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.
Insutile® Build Board delivers superior performance across all critical categories:
Closed-cell XPS core is inherently waterproof and resistant to moisture absorption.
Closed-cell XPS absorbs zero moisture — no swelling, no delamination, no mould behind tile.
Rigid XPS core provides excellent compression and load-bearing capacity.
300 kPa compressive strength handles heavy tile and stone — no flex, no cracked grout.
Cementitious surface bonds reliably with all standard tile adhesives.
Cementitious face grips thin-set directly — no primer needed, strong bond with every adhesive.
XPS provides excellent thermal insulation, improving building energy efficiency.
0.034 W/mK core cuts heat loss through walls and floors — warmer rooms, lower bills.
Maintains consistent dimensions under temperature and humidity variations.
Doesn't warp, expand, or shrink — tiles stay flat and crack-free year-round.
Easy to handle, transport, and install compared to heavy cement boards.
Up to 85% lighter than cement board — one-person handling, less load, faster install.
Can be cut with standard tools. Simple fastening and jointing procedures.
Score and snap with a utility knife — no power tools, no dust, minimal waste.
Works perfectly with electric and water-based underfloor heating systems.
Insulating core sends heat upward — faster warm-up, lower running cost on UFH.
Lightweight profile makes it ideal for retrofit and renovation projects.
Installs over old tile or uneven plaster — minimal build-up, no heavy strip-out.
Scroll to see how every layer of the Build Board works together
Insutile® Build Board — available dimensions and key performance specs:
| Thickness | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 600 | 1200 |
| 6 | 600 | 1200 |
| 10 | 600 | 1200 / 2400 |
| 12.5 | 600 | 1200 / 2400 |
| 20 | 600 | 1200 / 2400 |
| 30 | 600 | 1200 / 2400 |
| 40 | 600 | 1200 / 2400 |
| 50 | 600 | 1200 / 2400 |
| 60 | 600 | 1200 / 2400 |
Available in 9 thicknesses from 4 mm to 60 mm — a single substrate system for thin tile-backer walls, underfloor-heating overlays, and load-bearing insulated partitions. Specify once, install everywhere.
Closed-cell extruded polystyrene core absorbs ≤ 0.1% water by volume — no swelling, no delamination, no mould behind tile even in showers, wet rooms, and steam-room conditions.
Ideal for a wide range of applications in residential, commercial, and specialty settings.
Seven essential steps for a successful Insutile® Build Board install. Click a step to view its plate.
Ensure the base surface is clean, dry, stable, and level. Remove any dust, debris, or contaminants before starting the installation.
Clean, dry, stable, level — no dust or debris.
Cut with hand or power tools; fit snugly.
Fasten or adhere to the substrate.
Alkali-resistant mesh tape + flexible compound.
Membrane over joints and penetrations in wet areas.
Thin-set mortar directly onto the face.
Grout, seal, and caulk perimeters.
Insutile® Build Board fixes directly to studs, masonry, or over existing surfaces using polyurethane adhesive and fixing washers — no skim-coat, no primer, and ready to tile once jointed.
The steps shown are a recommended installation guide. Site conditions, substrates, and finishes vary — always consult a qualified contractor or specifier to confirm the correct method for your project.
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:
Flexible membrane for curved surfaces and complex geometries.
Pre-formed angles for efficient corner and edge protection.
Specialized underlayment for shower bases and wet environments.
Tapes, meshes, sealants, and fastening systems for complete installations.
Get in touch with our technical team or download comprehensive product information.
Insutile® Build Board is purpose-built for wet bathroom environments — shower walls, surrounds, tub backs, and steam-room enclosures. Its closed-cell XPS core is completely waterproof while the factory cement coating bonds directly with any tile adhesive.
12 mm and 20 mm are standard for bathroom walls. 20 mm+ for steam-room applications where added thermal performance keeps the tiled surface warmer underfoot and to the touch.
Laundry rooms face constant humidity, condensation, and spills from washing machines and dryers. Build Board's impermeable XPS core keeps moisture out of wall cavities and studs for the long haul — no rot, no mould, no warping behind the finish.
12 mm for standard wall backing; 20 mm for floors or where the board spans framing and needs extra rigidity under tile or resilient flooring.
In kitchens, Build Board gives you a dead-flat, waterproof substrate for backsplashes, island walls, and tiled feature zones. Tile bonds directly to the cement face, and the rigid core supports heavy stone or large-format tile without sag.
12 mm is standard for most backsplashes. 20 mm for larger-format tile, stone, or where the board needs to bridge studs unsupported.
Spa, sauna, and wellness environments demand a substrate that can handle prolonged heat, steam, and humidity without breakdown. Build Board's XPS core is dimensionally stable through extreme thermal cycles and adds meaningful thermal insulation to keep the tiled surface warm.
20 mm minimum in steam and sauna environments. 30 mm where additional thermal performance or structural support is specified.
A single substrate system for both vertical walls and horizontal floors keeps fit-out logistics simple. Build Board lays flat under tile, screeds, or floating floors, and rises cleanly up wall faces for a continuous waterproof envelope.
20 mm for walls; 12 mm or 20 mm for floors depending on subfloor stiffness and tile format. 30 mm for heavy-traffic commercial floors.
A lightweight, moisture-proof substrate for tiled countertops, vanities, and outdoor bar tops. Build Board keeps the assembly waterproof underneath, carries heavy porcelain slabs, and is easy enough to cut on site to any edge profile or sink cut-out.
20 mm is the standard for countertop substrates. 30 mm where unsupported overhangs or heavy stone tops demand extra rigidity.
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