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Insutile®
Build Board

Lightweight Construction Boards

High-performance XPS tile backer board engineered for wet and dry environments. Rigid, waterproof, and ready to tile — outperforms traditional cement boards in almost every metric.

What is Insutile® Build Board?

High-Performance Tile Backer Board

Insutile is a high-performance extruded polystyrene (XPS) tile backer board engineered for use in both wet and dry environments. Its rigid XPS core is coated on both sides with a proprietary cementitious mortar, creating a product that outperforms traditional cement boards in almost every metric.

The reinforced cementitious surface bonds reliably with all standard tile adhesives, making Insutile the ideal substrate for ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tile installations — in residential kitchens, commercial hotel bathrooms, spa facilities, and everything in between.

XPS Core

Extruded Polystyrene — closed-cell, rigid, and inherently waterproof. Provides superior moisture resistance and dimensional stability.

Dual-Coat Surface

Cementitious mortar on both sides for maximum tile bond. Creates a reliable substrate that works with all standard adhesives.

Insutile Build Board Product

Engineered Layer by Layer

Scroll to see how every layer of the Build Board works together

Cementitious Mortar Polymer-modified coating
for superior tile bond
Fiberglass Mesh Alkali-resistant reinforcement
on both faces
XPS Foam Core Closed-cell extruded polystyrene
— waterproof & insulating
Dual-Coated Board Reinforced cementitious mortar applied to both faces provides exceptional strength, durability, and a reliable bond with all standard tile adhesives.
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Key Features & Benefits

Insutile® Build Board delivers superior performance across all critical categories:

Waterproofing

Waterproofing

Closed-cell XPS core is inherently waterproof and resistant to moisture absorption.

Waterproofing

The closed-cell extruded polystyrene core absorbs virtually zero moisture — even when fully submerged. This means no swelling, no delamination, and no mould growth behind your tiles, making it the ideal substrate for wet rooms, showers, and splash zones.

High Mechanical Strength

High Mechanical Strength

Rigid XPS core provides excellent compression and load-bearing capacity.

High Mechanical Strength

With a compressive strength of up to 300 kPa, Insutile Build Board handles heavy tile formats, stone cladding, and high-traffic floor loads without flexing or cracking — outperforming traditional plasterboard and many cement boards.

Excellent Tile Adhesion

Excellent Tile Adhesion

Cementitious surface bonds reliably with all standard tile adhesives.

Excellent Tile Adhesion

A factory-applied cementitious coating on both faces creates a rough, porous surface that grips tile adhesive firmly. Compatible with all standard cement-based, dispersion, and reactive adhesives — no priming needed.

Thermal Insulation

Thermal Insulation

XPS provides excellent thermal insulation, improving building energy efficiency.

Thermal Insulation

XPS delivers a thermal conductivity of just 0.034 W/mK, adding meaningful insulation value to walls and floors. Reduces heat loss through the substrate, lowers energy bills, and improves thermal comfort in bathrooms and kitchens.

Dimensional Stability

Dimensional Stability

Maintains consistent dimensions under temperature and humidity variations.

Dimensional Stability

Unlike wood or plaster, XPS doesn't expand, warp, or shrink with changes in temperature or humidity. Your tiled surface stays flat and crack-free year-round — even in high-moisture environments like steam rooms.

Lightweight

Lightweight

Easy to handle, transport, and install compared to heavy cement boards.

Lightweight

Up to 85% lighter than cement backer boards, Build Board reduces structural load on walls and floors. One person can carry and position full-size panels, dramatically cutting labour time and logistics costs on site.

Easy to Install & Cut

Easy to Install & Cut

Can be cut with standard tools. Simple fastening and jointing procedures.

Easy to Install & Cut

Score and snap with a utility knife — no power tools or dust. Fix to studs, masonry, or directly over existing surfaces using Insutile MSP sealant-adhesive and fixing washers. Full wall coverage in a fraction of the time.

Underfloor Heating Compatible

Underfloor Heating Compatible

Works perfectly with electric and water-based underfloor heating systems.

Underfloor Heating Compatible

Build Board's insulating core directs heat upward rather than wasting it into the sub-floor. Compatible with both electric mat and water-pipe systems, it improves heating response time and overall efficiency of underfloor heating installations.

Perfect for Renovation

Perfect for Renovation

Lightweight profile makes it ideal for retrofit and renovation projects.

Perfect for Renovation

Install directly over old tiles, plaster, or uneven substrates without heavy demolition. The thin, lightweight profile adds minimal wall or floor build-up — ideal for bathroom refurbishments, kitchen upgrades, and heritage conversions.

Available Sizes

Insutile® Build Board is manufactured in a range of thicknesses and standard dimensions:

Thickness (mm) Width (mm) Length (mm)
4
6
10
12.5
20
30
40
50
60
80

Where Insutile Performs

Ideal for a wide range of applications in residential, commercial, and specialty settings:

Bathrooms & Showers

Superior moisture resistance makes Insutile perfect for bathroom walls, shower surrounds, and steam rooms.

Wet Rooms

Fully waterproof core handles continuous moisture exposure in commercial and residential wet rooms.

Laundry Rooms

Withstands humidity and moisture from washing machines and dryers over the long term.

Kitchens

Reliable substrate for kitchen backsplashes and walls in both residential and commercial settings.

Spa & Wellness Centres

Engineered for demanding spa environments with high moisture, temperature, and humidity fluctuations.

Floors & Walls

Versatile for use on both vertical walls and horizontal floor substrates across all environments.

Countertops

Lightweight and durable substrate for kitchen and bathroom countertop tile installations.

How to Handle Insutile

Seven essential steps for successful Insutile® installation:

1

Substrate Preparation

Ensure the base surface is clean, dry, stable, and level. Remove any dust, debris, or contaminants.

2

Board Cutting & Fitting

Cut boards to size using standard hand or power tools. Fit boards to the layout with minimal gaps.

3

Fixing Method

Secure boards using appropriate fasteners or adhesive suitable for the base surface type.

4

Joint Treatment

Tape and mud all board joints. Use alkali-resistant mesh tape and flexible joint compound.

5

Waterproofing (Wet Areas)

In bathrooms and wet areas, apply waterproof membrane over joints and penetrations.

6

Tiling

Apply thin-set mortar directly to the Insutile surface. Install tile using standard adhesive and techniques.

7

Finishing

Grout, seal, and caulk as required. Complete with appropriate sealants in wet areas.

How We Compare

Insutile® Build Board outperforms alternatives across all key metrics:

Property Insutile® XPS Board Standard Cement Board Plain XPS Foam Plain Cement Board
Waterproof Core
Ready To Tile (no priming)
Thermal Insulator
Lightweight
Won't Absorb Water
Easy to Cut On Site
XPS Compatible

Explore Our Range

Insutile offers a complete line of specialty construction insulation products:

Ready to Specify or Order?

Get in touch with our technical team or download comprehensive product information.