in bathrooms and kitchens are prime candidates for backerboard. Floors, walls, and ceilings in other rooms — especially laundry rooms, mudrooms, and porches — are also great places to install backerboard to protect from spills, high humidity, and weather. Backerboard provides an extra layer of protection, so there really isn’t a limit to where you can install it in the home.
Benefits of Backerboard from Hardie and Allura
Both Hardie and Allura specialize in crafting high-quality fiber cement backerboard. Due to the durable composition of fiber cement, these products offer incredible advantages that add value to the home.
Take a look at some of the benefits of backerboard from Hardie and Allura:
Rotting that takes place beneath the surface of the wall can cause thousands of dollars in damages. Fiber cement backerboard is 100% waterproof, providing confidence and peace of mind.
Fiber cement backerboard is easy to work with and cut down to size, making it desirable for DIY homeowners who want to tackle home improvement projects without hiring extra labor.
The absence of abrasive aggregates adds to the ease of workability that homeowners experience with Hardie and Allura backerboard.
Most builders are familiar with the score and snap technique used to cut drywall. Fiber cement backerboard works the same way! Applying light pressure in two points will cause the board to break off along the score line. It couldn’t be easier!
Mold is always of high concern, as it can threaten the health and wellbeing of a home’s occupants. Choosing building materials that are naturally insusceptible to mold growth is a great idea. The unique composition of fiber cement makes it 100% waterproof, meaning it won’t support mold growth the way that wood, drywall, and other traditional materials can.
One of the greatest features of fiber cement backerboard is that it has a slight flexibility to it that allows for easy adhesion to all types of tile. No matter what dimensions and materials you’re working with, fiber cement backerboard is a great choice for creating secure protection.
Added Benefits of Allura Backerboard
Hardie and Allura provide the advantages listed above, but if you’re looking for a better alternative to Hardie backerboard, the following points are sure to nudge you towards Allura. Fiber cement backerboard from Allura has a few key distinctions that give it an edge.
Selection is key when working with tight spaces and innovative remodels. Hardie board comes in standard dimensions, however, Allura backer is available in multiple sizes, including ½” and ¼” thickness. This makes a world of difference when wall tiles need just a little more (or less) space to look seamless.
Another desirable element of Allura backerboard is that it comes with a smooth surface standard on all sheets. This can simplify prepwork and installation.
Did you know that an estimated 353,000 homes catch fire every year in the United States? It’s best to have a product that slows the spread of flames, providing extra time for you and your loved ones to reach safety and save as much of the home as possible.
Building materials are ranked according to their fire safety qualities, with combustibility, ignition, and spreadability all factored into the rating. Allura backerboard has a Class A Fire Rating, which is the greatest available resistance against the threat of fire.
Choose Allura for Versatile Installation and Better Protection
There’s no doubt that fiber cement backerboard provides awesome advantages for the home. Based on the specs, Allura proves to be a better alternative to Hardie backerboard, specifically because of its fire rating, smooth surface, and thickness variability.
For more review of similar brands, check out our comparison of Durock, Wonderboard, and Hardie backerboards.
