Customer Reviews for DURAL Durabase XPS 32 in. x 48 in. x 1/2 in. Foam Backer Board Underlayment (Package of 9 - 96 sq. ft.)

This stuff is SO easy to use and isn't all that expensive. You just need a fresh blade to make clean lines and a drywall square makes for quick work. I did make holes between the studs every inch and used great stuff to hold a bit better from the back, but this is just my love of overdoing things and I'm using big tiles anyways which overlap the joint lines. Sure, the fiberglass can be annoying, but it's the same thing whether you're working with this, drywall, or insulation so what gives. I'm surprised how well the mortar sticks to this material! It's automatically waterproofed so all you need to do is tape the joints/over screws and you're set! Being foam, I would also say it acts as a sound deadening and temperature barrier, which is nice for a bit of extra privacy. It's also weightless, which means you can work alone (as a specialist, handyman or DIY) using one screw to hold the entire sheet, vs the heavier stuff. I really enjoyed this project.

Wow! This product is fantastic! We were looking for a a backerboard type product that was strong, yet lightweight. This is it! We were a bit skeptical when it arrived by UPS. It was extremely light, but was very ridgid. Panels were very easy to install and mortar over. The foam core gives the panels stability. I’ve used Hardibacker and Wonderboard for years and just recently changed over to schuelluter. Now I have a new option! Highly recommend!!

This is incredibly easy to use waterproofing. I have used cement boards and I have used waterproof fabric, this is by far the easiest to use. The precut size of 32 x 48 is a very smart size and the measurements are exact. The pieces are very light and really alleviate the frustration of the bigger heavier cement boards. They are very easy to install using the Durabase screw set (Home Depot item 304276490) I will also use Durabase seam tape (Home Depot item 304277837) after I finally make up my mind about the tile choice. If I hadn't done a shower with a similar method this would be slightly harder to build because of time researching how to do it correctly. That is the one drawback - the instructions available to download here are not helpful. The cost of this underlayment (system) is comparable to the fabric method and quite a bit more than the cement board and painted on membrane. The labor is way less than either of those other methods.

I cant wait to put up this new backerboard for my tub/shower because of the stuff on the wall now which my wife hates and is asking me to tear it down.My whole bathroom has that plastic stuff on the walls and cieling and it is UGLY. I also want to make sure that there is no mold anywhere in the bathroom because my son can not get sick he only has 1 kidney so we have to be very careful.

Easy to cut and assemble. Lightweight. I mean, really lightweight. Size is not optimal. So make sure you measure the panels to make sure you won't run short. Also, order at least 2 packs of screws and washers. One is not enough if you follow the recommendations. Some of the corners where crushed/smashed from the transportation.

i really liked using this for my shower remodel, and it was quite a bit cheaper than the alternative like schluter. the foam is really easy to cut, and seems like it will hold up great. only time will tell

Nice and lightweight

Great stuff. Super easy to work with

This product comes in a lot less expensive than it's competitors in the water proof foam backerboard arena. Easy to work with and hopefully prevents seemingly inevitable tile shower rot. One gripe is that customers are limited to a rigid 9 sheets/order. I needed 10 for my project and now have to scrounge for solutions to make up the shortfall or have a lot of extra kicking around which diminishes the relatively good value. An option to purchase additional single sheets would be appreciated.

This is advertised as being a lightweight alternative to a traditional cement backer board. It is not. It is definitely not as firm or rigid and cannot be used on the floor. It can be used for lighter weight tile on walls only.

as a general contractor, have done numerous bathroom tiling jobs and discovered this board couple years ago and have srictly been coming back to always buy again. Only product to use for professional work and much more less costs than - other guys!

Fair replacement for the schluter backer board

Light weight and easy to work. No issues.

If you're considering doing this with concrete backerboarrd, save yourself the trouble and pay for this product. Extremely easy to use and easily installed! Make sure to buy the screws, too!

Not inexpensive, easy to work with.

very easy & lightweight to assemble, looks great too

light, easy to handle, make the job easier than using cement board. was able to cut the extra sheet I had to make a shower niche. i should of took a picture before I tiled.

Great product very easy to install. No mess sealing seams very simple!

Excellent product will use again

I was planning on using the Durabase XPS 32 in. x 48 in. x 1/2 in. Foam Backer Board Underlayment for my kitchen floor, but after receiving them, I felt that they would work better as the replacement for the wall behand my kitchen cabinets. This is because they have nothing that will mildew or rot in their construction. As good as the boards are, the customer service from the company is something to rave about.

The Durabase XPS 32 in. x 48 in. x 1/2 in. Foam Backer Board Underlayment (Package of 9 - 96 sq. ft.) is really a exceptional product. Unlike most the other reviews we have a shower insert and had a water leak behind the walls and to the floor. To our amazement a gentleman from the company called my husband to make sure this was the product he really needed. Behind our insert was just the pink “waterproof” ha! sheet rock. Anyway all we had to do is use this just like the sheet rock but have actual waterproof-ness. Very light and easy to work with. It also comes with the screws you need. He also told us about a product to use on our floors. Awesome company, if you need help just call them.

Came in two different shipments. was in good condition except the corners were bent a little but really done no harm. Was furnished screws and washers with it. Was very light weight and very easy to install. Tile went on very easy and has held great so far. The only Con I have is that after its put up it moves between studs which was on 16 inch centers recommended. After tile put on it has stopped the movement but I was still concerned with the movement when pushed on.

I have not yet installed this product - the project that I intend to use it for has been delayed. But the concept of using rigid styrofoam with sealed coating (on both sides) rather than cement board (which has to then be sealed) is here to stay. Lightweight, but dimensionally stable. Cut with a knife, with no dust. The ease of installation is too compelling to not use something like this. The 32" x 48" sizing works well for standard tub/shower installations.

This was my first time using a product like this in place of the much heavier hardi backer board. I was skeptical that this lightweight material would hold up . However it has held up so far and is so much quicker and easier to use than anything else. I used red gard on the seams to form a watertight seal after cutting pieces into place. Having installed well over 500 showers in my lifetime I found this the best so far for wall installation of tile in wet ares. I do wish it were more economical and is the only reason for a 4 star instead of 5 star rating. All things being equal I recommend you give this product a try

Loved the light weight, easy to cut and screw into place. Getting a little too old to put up cement backer board so this worked wonderfully for me

Not worth the money