Acorn Tiles
XPS Tile Backer Board – 1200 × 600mm | 6mm & 12mm
XPS Tile Backer Board – 1200 × 600mm | 6mm & 12mm
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Create a stable, lightweight surface for tiling with Acorn Tiles XPS Tile Backer Boards.
Each board has a high-density extruded polystyrene (XPS) core with a reinforced cementitious coating on both sides. The coated surface provides a suitable key for tile adhesive, while the XPS core offers low water absorption and useful thermal-insulation properties.
The boards measure 1200 × 600mm and are available in 6mm and 12mm thicknesses. They are lightweight, easy to handle and can be cut to size using an appropriate hand tool.
Typical applications
• Bathrooms and shower areas
• Wet rooms when installed as part of a correctly sealed system
• Internal tiled walls and floors
• Overboarding suitable existing surfaces
• Creating a stable background for ceramic and porcelain tiles
• Helping reduce heat loss beneath tiled finishes
Choosing the correct thickness
6mm XPS tile backer board is commonly used for overboarding suitable existing walls and floors where a relatively thin build-up is required.
12mm XPS tile backer board provides a thicker option for suitable wall and floor applications, including installations where additional rigidity or insulation is required.
The correct board thickness, fixing method and fixing spacing depend on the substrate and intended application. The supporting surface must be sound, stable and capable of carrying the completed tiled installation.
Key specifications
• Board dimensions: 1200 × 600mm
• Available thicknesses: 6mm and 12mm
• XPS core density: ≥35kg/m³
• Compressive strength at 10% deformation: approximately 350kPa
• Thermal conductivity: ≤0.030W/m·K
• Water absorption: ≤1%
• Reinforced cementitious coating on both sides
• Lightweight and easy to cut
• Suitable for internal tiling applications
Installation guidance
Boards must be installed onto a suitable, stable substrate using the appropriate tile adhesive and/or mechanical fixings for the application.
Use suitable backer-board screws and washers when mechanical fixing is required. Board joints, corners, fixings and service penetrations in wet areas must be sealed using an appropriate waterproof tape or tanking system.
The boards should be installed in accordance with the project specification, applicable standards and the recommendations of the adhesive, waterproofing and fixing manufacturers.
Important waterproofing information
Although the XPS core has low water absorption, the board should not be treated as a complete waterproofing system by itself. In showers, wet rooms and other directly wetted areas, joints, corners, fixings and penetrations must be properly sealed.
Technical values are based on the applicable product test documentation. Suitability must be assessed for each substrate and installation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size are the XPS tile backer boards?
Each board measures 1200 × 600mm and covers an area of 0.72m². The boards are available in 6mm and 12mm thicknesses.
How many boards do I need?
Divide the total area in square metres by 0.72 to estimate the number of boards required. Round the result up to the next whole board and allow approximately 10% extra for cuts and waste.
For example, a 10m² area requires:
10 ÷ 0.72 = 13.89 boards
Round this up to 14 boards before adding any allowance for waste.
Should I choose a 6mm or 12mm backer board?
The 6mm board is commonly used for overboarding suitable existing walls and floors where a low build-up is required.
The 12mm board provides additional thickness, rigidity and thermal insulation. It may be used for suitable wall and floor applications where a thicker board is appropriate.
The correct thickness depends on the substrate, fixing method, required build-up and intended installation.
Are XPS tile backer boards waterproof?
The XPS core has low water absorption, but the boards should not be treated as a complete waterproofing system by themselves.
In showers, wet rooms and other directly wetted areas, all board joints, corners, fixings and service penetrations must be sealed with a suitable waterproof tape or tanking system.
Can XPS tile backer boards be used in showers and wet rooms?
Yes, they can be used as part of a correctly designed and installed waterproofing system. The board joints, internal and external corners, fixing points and pipe penetrations must be properly sealed.
Can the boards be used on bathroom walls?
Yes. They can provide a stable background for tiling on suitable internal bathroom walls when installed using the correct adhesive and/or mechanical fixing method for the substrate.
Can XPS tile backer boards be used on floors?
Yes, in suitable internal floor installations. The boards must be fully supported and correctly fixed to a sound, stable substrate.
The boards will not compensate for a weak, loose or excessively flexible floor. The complete floor construction must be suitable for tiling.
How are XPS tile backer boards fixed?
The fixing method depends on the substrate and application. Installation may require a suitable tile adhesive, mechanical fixings with backer-board screws and washers, or a combination of both.
Fixing type, quantity and spacing should be selected according to the substrate and installation specification.
Do I need to use screws and washers?
Mechanical fixings may be required depending on the substrate and installation method. When mechanical fixing is specified, use suitable corrosion-resistant backer-board screws with appropriate fixing washers.
Do not assume that adhesive alone or mechanical fixings alone will be appropriate for every installation.
Do the screw and washer positions need waterproofing?
In directly wetted areas, mechanical fixing points should be sealed as part of the waterproofing system. Board joints, corners and service penetrations must also be treated correctly.
Do the joints between boards need to be taped?
Yes, where required by the installation or waterproofing specification. In wet areas, joints should be sealed using a suitable waterproof tape or tanking-system component.
For other tiled applications, joints should be treated according to the board, adhesive and installation requirements.
Are the boards lightweight?
Yes. The XPS core makes the boards considerably easier to handle and cut than many heavier cement-based sheet materials.
Does the board provide thermal insulation?
The XPS core has low thermal conductivity and provides useful insulation beneath a tiled finish. The overall thermal performance depends on the board thickness and the complete wall or floor construction.