How a cement board substrate reinforces kitchen remodels

Kitchens see it all: spills, splashes, heat and heavy traffic. Choosing the right cement board substrate can help ensure your kitchen projects look great and will last for years.

Manufactured by PermaBASE Building Products, LLC, an affiliate of National Gypsum Company, PermaBASE^® Cement Board products offer a reliable solution for numerous kitchen applications, including floors, backsplashes and countertops.

PermaBASE Cement Board is a rigid substrate made of Portland cement, aggregate and glass mesh that provides an exceptionally hard surface. In addition to its ability to stay intact when exposed to water — without rotting, disintegrating or swelling — PermaBASE Cement Board:

• Achieves the industry’s lowest water-absorption rating (ASTM C473)

• Helps inhibit mold growth with the highest possible score on mold tests (ASTM D3273 and ASTM G21)

• Resists impact and remains dimensionally stable — holding up to the toughest conditions

Let’s explore how to use cement board in flooring, backsplashes and countertops to create a moisture-resistant kitchen that’s built to last.

1. What is the best substrate for kitchen flooring?

When building or remodeling a kitchen, the flooring must be able to withstand more than just daily wear and tear. It endures constant foot traffic, heavy appliances and the occasional dropped pot or pan. Moisture resistance is also a critical consideration, as kitchens are prone to spills and humidity. Over time, these conditions can cause traditional substrates to weaken, leading to cracks in tile flooring or compromised grout lines.

How cement board helps:
PermaBASE Cement Board is engineered to provide the moisture resistance, durability and stability needed for tile installations in kitchen flooring. Its non-organic composition resists water absorption, preventing mold and mildew that can lead to health and structural concerns. By creating a solid foundation, it minimizes the risk of movement and cracking, ensuring tile floors perform for years. Installing PermaBASE Cement Board under a tile floor gives builders peace of mind knowing their client's kitchen can withstand even the toughest conditions.

PermaBASE Cement Board and PermaBASE UltraBacker^® Cement Board provide an extremely durable and stable substrate for floor tile or stone. The UltraBacker’s 1/4" thickness minimizes the height of adjacent thresholds when abutting carpet and wood floors.

Installing PermaBASE Cement Board when building a kitchen floor:

1. Ensure the subfloor is structurally sound and free of debris.

2. Lay down a layer of thinset mortar over the subfloor using a notched trowel.

3. Position the PermaBASE Cement Board panels, staggering joints for added strength.

4. Secure the panels with cement board screws every 8", ensuring screws are flush with the board surface.

5. Tape and thinset the seams with alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh tape and mortar to create a unified surface.

2. Why is a moisture-resistant substrate essential for backsplashes?

The walls and backsplash in a kitchen are more than design elements — they are functional surfaces that protect your kitchen from damage caused by grease, water and heat.

Backsplashes are constantly exposed to splashes of water and cooking oils, while walls near sinks and stoves face similar abuse. Without the right backsplash substrate, tiles can loosen, water can seep in, and the overall quality of the kitchen can quickly deteriorate.

How cement board helps:
For areas like walls and backsplashes, PermaBASE Cement Board offers a moisture-resistant, durable foundation that supports tile installations while preventing water infiltration. Unlike drywall, which can warp or deteriorate when exposed to water, cement board is specially designed to handle the rigors of kitchen environments. Its mold- and mildew-resistance ensures even the most moisture-prone areas remain protected. Additionally, PermaBASE WP^® Waterproof Cement Board offers built-in waterproofing, eliminating the need for additional membranes in highly exposed areas.

Watch now: Explore how to install PermaBASE Cement Board when building a kitchen backsplash.

3. How do you construct long-lasting tiled kitchen countertops?

Countertops are the workhorses of the kitchen, enduring constant use and exposure to liquids and cleaning chemicals. Whether prepping meals or placing hot pots and pans, countertops require a stable substrate that can handle it all. Traditional wood or laminate substrates can warp or degrade over time, especially in areas around the sink where water exposure is frequent.

How cement board helps:
Using PermaBASE UltraBacker Cement Board as a countertop underlayment provides exceptional moisture resistance and durability. Its non-organic composition ensures it won't swell or rot when exposed to water, making it ideal for kitchen countertops. By providing a perfectly flat and stable surface, PermaBASE prevents tile cracking and grout failure, ensuring the countertop remains as functional and attractive as the day it was installed.

Installing PermaBASE Cement Board for kitchen countertops:

1. Cut PermaBASE Cement Board to fit the countertop dimensions.
2. Secure it to the countertop frame with screws or adhesive.
3. Tape the seams and cover with a thin layer of mortar.
4. Once set, begin tiling to create a functional and stylish countertop.

PermaBASE Cement Board: The do-it-all substrate for kitchen projects

In addition to the floors, backsplash and countertops, PermaBASE Cement Board products provide a high-performing substrate for areas such as tiled accent walls and kitchen island bases. Benefits include:

• Moisture resistance: Kitchens are prone to splashes and spills. PermaBASE products resist moisture, preventing mold and mildew growth.

• Durability: With excellent impact resistance, PermaBASE Cement Board products help protect your kitchen surfaces from daily wear and tear.

• Ease of use: PermaBASE products are lightweight, easy to cut and simple to install, making them ideal for DIYers and professionals alike.

Download the PermaBASE Building Products Construction Guide, a comprehensive resource for your next kitchen project and other interior and exterior applications that require a durable surface designed to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture.

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