How to Cut Cement Backer Board

By
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 10/10/23
Reviewed by
Johnathan Brewer
Johnathan Brewer
Reviewed by Johnathan Brewer
Johnathan C. Brewer II is a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen, bath remodels, and general construction with two decades of professional experience.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Fact checked by
Emily Estep
Emily Estep
Fact checked by Emily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
A person using power saw to cut cement backer board.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $10 to $30

Cement backer board is a boon to homeowners and home professionals alike. Embedded with a glass-fiber mesh, this thin, cementitious board acts as an underlayment for wall and floor tile installations and for floor coverings of many types.

One of the chief advantages of working with cement backer board is that it is easy to cut. You have several methods for cutting cement board at your disposal.

Tip

There are several types of cement board that can be used for tile underlayment. Be sure to use the appropriate thickness for the application (which might also make cutting the backer board easier).

Methods of Cutting Cement Backer Board

Depending on the project, the tools you own, and your own inclination, you have at least three different ways to cut cement backer board. One method is entirely manual—no power tools needed—and works best for straight cuts. The other two methods require power tools and can help you make straight or curved lines and even holes.

Using a Utility Knife and Straightedge

If you have ever cut drywall with a utility knife, most brands of cement backer board can be cut the same way. Using the straightedge to guide the utility knife, you lightly draw the knife across the board. Then, turn the cement board over, fold one side of the board up, and complete the cut.

Pros

  • Clean and produces very little dust

  • No doubt the line is straight

Cons

  • Can't be used for partial cuts

  • More difficult to cut curves or holes

Using a Power Saw or Grinder

Cement backer board can be cut with an electric circular saw or an angle grinder, both equipped with a masonry cutting disc.

Pros

  • Cut faster with less physical effort

  • Can cut curves

Cons

  • Produces a great amount of dust

  • Requires a special disc for cutting

Using a Drill

A corded or cordless electric drill can be fitted with a carbide-grit hole saw to cut round holes in the cement backer board, a common task when building a bathtub or shower.

Pros

  • Cuts perfectly round holes

  • Can cut holes in ceramic or stone tile as well

Cons

  • It only cuts round holes

  • Holes are limited to a maximum diameter of 4 5/8-inch

Safety Considerations

Dust produced by cutting cement backer board may contain respirable crystalline silica. Prolonged breathing of silica dust may cause lung disease. Always use a power saw equipped with a dust-collection device. Cut outdoors, whenever possible, and always wear a NIOSH/OSHA-approved dust mask or respirator.

11 Essential Tools For Tiling

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Utility knife
  • Spare knife blades
  • Straight edge ruler (metal)
  • Corded or cordless drill
  • Multi-purpose carbide grit hole saw
  • Angle grinder
  • Masonry cutting disc
  • Hearing protection
  • NIOSH/MSHA approved mask
  • Eye protection
  • Speed Square

Materials

  • Cement backer board

Instructions

A variety of tools on a wood floor.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Cutting Cement Board With a Utility Knife

  1. Place the Straightedge

    Because the straightedge will be used for cutting, it must be metal, not wood or plastic. Lay the straightedge on the cement backer board, along the intended cut line.

    A person laying a ruler on a cement backer board.

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Score One Side of the Board

    With a fresh blade in the utility knife, draw the knife along the cut line. You do not need to press hard. You only need to create a score line, not a full cut.

    A person using an utility knife to cut cement backer board.

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Turn the Board Over

    Turn the cement backer board over so that the former top is now facing down. Turn the board carefully to avoid accidentally breaking it along the score line and ripping out mesh from the board.

    A person laying a cement backer board onto the floor.

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  4. Make the Second Cut

    Fold the smaller of the two sides up at about 90 degrees. Place the tip of the blade in the "V" section created by the fold. Lightly score the line to cut the fiber mesh. Separate the two pieces.

    A person using an utility knife to cut cement backer board.

    The Spruce Kevin Norris

Cutting Cement Board With a Power Saw or Grinder

  1. Prepare the Saw and Work Area

    Because high revolutions-per-minute (RPM) create more dust, use a low RPM circular saw or grinder or set a saw to a lower RPM setting. Use a carbide-tipped blade. Wear full personal protection.

    A person placing a saw onto a power saw.

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Create a Line on the Board

    With a straightedge and pencil, draw the intended cut line. Or draw a freestyle line if this is intended to be an irregular or curved line.

    A person marking a measurement onto cement backer board.

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Cut the Backer Board

    Turn on the saw or grinder. Slowly move the blade across the backer board, following the line. The blade should fully penetrate the board, similar to the way you might cut wood with a saw.

    A person using a power saw to cut cement backer board.

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Cutting Cement Board With a Drill

  1. Mark the Cement Board Cut Point

    Use the pencil or an indelible marker to mark a dot at the center of the intended circle cut. Draw a circle with the Speed Square around the dot to make sure that the circle is at the correct spot.

    A person making a mark onto cement backer board.

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Fit the Hole Saw on the Drill

    Chuck the hole saw into the cordless drill or corded drill. Run the drill briefly to make sure that the hole saw is chucked into place correctly and does not wobble.

    A person fitting a drill hole bit onto a drill.

    The Spruce /Kevin Norris

  3. Make the Circle Cut

    Place the pilot drill bit (attached to the hole saw) on the marked spot. Run the drill slowly until the teeth on the saw catch and begin to grind out a circular groove. Keep light pressure on the drill as you continue to grind out the circle. Toward the end of the cut, reduce the pressure slightly and let the hole saw complete the cut.

    A person using a drilling a hole into cement backer board.

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Workplace Solutions: Reducing Hazardous Dust Exposure When Cutting Fiber-Cement Siding. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.