GoBoard Vs. Cement Board: A Comprehensive Comparison For Your Next Tiling Project

As a homeowner tackling a bathroom renovation, I found myself standing in the aisle of a home improvement store, staring at stacks of GoBoard and cement board, wondering which one would best serve my tiling project.

The choice between these two popular tile backer boards can make or break your installation, especially in moisture-prone areas like showers.

In this article, I’ll walk you through my journey of comparing GoBoard and cement board, breaking down their pros and cons, key features, and real-world performance to help you make an informed decision for your project.

A Brief Comparison Table

Understanding GoBoard: A Lightweight Contender

When I first picked up a sheet of GoBoard, I was shocked at how light it was.

At roughly 2 pounds per square foot, I could carry multiple 3×5-foot sheets under one arm without breaking a sweat.

GoBoard, manufactured by Johns Manville, is a foam-based tile backer board made from extruded polystyrene (XPS) with a fiberglass mat and an acrylic coating on both sides.

This combination makes it a unique player in the world of tile underlayments.

The lightweight nature of GoBoard is a game-changer for DIYers like me.

I didn’t need a buddy to help me haul it up the stairs, and I could maneuver it into tight spaces without feeling like I was wrestling a bear.

The XPS core is moisture-resistant, and the acrylic coating adds an extra layer of protection, making it a go-to choice for bathrooms, showers, and even basements.

One of the standout features is how easy it is to cut. I grabbed a utility knife and a straightedge, and within minutes, I had perfectly sized pieces with no mess. Unlike traditional boards, there’s no cloud of dust to choke on, which meant I could work in my garage without turning it into a construction site disaster.

The installation process is straightforward: you apply tile adhesive or double-sided tape, secure it with minimal fasteners (every 8–16 inches), and seal the seams with GoBoard mesh tape and sealant. I was amazed at how quickly I could get it up on the wall.

However, GoBoard isn’t perfect. Its foam core, while lightweight, doesn’t offer the same compressive strength as heavier alternatives. I wondered if it would hold up under heavy tiles or in high-traffic areas. For my shower project, it felt plenty sturdy once the tiles were set, but I could see why some pros might hesitate to use it for commercial floors with constant foot traffic.

The upfront cost is also higher—around $30–$40 for a 3×5-foot sheet compared to cement board’s $10–$15. But the time saved on installation and the built-in waterproofing made me question whether the price difference was worth sweating over.

Cement Board: The Tried-and-True Workhorse

Cement board, on the other hand, is the grizzled veteran of tile backer boards. Brands like Durock, HardieBacker, and WonderBoard have been around for decades, and their reputation for durability is hard to beat.

Made from a mix of Portland cement, sand, and fiberglass mesh, cement board is a beast—both in strength and weight. A 3×5-foot sheet can weigh up to 45 pounds, and I quickly learned that moving it solo was a workout I didn’t sign up for.

The durability of cement board is its biggest selling point. I could feel the solidity when I tapped on it; it’s like knocking on a concrete wall.

This makes it ideal for high-traffic areas like commercial spaces or even residential floors where heavy furniture or foot traffic is a concern. It’s also fire-resistant, which gave me peace of mind when I considered using it near a fireplace for a backsplash project.

But installing cement board was a different story. Cutting it required a carbide-tipped scoring knife or a circular saw with a diamond blade, and every cut sent a cloud of gritty dust into the air.

I had to gear up with a mask and safety glasses, and even then, I was coughing by the end of the day. The weight also made it a two-person job to get it onto the walls, and I needed to be precise with my measurements because mistakes were harder to fix than with GoBoard.

Fastening it required cement board screws or roofing nails, spaced closer together than GoBoard’s requirements, which added to the labor.

Cement board is water-resistant, but not waterproof. I learned this the hard way when I assumed it could handle my shower without extra protection. Moisture can seep through over time, so you need to apply a waterproofing membrane like RedGard or a Schluter membrane for wet areas.

This extra step added both cost and time to my project, which was frustrating when I was already juggling a tight schedule.

Pros And Cons of GoBoard

Let’s break down what I loved and what gave me pause about GoBoard.

Pros

• Lightweight Design: At 2 pounds per square foot, it’s up to 80% lighter than cement board. I could carry and install it without needing a second pair of hands.
• Easy to Cut: A utility knife and straightedge are all you need. I cut precise pieces in minutes with no dust, keeping my workspace clean.
• Built-in Waterproofing: The XPS core and acrylic coating make GoBoard 100% waterproof when joints and fasteners are sealed properly. This saved me from buying and applying an extra membrane.
• Mold Resistance: The acrylic coating and non-absorbent core scored top marks in mold resistance tests, which was reassuring for my humid bathroom.
• Insulation Properties: GoBoard provides thermal resistance, helping keep my shower warm and reducing energy costs—a bonus I didn’t expect.
• Fast Installation: Fewer fasteners and no need for special tools meant I could finish the job quicker, leaving more time for tiling.

Cons

• Higher Cost: At $30–$40 per sheet, it’s pricier than cement board. I had to weigh whether the convenience justified the expense.
• Lower Compressive Strength: The foam core isn’t as robust as cement board for heavy-duty applications. I wouldn’t use it for a commercial floor with constant traffic.
• Limited Warranty: The 10-year warranty feels short compared to cement board’s lifetime guarantees. I wondered about long-term reliability.
• Perceived Flimsiness: Before tiling, GoBoard felt less rigid than cement board. It stiffened up once tiles were set, but the initial flex made me nervous.

Pros And Cons of Cement Board

Cement board has its own strengths and weaknesses, which I discovered through trial and error.

Pros

• Exceptional Durability: It’s rock-solid and can handle heavy tiles, high traffic, and even outdoor conditions. I felt confident using it for demanding projects.
• Fire Resistance: Its non-combustible nature makes it a top choice for fire-rated assemblies, like around a fireplace or stove.
• Cost-Effective: At $10–$15 per sheet, it’s budget-friendly, especially for larger projects where costs add up.
• Widely Available: I found cement board at every hardware store, in various sizes and thicknesses, making it easy to source.
• Proven Track Record: Decades of use in construction gave me confidence in its reliability for both residential and commercial settings.

Cons

• Heavy and Cumbersome: At up to 45 pounds per sheet, it’s a pain to move and install, especially alone. I needed help to avoid straining myself.
• Difficult to Cut: Cutting requires special tools, and the dust is a nightmare. I spent extra time cleaning up after each session.
• Not Waterproof: It’s only water-resistant, so you need an extra waterproofing layer for wet areas, adding cost and labor.
• Installation Complexity: More fasteners and precise cuts made the process slower and more labor-intensive than GoBoard.
• Brittle Nature: If mishandled, it can crack, and screws too close to the edge can cause chipping, which frustrated me during installation.

Key Features of GoBoard And Cement Board In Comparison

To get a clearer picture, I zeroed in on the features that matter most for tiling projects: weight, waterproofing, ease of installation, durability, and cost.

• Weight

GoBoard’s lightweight design was a lifesaver for me as a DIYer. I could carry multiple sheets and install them without feeling like I was lifting weights. Cement board, however, was a struggle.

Its weight made it tough to maneuver, especially in tight spaces like my small bathroom. For anyone working solo or in a multi-story home, GoBoard’s portability is a huge advantage.

• Waterproofing

GoBoard’s built-in waterproofing won me over for my shower project. The XPS core and acrylic coating mean you only need to seal joints and fastener points, which I did with GoBoard sealant and mesh tape.

Cement board, while water-resistant, requires an additional membrane to achieve the same level of protection. This extra step felt like overkill when I was already pressed for time.

• Ease of Installation

Installing GoBoard was a breeze. I cut it with a utility knife, used minimal fasteners, and sealed the seams with ease. Cement board, on the other hand, was a slog.

The dust from cutting was relentless, and the need for special tools and extra hands slowed me down. If you’re looking to save time and effort, GoBoard is the clear winner.

• Durability

Cement board’s durability is unmatched for heavy-duty applications. I could see it shining in a commercial setting or a high-traffic residential floor. GoBoard, while strong enough for most home projects, didn’t give me the same rock-solid confidence for scenarios involving heavy loads or constant wear.

• Cost

Cement board is the budget-friendly option, with sheets costing a third of GoBoard’s price. However, when I factored in the cost of a waterproofing membrane and the extra labor, the price gap narrowed. GoBoard’s higher upfront cost was offset by the time and effort I saved, making it a worthwhile investment for my project.

Real-World Applications of GoBoard And Cement Board

I put both boards to the test in different scenarios to see how they performed. For my shower walls, GoBoard was a dream. Its lightweight nature and built-in waterproofing meant I could get the job done quickly and confidently.

The seams sealed tightly with the recommended sealant, and the tiles adhered perfectly to the smooth surface. I also appreciated the insulation, as my shower felt warmer during testing.

For a kitchen backsplash, I tried cement board because I wanted something that could handle potential heat from the stove. Its durability and fire resistance were reassuring, but the installation was a chore.

The dust got everywhere, and I needed a friend to help me lift the sheets into place. The extra step of applying a waterproofing membrane was necessary since the backsplash would occasionally get splashed with water.

I also considered using GoBoard for a basement floor tiling project. Its insulation properties were appealing for keeping the space warm, but I hesitated because the basement sees moderate foot traffic. I opted for cement board here, as its compressive strength gave me confidence it could handle the load over time.

Installation Tips from My Experience

Through trial and error, I picked up some tips that made working with both boards easier. For GoBoard, always use a sharp utility knife and a straightedge for clean cuts.

Double-check that your sealant is applied generously at seams and fastener points to ensure waterproofing. I used a battery-powered caulk gun for the sealant, which saved my hands from cramping.

For cement board, invest in a good dust mask and safety glasses—trust me, the dust is no joke. Score and snap the board for straight cuts, or use a circular saw with a diamond blade for curves.

Have a helper on hand to lift and position the sheets, and don’t skimp on the waterproofing membrane for wet areas. Spacing screws or nails 6 inches apart on walls ensures a secure fit.

Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

As someone who cares about the planet, I looked into the environmental impact of both boards. Cement board production involves high carbon emissions due to the energy-intensive process of making Portland cement.

Disposal can also be tricky, as it’s not recyclable in most areas. GoBoard, while not perfect, has a lower carbon footprint because of its foam core and lighter weight, which reduces transportation emissions.

However, the XPS foam isn’t biodegradable, so it’s not a clear win for sustainability. If eco-friendliness is a priority, you might explore alternatives like glass mat gypsum boards, though they come with their own trade-offs.

Cost Vs. Value Analysis

When I crunched the numbers, cement board was the cheaper option upfront. But GoBoard’s faster installation and built-in waterproofing saved me hours of labor and the cost of a separate membrane.

For a small bathroom project, the cost difference was negligible once I factored in these savings. For larger projects, like tiling an entire basement, cement board’s lower price per sheet could add up to significant savings, especially if you’re hiring a contractor who charges by the hour.

Making The Right Choice For Your Project

Choosing between GoBoard and cement board comes down to your project’s needs. If you’re a DIYer like me, working on a shower or bathroom with limited time and help, GoBoard’s lightweight design and easy installation make it a no-brainer.

Its waterproofing and mold resistance are perfect for wet areas, and the insulation is a nice bonus.

If you’re tackling a high-traffic area, like a commercial space or a busy household floor, cement board’s durability and lower cost make it the better pick. Just be prepared for the extra effort during installation and the need for a waterproofing membrane in wet environments.

Also Read: Reasons For Ballard Designs Shipping Being So Expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

You’re standing at a crossroads, just like I was, trying to pick between GoBoard and cement board for your tiling project. I’ve shared my journey to help you weigh the pros and cons, from GoBoard’s lightweight ease and waterproofing to cement board’s rugged durability and budget-friendly price.

Whether you’re renovating a cozy bathroom or a bustling commercial space, the right choice depends on your priorities—speed, strength, or savings. Use the insights and comparison table I’ve provided to guide your decision, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful project that stands the test of time.

Jeffery Carlson

I am Jeffery L. Carlson and you know the drill! I write for you and if you interact with me, please feel free to comment on any post you like!