Schluter Kerdi Board Alternative: 5 Cheaper Options That Don’t Fail
Schluter Kerdi-Board is a giant in the world of tile backer boards. It’s lightweight, easy to cut, and completely waterproof, making it a go-to for shower and bathroom projects.
But let’s be honest: that premium performance comes with a premium price tag. Many homeowners and even professional contractors find themselves wondering if there’s a Schluter Kerdi Board alternative that offers similar benefits without breaking the bank.
The great news is that the market is filled with excellent, reliable options. We’ll dive into the best alternatives that can save you money while still delivering a professional, waterproof result for your next tile project.
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Why Even Look for a Kerdi-Board Alternative?
The primary driver for seeking an alternative is almost always cost. On a large project, the savings from choosing a different foam board can add up to hundreds of dollars.
Beyond price, availability can be an issue. You might find that your local big-box store stocks one or two brands, but getting the specific thickness of Kerdi-Board you need requires a special order and a long wait.
Finally, some professionals simply prefer the handling or installation system of another brand. Exploring your options ensures you find the perfect fit for your specific needs and workflow.
Top 5 Schluter Kerdi Board Alternatives
Foam backer boards have revolutionized how we build showers. They are made with an extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam core and coated with a reinforcing layer that tile mortar adheres to beautifully.
Here are the top contenders that give Kerdi-Board a run for its money.
1. Johns Manville GoBoard
GoBoard is arguably the most popular and widely available Kerdi-Board alternative. You can find it at most major home improvement stores, making it incredibly convenient for both DIYers and pros.
Key Features & Benefits:
GoBoard is known for being extremely durable and easy to handle. Its main advantage is that it can be cut with a standard utility knife right on the spot—no special tools or messy dust clouds.
It’s also inherently waterproof. You simply need to seal the board joints and fastener heads with GoBoard Pro Sealant to complete the waterproof envelope. This process is fast and straightforward.
Potential Drawbacks:
Some users find GoBoard to be slightly more flexible than Kerdi-Board. This isn’t an issue when properly installed on studs spaced 16 inches on center, but it’s something to be aware of during handling.
Best For: The DIY homeowner and contractors who value convenience and availability.
2. Wedi Board
Before Kerdi-Board became a household name, there was Wedi. As the original foam backer board, Wedi has a long-standing reputation for quality and reliability in Europe and North America.
Key Features & Benefits:
Wedi’s system is famous for its simplicity and speed. The boards are joined together using a bead of Wedi Joint Sealant and special Wedi fasteners. There’s no mesh tape involved, which can significantly speed up the installation process.
The surface of Wedi board has a rugged cementitious coating that provides an exceptional bond for thin-set mortar. Many tile setters love the feel and rigidity of this board.
Potential Drawbacks:
Wedi is also considered a premium product, and its price point is often very close to Schluter Kerdi-Board. It may not offer significant cost savings, but some installers find its system is faster, saving money on labor.
Best For: Professionals who prioritize speed of installation and a proven, integrated system.
3. USG Durock Brand Foam Tile Backerboard
From the same company that brought you the iconic Durock cement board, this foam alternative aims to provide a lightweight, waterproof solution. USG is a trusted name in building materials, which gives this product instant credibility.
Key Features & Benefits:
The Durock Foam Board is very lightweight and easy to cut with a utility knife. It features a waterproof extruded polystyrene core and a coated surface that is ready for tile.
One of its key selling points is its high compressive strength. This makes it a sturdy choice for walls and even some bench applications, providing a solid feel after tiling.
Potential Drawbacks:
It is part of a complete system that requires USG branded sealant and screws for the warranty to be valid. Availability can sometimes be less widespread than GoBoard.
Best For: Builders and DIYers who trust the USG brand and want a high-performance foam board.
4. Laticrete Hydro Ban Board
Laticrete is a global leader in tile and stone installation systems. Their Hydro Ban Board is a professional-grade product that competes directly with the best foam boards on the market.
Key Features & Benefits:
Hydro Ban Board is a lightweight and waterproof XPS foam board. It comes with a 10-year system warranty, which provides peace of mind when installed correctly with Laticrete’s approved sealants and adhesives.
The board is designed for heavy-duty use and can be used to construct shower pans, benches, and niches. Its rigidity is often praised by professional tile setters.
Potential Drawbacks:
Like Wedi and Kerdi, Hydro Ban Board is a premium product, and its price reflects that. It is typically sold through specialty tile distributors rather than big-box home improvement stores.
Best For: Professional tile contractors and high-end bathroom remodels.
5. Hydro-Blok
Hydro-Blok offers a complete system of foam backer boards, shower pans, and accessories. Their focus is on creating a 100% waterproof shower system that is quick and easy to assemble.
Key Features & Benefits:
The defining feature of Hydro-Blok is its single-step joint sealant. The board joints are sealed with a bead of their sealant, and that’s it—no extra tape or membranes are required, which simplifies the process.
The company also offers a huge variety of pre-fabricated shower niches and benches that integrate seamlessly with their foam boards, making complex shower designs much easier to execute.
Potential Drawbacks:
Hydro-Blok is a less common brand than the others on this list, so finding a local supplier might be a challenge depending on your location.
Best For: Projects with custom features like large niches or benches where an integrated system is a major advantage.
Comparison of Kerdi-Board Alternatives
To help you decide, here is a quick overview of how these boards stack up against each other.
| Product | Surface Coating | Price Point | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schluter Kerdi-Board | Fleece Membrane | Premium | Excellent system integration and brand recognition. |
| Johns Manville GoBoard | Reinforced Coated Fiberglass | Value | Widely available and easy to cut. |
| Wedi Board | Cementitious Coating | Premium | Extremely fast installation with no mesh tape needed. |
| USG Durock Foam Board | Cementitious Coated Fiberglass | Mid-Range | High compressive strength from a trusted brand. |
| Laticrete Hydro Ban Board | Reinforced Cementitious Coating | Premium | Professional-grade rigidity and strong warranty. |
What About Cement Board? The Old-School Option
Some people consider traditional cement board, like Durock or HardieBacker, to be an alternative. However, this is a common and dangerous misconception. Cement board is not waterproof.
It is water-resistant, meaning it won’t swell or fall apart when it gets wet. But water vapor can pass right through it, potentially leading to mold and rot in your wall studs over time.
If you use cement board, you must apply a separate waterproofing membrane over its entire surface. This can be a liquid-applied membrane (like RedGard or Hydro Ban) or a sheet membrane (like Schluter Kerdi). This adds significant time, cost, and complexity to the project, which is why all-in-one foam boards have become the modern standard.
Critical Installation Advice for Any Foam Board
No matter which brand you choose, a successful and leak-free installation depends on following the rules. A great product installed incorrectly will always fail.
Always Follow Manufacturer Instructions
This cannot be overstated. Each system has specific requirements for fastener type, fastener spacing, and sealant. Mixing and matching products from different brands will void your warranty and can lead to failure.
For a deeper look into proper installation, reviewing a guide like this one on Sentinel Foam Board installation can highlight the kind of precision required for any foam board project.
Waterproof Every Seam and Screw
The boards themselves are waterproof, but the system is only as good as its weakest point: the seams and fastener penetrations. Be meticulous when applying sealant or banding to these areas.
A single unsealed screw head can compromise the entire waterproof envelope. Take your time and ensure every potential entry point for water is permanently sealed according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Remember It’s Not Structural
Foam boards are designed to hold tile, not to add structural rigidity to your walls. Ensure your wall framing is plumb, square, and solid before you begin installation.
The components of these systems are incredibly strong for their intended purpose. You might be surprised when considering questions like how much weight can a Kerdi curb hold, but that strength relies on proper installation on a solid structure.
Plan Your Niches and Fixtures
Integrating features like a shower niche requires careful planning to ensure it’s fully waterproof. Whether you use a pre-formed niche or construct one yourself, it must be seamlessly tied into the surrounding wallboard’s waterproofing.
Understanding the principles of how to install a Kerdi niche in cement board can provide valuable insights, as the waterproofing concepts are universal even when working with foam boards.
The Final Verdict: Which Alternative is Best?
While Schluter Kerdi-Board is an exceptional product, you are no longer locked into its high price point. The modern market offers fantastic alternatives that deliver professional, waterproof results.
For most DIYers, Johns Manville GoBoard is the top recommendation. Its combination of low cost, wide availability, and simple installation makes it the perfect choice for home projects.
For professionals, Wedi Board often wins out. Its incredibly fast installation system can save valuable labor costs, making its premium price worthwhile. Ultimately, the best Schluter Kerdi Board alternative is the one that fits your budget, is available locally, and has an installation process you are comfortable with.
