United States Backer Board Market By Type (Glass Mat Gypsum Wall Board, Cement Board, Foam Tile Backer Boards), By Application (Floors, Walls, Ceilings, Others), By End-users (Multi-family Residential, Single-family Residential, Commercial, Others) - United States Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast 2020 – 2027

Backer Board Market Outlook

The United States backer board market size was valued at USD 445.4 Million in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 590.9 Million by 2027, expanding at over CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period. Backer boards are waterproofing surfaces to fix the wall and floor tiles. These boards provide superior heat insulation for underfloor heating system. Moreover, they are suitable for absorbing and protecting the floor from water.

For adhesion, the use of backer board strengthens the connection between the floor and the wall. Backer boards are extensively used in the construction industry. They are utilized in commercial building construction and domestic housing, owing to their various physical properties such as dimensional stability, fire resistance, and decay. Additionally, these boards provide superior mechanical properties.

Nowadays, various options, such as gypsum, cement, foam tile backer board, and drywall wood products or plasterboards of backer boards are available. Each of these products have their own set benefits and features. Backer board are serving well-suited solution for issues such as tightening of the labor laws, increase in the awareness of mold-related health problem, rise in the requirement for productivity at the job site, and problems associated with moisture intrusion into wall cavities.

Traditional wood products, plasterboard, and drywall such as plywood and flake board are unsuitable for tiling applications, as they have poor dimension stability and insufficient bond strength. Additionally, wet areas add another layer of complexity, as water can penetrate through grout joints. Increase in water accumulation over time tile installation can damage the substrates that are not mold- and water-resistant. In some cases, water can penetrate the floor and wall assemblies causing further damage to the structural members in the affected areas. Similarly, standard drywall can disintegrate over time when they are exposed to water. Thus, the demand for backer boards has been increasing.

The backer board market is segmented into types, applications, and end-users. On the basis of types, the market is divided into glass mat gypsum wall board, cement board, and foam tile backer boards. In term of applications, the market is classified into floors, walls, ceiling, and others. Based on end-users, the market is fragmented into multi-family residential, single-family residential, commercial, and others.

Backer Board Market Dynamics

In the current situation, cement boards are widely used backer boards, as they provide stiffness, hardness, compatibility, dimensional stability, water & mold resistance, and are less costly. However, cement boards are not entirely waterproof. They initially absorb water and allow moisture to migrate into wood framing and underlying subfloor, thereby resulting in rotting and mold rot.

Cement boards are very dusty, abrasive, and heavy, and they require additional time and resources for installing, cutting, and transportation. Despite these disadvantages and lack of waterproofing, major builders, and tile installers are using cement backer boards, as they are cost-effective when waterproofing is not the highest priority. Glass mat or fiber-reinforced gypsum is also difficult to transport and install, as they are rigid and heavy. These boards require additional waterproofing for wet and bathroom area applications.

United States Construction Industry Outlook

Economy growth in the US is slow; however, the construction industry in 2019 has grown due to the addition of a larger number of jobs than the rest of the economy. At the start of 2020, the construction industry in the country was expected to grow; however, the industry growth slowed down due to coronavirus. The demand for newly built sing-family residential homes is high, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. The demand for multi-family residential housing is expected to grow at a steady pace due to the need for rental and condo construction.

Backer Board Market Segmental Outlook

On the basis of the types, the backer board market has been classified as glass mat gypsum wall board, cement board, and foam tile backer board. The cement board segment is expected to grow significantly, as they are widely used in numerous applications. Glass mat gypsum wall boards were primarily used as exterior sheathing for exterior wall assemblies in the past due to their high moisture resistance capacity. However, nowadays, they are used for interior environments that are subjected to extensive liquid or moisture exposure.

In terms of applications, the market has been segmented into floors, walls, ceiling, and others. Backer boards are moisture resistant; therefore, they are widely used to support tile installations in flooring and walls. These boards are installed in the walls surrounding bathtubs and behind showers. They are also used underfloor tiles when there is a wood sub-floor. These areas include bathroom floors or other tile flooring area of the house. Builders refer to this area as a wet area. Furthermore, backer boards are used in the kitchen area behind the backsplash.

In terms of end-users, the market has been divided into multi-family residential housing, single-family residential housing, commercial buildings, and others. The residential housing segment is expected to hold a major share of the market, as backer boards are used for waterproof floor tile or walls. Backer boards are ideal usage for plywood and plasterboard surface. These backer boards provide superior sound insulation properties, which helps reduce the need for a jigsaw.


Moreover, backer boards are used in residential housing, as they are strong, durable, lightweight, versatile, cost-effective, and rot proof. The single-family housing segment is expected to grow, as there is a lot of scope for growth. Demand for single-family residential housing reduced during rescission in 2008; however, it is slowly recovering.

Key Benefits for Industry Participants & Stakeholders

• In-depth Analysis of the United States Backer Board Market
• Historical, Current and Projected Market Size in terms of Value and Volume (Million Sq. Ft.)
• Potential & Niche Segments and Regions Exhibiting Promising Growth Covered
• Industry Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Covered in the Study
• Recent Industry Trends and Developments
• Competitive Landscape & Strategies of Key Players
• Neutral Perspective on United States Backer Board Market Performance