Following James Hardie’s recent announcement that it intends to close its European fibre-cement business, tile retailers, builders’ merchants and professional installers may be starting to review their future tile backer board supply.
For businesses currently using or stocking HardieBacker®, now is a good time to consider the alternatives available and make sure you have a reliable backer board solution in place for future projects.
At Quantum Group, we supply two high-performance tile backer board ranges across the UK and Ireland: AquaBoard Eco and Baseboard.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the two ranges offer different benefits depending on the installation, giving merchants and installers the flexibility to select the right board for the job.
AquaBoard Eco: A Lightweight Tile Backer Board for Walls and Floors
For installers and merchants looking for a strong, stable, and easy-to-handle tile backer board, AquaBoard Eco provides a versatile solution for both wall and floor applications.
Manufactured from magnesium oxide, AquaBoard Eco creates a solid, moisture-resistant substrate for tiling and is particularly suited to overboarding chipboard, concrete and stable timber floors.
Available in 6mm and 12mm thicknesses, AquaBoard Eco is designed to provide a reliable alternative to traditional plywood, gypsum and heavier cement-based boards.
Why choose AquaBoard Eco?
- Lightweight – approximately 15–35% lighter than standard cement-based boards
- Moisture resistant – helping protect the substrate against swelling, degradation, mould and movement
- Easy to cut and install – boards can be scored and cut without specialist cutting equipment
- Suitable for walls and floors
- Available in 6mm and 12mm thicknesses
- Suitable for use with underfloor heating
- Strong and dimensionally stable
- Available as part of a complete system, including AquaBoard Eco adhesive and fixings
Its combination of low weight, strength and simple installation makes AquaBoard Eco particularly suitable for professional tilers, bathroom installers and contractors looking for an efficient tile backing solution.
Baseboard: Waterproof and Insulating Tile Backer Boards
Where a project requires a completely waterproof and thermally insulating tile backer board, Baseboard offers another solution.
Baseboard panels consist of a lightweight core with a reinforced cement coating, creating a stable and completely waterproof substrate ready for tiling.
They are particularly suited to demanding wet areas including:
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Wet rooms
- Steam rooms
- Swimming pools
Available in 4mm, 6mm, 10mm, 12mm and 20mm thicknesses, Baseboard also gives installers greater flexibility where different build-up heights or installation requirements need to be accommodated.
Why choose Baseboard?
- Completely waterproof
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Thermally insulating
- Suitable for walls and floors
- Ideal for wet areas
- Compatible with underfloor heating
- Wide choice of thicknesses
- Suitable for timber and metal studwork, concrete and timber floors
Baseboard is also available as part of a wider wet room system, including shower trays, drainage solutions, fixings and accessories.
AquaBoard Eco or Baseboard: Which Tile Backer Board Should I Choose?
The right board depends on the application.
For general wall and floor tiling, overboarding timber or chipboard and projects where installers want a strong, lightweight and moisture-resistant substrate, AquaBoard Eco is an excellent choice.
For showers, wet rooms and other areas where complete waterproofing and additional thermal insulation are important, Baseboard may be the better option.
AquaBoard Eco
Best suited to:
- Wall and floor tiling
- Overboarding timber and chipboard
- Overboarding concrete
- Refurbishment projects
- Underfloor heating installations
- Projects where low board weight and simple cutting are important
Baseboard
Best suited to:
- Bathrooms and showers
- Wet rooms
- Steam rooms
- Swimming pool areas
- Underfloor heating
- Installations requiring a waterproof substrate
- Projects requiring thermal insulation
- Applications needing a wider range of board thicknesses
If you are unsure which product is most appropriate for a particular installation, the Quantum team can provide product information and technical guidance.
Reliable Tile Backer Board Supply Across the UK and Ireland
We understand that changing product availability can create uncertainty for both stock management and customers. Quantum Group supplies specialist tiling products to retailers, wholesalers and builders’ merchants throughout the UK and Ireland, supported by experienced account managers, technical knowledge and strong stockholding.
Already Stocking HardieBacker? We can help you identify whether AquaBoard Eco, Baseboard or a combination of both ranges is best suited to your customers and applications.
Interested in stocking AquaBoard Eco or Baseboard?
Existing Quantum customers:
Speak to your account manager about pricing, availability, product information and samples.
Not currently a Quantum customer?
Contact the Quantum team to find out more about opening a trade account and stocking AquaBoard Eco and Baseboard.
AquaBoard Eco. Baseboard. Two solutions from one specialist tiling supplier.