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.
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.
Extruded Polystyrene — closed-cell, rigid, and inherently waterproof. Provides superior moisture resistance and dimensional stability.
Cementitious mortar on both sides for maximum tile bond. Creates a reliable substrate that works with all standard adhesives.
Scroll to see how every layer of the Build Board works together
Insutile® Build Board delivers superior performance across all critical categories:
Closed-cell XPS core is inherently waterproof and resistant to moisture absorption.
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.
Rigid XPS core provides excellent compression and load-bearing capacity.
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.
Cementitious surface bonds reliably with all standard tile adhesives.
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.
XPS provides excellent thermal insulation, improving building energy efficiency.
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.
Maintains consistent dimensions under temperature and humidity variations.
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.
Easy to handle, transport, and install compared to heavy cement boards.
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.
Can be cut with standard tools. Simple fastening and jointing procedures.
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.
Works perfectly with electric and water-based underfloor heating systems.
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.
Lightweight profile makes it ideal for retrofit and renovation projects.
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.
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 | — | — |
Ideal for a wide range of applications in residential, commercial, and specialty settings:
Superior moisture resistance makes Insutile perfect for bathroom walls, shower surrounds, and steam rooms.
Fully waterproof core handles continuous moisture exposure in commercial and residential wet rooms.
Withstands humidity and moisture from washing machines and dryers over the long term.
Reliable substrate for kitchen backsplashes and walls in both residential and commercial settings.
Engineered for demanding spa environments with high moisture, temperature, and humidity fluctuations.
Versatile for use on both vertical walls and horizontal floor substrates across all environments.
Lightweight and durable substrate for kitchen and bathroom countertop tile installations.
Seven essential steps for successful Insutile® installation:
Ensure the base surface is clean, dry, stable, and level. Remove any dust, debris, or contaminants.
Cut boards to size using standard hand or power tools. Fit boards to the layout with minimal gaps.
Secure boards using appropriate fasteners or adhesive suitable for the base surface type.
Tape and mud all board joints. Use alkali-resistant mesh tape and flexible joint compound.
In bathrooms and wet areas, apply waterproof membrane over joints and penetrations.
Apply thin-set mortar directly to the Insutile surface. Install tile using standard adhesive and techniques.
Grout, seal, and caulk as required. Complete with appropriate sealants in wet areas.
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 | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
Insutile offers a complete line of specialty construction insulation products:
Get in touch with our technical team or download comprehensive product information.