TILE BACKER BOARD MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

Tile Backer Board Market Size and Trends

The global tile backer board market is estimated to be valued at USD 2.38 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.16 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2024 to 2031.

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The tile backer board market is expected witness a positive growth trend over the forecast period. The growing construction industry especially in the commercial and residential sectors globally is driving the demand of tile backer boards significantly. Renovation and remodeling projects in developed nations of North America and Europe are further supporting the market growth. New product launches incorporating advanced technologies and innovative designs by the key manufacturers to suit various project requirement is anticipated to provide opportunities for market expansion in the coming years. However, volatility in raw material prices due to supply chain disruptions may hamper the market growth to some extent during the forecast time period.

Rising demand renovation and remodeling activities

The global tile backer board market is expected to witness significant growth due to the rising demand for renovation and remodeling activities across both residential and commercial buildings globally. Various macroeconomic and demographic factors are contributing to this growth. With rising disposable incomes and change in consumer lifestyles and preferences, homeowners are increasingly spending more on upgrading and enhancing the interiors of their homes. This includes activities like adding new bathrooms, remodeling existing bathrooms, adding designer kitchens, refurbishing walls and floors, and others. Tile backer boards are an important material used in such renovation and remodeling activities as they provide a stable and sturdy surface to lay tiles on bathroom walls and floors. Additionally, factors such as increasing nuclearization of families, rising number of dual income households, and empty nesters are driving demand for home remodeling projects worldwide.  On the commercial front, tight labor market conditions are forcing business owners to refurbish and enhance their office spaces, malls, hotels, and other commercial infrastructure to attract and retain employees and customers. Moreover, evolving work practices are necessitating changes in office layouts and design to make them more collaborative and adaptive to new ways of working. This is propelling commercial remodeling activities globally. Given tile's popularity for its aesthetic appeal, durability and low maintenance, demand for tile backer boards is expected to rise concurrently with growth in renovation and remodeling projects across sectors. Various government initiatives and building codes are also focusing on energy efficiency, greener buildings, and use of sustainable materials. This will further drive the demand for replacing old building materials with advanced products like tile backer boards during remodeling activities.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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The rapidly expanding construction industry worldwide supported by urbanization, infrastructure development and growth in emerging economies is driving the market growth. Tile backer boards are increasingly being used not just in renovation projects but also in new construction activities. With rising disposable incomes, consumers are showing greater inclination towards better aesthetic interiors and designs both in their homes and commercial establishments. Tiles have emerged as one of the most popular choices of wall and flooring materials due to its versatility, durability and low maintenance. However, for optimum performance and longevity, tiles need to be laid on a stable substrate like tile backer boards rather than directly on wood or drywall. This is driving up the demand for tile backer boards.

Key Takeaways from Analyst:

The global tile backer board market has significant growth opportunities over the next five years. The rising construction of residential and commercial buildings worldwide will be a key driver for increased demand of tile backer boards. As ceramic tiles are increasingly becoming a preferred choice of wall and floor covering material, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, it will spur the need for tile backing solutions.

The market will witness fastest growth in Asia Pacific led by China and India on account of rapid urbanization and increasing disposable incomes. Growth in the Asian commercial sector aided by infrastructure developments will augment the tile backer board consumption. On the material side, fiberglass-based boards may gain higher acceptance over cement or gypsum-based boards owing to advantages like moisture resistance and installation ease. Nonetheless, availability of cheaper substitute materials in developing nations can act as a challenge for tile backer board suppliers.

The requirements of light-weight and easy to install tile backing products provide scope for innovations. Growing awareness of benefits of proper tiling systems amongst builders and contractors present opportunities for market players. Focus on penetrating untapped regional markets through distribution channel expansion and new product launches tailored to local needs will be a key determinant.

Market Challenges: Fluctuation in Raw Material Prices

The fluctuation in the prices of raw materials is one of the major factors restraining the growth of the global tile backer board market. Tile backer boards are primarily made from raw materials like cement, sand, limestone and polymers. The prices of these raw materials are highly volatile and tend to fluctuate frequently depending on various global economic and geopolitical factors.

Market Opportunities: Growth of Commercial Construction Sector

The rapid growth in the commercial construction sector across the globe represents a massive opportunity for the global tile backer board market. As more businesses look to expand operations through new facilities and office spaces, the demand for high-quality, durable tile substrates is poised to increase substantially. The commercial construction boom is projected to continue its strong upward momentum even in the coming years. A UN report on future urban development trends states that approximately 90% of global GDP will be generated from cities by 2050 as more people migrate to urban centers. This will necessitate a sustained phase of infrastructure building and new commercial real estate development across major cities. The sheer scale of these future construction activities practically assures growing market potential for tile backer boards to be used in various architectural applications.

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In terms of size, 1/2 board is expected to contribute 38.7% share of the market in 2024, owing to its durable properties and easy installation process. The 1/2-inch thickness makes it sturdy enough to hold tiles firmly in place for many years without cracking or warping. Its stiffness allows it to be walked on directly during and after installation, speeding up the tile laying process. The consistent thickness also means tiles are laid evenly without uneven grout lines. Being mid-range in thickness, it is less prone to breaking and damage during handling compared to thinner boards. Its versatility allows use behind all types of wall and floor tiles in most residential and commercial settings. 

Insights, by Form: Cost Effectiveness Boosts the Lightweight Cement Coated Foam Board Demand

In terms of form, lightweight cement coated foam boards is expected to contribute 36.6% of the market share in 2024, due to their affordable price point. Made with a cement and foam composite, they are significantly lighter than traditional fiber-reinforced boards. This makes them easier to carry and install, reducing labor costs. They require less rigid subfloor preparation since they can be installed directly over wood or drywall surfaces. Their insulation properties also improve energy efficiency of buildings by preventing heat/cool transfer through walls and floors. This translates to long-term savings on construction as well as heating and cooling costs, providing overall cost-effectiveness.

Insights, by Application: Growing Housing Needs Fuel the Residential Segment Growth

In terms of application, the residential segment is expected to contribute 35.6% share in 2024, owing to increasing housing construction activities. Rapid urbanization and population growth have driven the demand for new residential buildings over the past decade. Backer boards are now widely used behind all bathroom and kitchen walls and floors in homes. Their moisture resistant properties ensure tile installations last undamaged for years. This has made them preferred over alternate surfaces like plaster or drywall for wet areas. Furthermore, rising consumer spending on home remodeling and renovation has boosted the uptake of backer boards in home improvement projects. The drive for aesthetic, durable, and hassle-free bathrooms and kitchens continues to propel this segment.

Regional Insights

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North America has established itself as the dominant region in the global tile backer board market. With the U.S. and Canada as key markets, the region accounts for over 35.5% in 2024 of the total global demand primarily due to heavy construction activities in load-bearing applications. Home improvement and renovation of existing structures is a sizable end-use in North America, accelerating tile backer board consumption. Leading tile backer board manufacturers have established strong distribution networks and supply chain across the region to serve the widespread demand. Local producers also have a notable presence offering competitive product offerings and pricing. This has helped build competitive supplier intensity in North America, driving more product innovation and quality standards over the years. Stringent building codes and emphasis on waterproofing have nudged the uptake of tile backer boards compared to alternatives as well.

Among growing regions, Asia Pacific exhibits promising growth dynamics for tile backer boards. Factors such as rapid urbanization, rising standards of living, economic development, and government housing initiatives in countries like China, India, and Indonesia have augmented construction spending. This has positioned tile backer boards as a fundamental product alongside increasing preference for modern interior decoration with tiled flooring and wall surfaces.  Asia Pacific also stands to benefit from its cost competitive manufacturing environment for tile backer boards, which, in turn, supports affordable pricing. Coupled with steadily growing demand from renovation projects of commercial establishments and public infrastructure, the region is witnessing a slew of manufacturing plant expansions by international players. Foreign investors are also entering manufacturing joint ventures to cater to the burgeoning regional demand. This is helping Asia Pacific emerge as the fastest rising tile backer board consumer base globally over the coming years supported by its unparalleled growth dynamics in the construction industry.

Market Report Scope

Tile Backer Board Industry News

• In May 2024, Pidilite partnered with Grupo puma to unveil tile solutions in the Middle East
• In 2021, CertainTeed launched GlasRoc Tile Backer and GlasRoc Tile Backer Type X
• In 2022, James Hardie Building Products Inc. expanded the distribution of its HardieBacker Cement Board with HydroDefense Technology
• In 2022, Sika, NTCA partnership elevates tiling industry through training

*Definition: The global tile backer board market consists of cement-based or fiber-cement panels primarily used as a substrate for ceramic tile or natural stone tile walls and floors. Tile backer boards provide a stable, water-resistant surface that can withstand the weight of tile and thin-set mortar. They eliminate the need for wood or gypsum panels under tile and resolve issues stemming from moisture that can damage traditional drywall.

Market Segmentation

• Size Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • 1/4 Board
  • 3/8 Board
  • 1/2 Board
  • 5/8 Board
• Form Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Heavy Duty Cement Fiber Boards
  • Lightweight Cement Coated Foam Boards
  • Others
• Application Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Industrial
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Georgia-Pacific Wood Products LLC
  • PCS Board
  • James Hardie Building Products Inc.
  • wedi GmbH
  • USG Corporation
  • Johns Manville
  • National Gypsum
  • Cembrit Holding A/S
  • CertainTeed
  • Schluter Systems
  • Tortuga
  • Ramco Hicem
  • VipaBoard
  • Hangzhou Tyco Industrial Co., Ltd.
  • ZMARTBUILD