How to Cut Concrete Backer Board
Concrete backer board is commonly used as a substrate for tiles or stones, or as the actual wall surface in high-moisture areas like bathrooms. It's similar to drywall and can be primed and painted. You'll need to use a slightly different technique when you cut concrete backer board because it's harder than drywall. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Carbide-blade utility knife
- Straight edge ruler
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Gloves
- Dust mask
- Safety glasses
Instructions
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1
Measure all four sides of the space you will cover with each board using the tape measure. Mark your measurements with a pencil on the smooth side of the concrete backer board.
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2
Put your straight edge ruler along your marks and use the utility knife to mark a guide line. Using medium pressure on the knife, go over the line a few times.
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3
Move the straight edge out of the way and cut along the guideline eight more times, using maximum pressure. You don't have to cut through the board; this is a score line. But the deeper you go, the cleaner your break will be.
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4
Move the board so that the score line just hangs over the edge of your work table. Push down on the overhanging piece and the concrete backer should snap off along your score line.
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5
Clean the edge of the cut with the utility knife and your concrete backer board is ready to hang.
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Tips & Warnings
To cut a small piece off, just an inch or so, pushing down to snap along the line may not work. Instead, use pliers to break away the extra length in one small section at a time. Take your measurements twice to be sure they're correct. Concrete backer board is not easy to cut, so you only want to do it once.
Don't use a utility knife without a carbide blade unless you don't mind going through several blades. When you cut concrete backer board with a regular utility knife blade, they quickly wear out. Cutting the boards is dusty and possibly dangerous, so be sure to wear safety equipment, including gloves.
