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The Daily Insight

How do you cut circles in cement board

Author

David Edwards

Updated on May 17, 2026

You can also cut holes using a jigsaw with a metal-cutting blade or a drill fitted with a carbide-grit hole saw. When using a jigsaw to cut a round or square hole, start by drilling a hole through the backer board with a 3/8-inch-diameter masonry drill bit. Then insert the jigsaw blade into the hole and start cutting.

How do you cut a circle in backer board?

You can also cut holes using a jigsaw with a metal-cutting blade or a drill fitted with a carbide-grit hole saw. When using a jigsaw to cut a round or square hole, start by drilling a hole through the backer board with a 3/8-inch-diameter masonry drill bit. Then insert the jigsaw blade into the hole and start cutting.

What do you cut cement board with?

First, you’ll want to choose a scoring tool. A carbide-tipped scoring knife is recommended, but you can also use a utility knife or shears. Never use a high-speed grinder to cut cement board indoors, since this can create a dust hazard.

How do you make cutouts on cement board?

To cut holes in cement backer board to use under tile, equip a portable jigsaw or sabre saw with a metal cutting blade. To start the saw in cement backer board, drill a hole though the backer board large enough for the jigsaw blade or make a plunge cut with the blade in the backer board.

Can you use a jigsaw to cut cement board?

A jigsaw can cut straight cuts, rounded cuts, and is the best choice if you need to cut a circular piece or an irregular shape out of the cement board. Fit the jigsaw with a metal-cutting blade or a carbide-grit blade.

Can you use drywall screws on cement board?

You don’t want to use regular drywall screws for cement boards. They can corrode, they can break down the edges of the boards, and they won’t drive in flush properly. Use ITW’s ROCK-ON and BACKER-ON screws instead.

Can you cut durock with a circular saw?

Use power tools on large projects or thick Durock to muscle through the process with ease. A circular saw with a carbide-tipped woodcutting blade is the best tool for the job. … While a jigsaw or an angle grinder fitted with a cutting wheel can also cut Durock, these options result in more mess and less accuracy.

What kind of blade Do I need to cut Hardie board?

Cement Board-Cutting Tools Carbide-tipped blades are made specifically for this kind of work. Cut the Hardie board outside, because the dust released as the board is being cut can pose a safety hazard. Set the blade rig up outside with sawhorses or a workbench in place to support the board.

What side of cement board faces out?

Cement board has a smooth side and a rough side. Face the rough side out if you will be using thin-set mortar adhesive to install the tile but the smooth side out if you will be using latex mastic.

How far apart are screws in durock?

Fasten panels to subfloor while the adhesive is wet with 32 mm (1-1/4″) CGC Durock Wood Screws or 38 mm (1-1/2″) hot-dipped galvanized roofing nails spaced 203 mm (8″) o.c. in both directions.

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Can I cut durock with a utility knife?

To cut DUROCK Brand Cement Board, mark desired size on the board with a rule and pencil. Score both sides and edges with a utility knife through the glass-fiber mesh, and snap the board to size. Smooth cut edges with wood rasp.

Can you tile directly onto cement board?

12mm HardieBacker cement boards, holding up to 200kg, can be used instead of plaster or plasterboard which typically holds 20-32kg, so almost any tile can be fixed. When tiling with a cementitious-based tile adhesive, prime the face of the board with one coat of BAL Primer – diluted 1:1 by volume of water.

Can you use Liquid Nails on cement board?

LN-907 Liquid Nails is recommended for cement board and most other common building materials. The application temperature is from 22 to 120 Fahrenheit and the service temperature is -20 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it ideal for just about any DIY project and on most construction projects.

Do you put drywall behind cement board?

Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: … In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board. Instead, first, remove the existing surface material, then install the cement board over the studs and membrane, as applicable.

What is the best saw to cut cement board?

Fit your circular saw with a carbide-tipped wood-cutting blade (view example on Amazon), choosing one with as few teeth as possible in order to minimize the amount of dust given off as you saw. Operate your circular saw as you typically would, pushing it slowly and evenly through your cement backer board.

Can a Dremel cut cement board?

Dremel Ultra-Saw US520 3.5″ Masonry Cut-Off Wheel 3.5 In. … Cuts a wide range of masonry materials including stone, slate, cement board, bricks and more. Compatible with all corded and cordless Dremel Ultra-Saws and corded RotoZip Saws.

Can I use a multitool to cut concrete?

Concrete. Concrete slab cut with an oscillating multi-tool. Diamond grit segment blades are the best choice for concrete, but carbide grit and carbide saw blades also work. An oscillating multi-tool can be used to cut concrete.

Should you waterproof cement board?

Contrary to popular thought, tile and grout are not waterproof, and some moisture will penetrate even if sealant is used. … However, if you choose to use concrete backerboard, which is much stronger and more durable than gypsum board, a water vapor membrane must be placed underneath it or a sealant applied on top of it.

How far apart should screws be in cement board?

Secure Backer Board with Screws Drill cement board screws through the backer board sheets every 6 to 8 inches. Position the screws at least 1/2-inch, but no more than 2 inches, from the edge of the sheet.

Does Hardie board need waterproofing?

Hardiebacker (James Hardie): the use of a waterproof membrane, vapor barrier or vapor. retarding membrane is optional unless the local building code requires it.

Can you cut concrete with a circular saw?

Use a standard circular saw, equipped with a corundum or diamond blade, for small tasks. For slabs, it’s best to cut through the top inch, then use a sledgehammer to break off the rest. The jagged edge left below the cutting line provides a good rough edge for the new concrete to bond to.

Will a diamond blade cut Hardie board?

what is the best saw blade for James hardie siding? For a larger project, use a fiber cement saw blade with polycrystalline diamond tips; if you’re installing Hardie siding on a shed or other small building you can use a fiber cement saw blade with carbide tips.

What are fibro cutters?

The Trojan Fibro Cutter is used to cut through cement sheeting up to 10mm. Ideal for handyman, DIY projects, home improvement, construction and builder use.

How many screws come in a 3x5 sheet of durock?

Fasten the DUROCK Brand Cement Board with 1-1/4 hot-dipped galvanized roofing nails or 1-1/4 DUROCK Brand Screws. In both directions, the floor must be at least 1/3.

Which is better Hardibacker or durock?

HardieBacker is also the go-to choice when it comes to countertops and tile. Durock is too abrasive and can damage vinyl, porcelain, and enamel. HardieBacker does not contain any course materials, so it is the preferable choice. It has a warranty that extends over the use of vinyl tile applications.

What side of durock goes up?

The smooth side is ideal for mastic applications, as it increases adhesive coverage. The textured side is ideal for mortar applications, as it enhances bonding and reduces tile slip. That said, mastic or thin-set mortar can be used on either side of the board without compromising performance.