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Jul 28, 2025
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Cutting cement board is an essential skill for everyone tackling home renovations involving tiling, drywall replacement, or waterproof installations in areas like bathrooms or kitchens. Cement board is a durable, water-resistant material made from cement and fiberglass mesh. Its rigid nature causes it to be ideal as a hardwood backer but in addition requires special care when cutting. Unlike regular drywall, cement board can dull tools quickly and generate harmful dust or even handled properly. Prior to starting, it's important to truly have the right tools and safety gear. Common tools for cutting cement board include a carbide-tipped scoring knife, circular saw with a cement board blade, utility knife, jigsaw, or angle grinder. Safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask or respirator are crucial to safeguard yourself from airborne fibers and debris.
The most straightforward method for cutting cement board is the score-and-snap technique. Start with marking the cut line with a pen and a straight edge. Utilizing a carbide-tipped scoring knife or an application knife, firmly score over the line repeatedly to make a deep groove. Once adequately scored, place the cement board over a strong surface like a workbench with the groove aligned at the edge. Apply downward pressure to snap the board cleanly over the line. While this method is best suited for straight cuts on thinner boards (typically ¼ inch), it's efficient, produces minimal dust, and requires fewer power tools—perfect for small projects and DIYers.
For more technical cuts, such as for instance curves or holes for plumbing and electrical outlets, power tools like jigsaws, rotary tools, or angle grinders may be necessary. A jigsaw fitted with a carbide-grit or diamond-grit blade is particularly helpful for cutting shapes or curves. If you're utilizing a circular saw for straight cuts, go for a blade specifically made for fiber cement board to prevent rapid wear and excessive dust. When working with power tools, always cut outdoors when possible or use dust control methods such as a vacuum attachment. Wetting the board lightly before cutting can also reduce airborne particles. You should be mindful to not soak the board, as excessive moisture can compromise its integrity How to Cut Cement Board.
After cutting, edges may appear rough and require light sanding with a masonry sanding block or rasp to get rid of splinters or unevenness. This step ensures a much better fit and cleaner finish, especially in visible areas. Clean off any dust and debris before installation to promote better adhesion if you're applying thin-set mortar or tape. When attaching cement board, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines, using corrosion-resistant screws and spacing them correctly. Make sure to leave a small gap between sheets to allow for expansion and contraction. Properly cutting and installing cement board not only ensures structural durability but also enhances the longevity of one's tiling or wall finish.
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