In 1901, Austrian Ludwig Hatschek thought it would be a great idea to mix asbestos fibers with cement, creating the first Cement Board. Hatschek was trying to create a substitute for wood that was fire-resistant – which explains the use of asbestos. Hatschek’s Cement Boards would see mass production in 1903. The only major change between the Cement Boards of 1901 and the Cement Boards of Today is that manufacturers have grown to realize that Asbestos is toxic, and substituted it with cellulose fiber (And later other kinds of fiber).

Note: Concrete Boards are not Cement Boards. Both use Cement as ingredients, however Cement is the primary ingredient of Concrete Boards, and; Cement is just one of the ingredients in Cement Boards.

WHAT ARE CEMENT BOARDS?

As with Fiberboards, Cement Boards are kinds of Engineered Wood, of which there are four kinds.

  • Fiber Cement Board – Incorporates Cellulose Fibers
  • Wood Wool Cement Board – Incorporates Wood Wool
  • Cement Bonded Particle Board – Incorporates Wood Chips
  • Wood Strand Cement Board – Incorporates Long strands of wood.

Contrary to rumor, manufacturers no longer make boards using asbestos.

Cement with different ingredients and additives mix to form Cement Boards. This mixture turns into sheets of varying thickness and size, dried and trimmed as needed.

HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO REAL WOOD?

Cement Board

Hardiflex is a popular brand of Cement Board available at MC Home Depot

Technically it is real wood – just buried in cement. One might also argue that Cellulose fibers are not wood fibers, but that’s debatable. Each kind of Cement Board has different properties. Plus there are chemical treatments that manufacturers add to change the properties of the Cement Boards. But in general:

  • Cement Board is environment-friendly. Not having asbestos anymore and being comprised of cement and wood particles, Cement Board is one of the safest construction materials in the market.
  • Cement Boards are highly-durable and impact resistant. It’s made from cement. It’s tough.
  • Cement Boards are resistant to the elements, vermin and fungus. While they are not water proof, unlike wood, cement boards will not expand or warp when exposed to water. They are NOT water proof however and water will find a way through them unless they are treated first.
  • Cement Boards are relatively easy to work with. They unfortunately require stronger carbide tipped cutting tools to work with.

On the CON side:

  • As mentioned, Cement Boards require stronger cutting materials to work with;
  • Cement Boards are more expensive.
  • Cement Boards are heavier than regular wood. So if you are building with them, you have to take into consideration the additional weight load.

LEARN MORE:

Watch the following videos to learn more about Fiber Cement Boards in MC Home Depot: