FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

IBS 2010: Schluter Introduces new Foam Core Tile Backer System

By Rob Yagid
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Schluter, well known for its Kerdi waterproofing membrane  gave us a glimpse of its new Kerdi-Board system at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas today.

Available in thicknesses of 3/16-in. to 1-1/2-in., the extruded polystyrene (EPS) foam cored panels are skinned with a proprietary reinforcement web that yields an extremely strong substrate.  The panels are designed to build tiled partitions for showers and baths,  shower benches, and tub platforms. Other uses could include tiled kitchen countertops.

The panels are comprised of a reinforcement layer covered with the Kerdi membrane on both sides. This creates a moisture resistance that tile setters have come to trust.

Schluter aims for the rigid foam panels to be used for more structural applications, and demonstrated the strength to support this claim by placing a 1-1/2 in. thick panel across two chairs and then standing in the center. When coupled with metal reinforcing edging, the panels can be stacked and assembled to create everything from benches to partitions without the need for traditional framing.

For curved applications, Schluter has come up with the Kerdi-Board-V, which is kerfed to allow for its use on continuous radius curves.

 

HEADLINES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW
Model Home? IBS 2010: The Model Home Gets a Reality Check
A case study in irony: Construction stops on 6,000-square-foot showcase home dubbed ‘The New American Home’ after falling victim to the credit crunch. Read more…
Schluter foam core tile backer board IBS 2010: Schluter Introduces new Foam Core Tile Backer System
Structural panels will ease the process of making tile partitions, walls, and structures for bathrooms and more. Read more…
Kohler low-flow toilet IBS 2010: More Bang for Your Flush in Kohler’s 1.28 gallon Toilet
With water conservation top of mind Kohler showed off its new 1.28 gallon one-piece toilet at the International Builders’ Show here in Las Vegas. Read more…
Generac_Guardian_Series_sqs.jpg Generac Standby Generator is Smarter than Me
A tour of Generac’s booth left me wondering why more homes aren’t equipped with emergency power. Read more…
Touch n seal spray foam insulation IBS 2010: Spray Insulation Rigs for the Rest of Us
Looking to get into the spray insulation business but don’t want the huge investment? Here’s a new portable unit you might be interested in. Read more…
GE hybrid hot water heater IBS 2010: Promising new water heater
GE released the first Energy Star rated water heater that uses heat pump technology and smart controls for significant energy saving potential. Read more…
New Stiletto speed square IBS 2010: Stiletto to Introduce New Titanium Square and Knife
The maker of high-end titanium hammers and prys shows off prototypes of its upcoming speed square and utility knife, due out later this year. Read more…
IBS 2010 Recap IBS 2010: Day One Round Up of New Tools and Products
From entry-level spray foam applicators to a rainwater collection system to some smaller gadgets and accessories, here’s what caught our eye at day one of IBS. Listen to the audio slideshow…

 

 

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape

Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.
Buy at Amazon

Affordable IR Camera

This camera is super useful for tracking down air leaks in buildings. The one-hand pistol grip arrangement frees your other hand for steadying yourself while maneuvering tricky job sites.
Buy at Amazon

Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

View Comments

  1. CanAmSteve | Jan 26, 2010 04:15am | #1

    This looks just like Wedi board - used in Europe for over a decade. Are we that far behind? http://www.wedi.co.uk

  2. gogreengo | Jan 28, 2010 10:18am | #2

    Yes canam we are that far behind in the US. I also looked at the kerdi board. It is similiar to Wedi but having the kerdi as a bonding surface is much different than a cementious face. I think it will be much easier to cut, lighter,and less money. Also, I was told schluter has built a plant in the U.S which makes it much easier to get product than Europe. I use the schluter systems in all my installs. I tried the WEdi board and found it to be a good board, just lacking any other products to support it and they raised the costs a few years ago without any warning. Seems to me they bought they way into the market, where schluter has worked its way by good product development. My 2 cents worth!

  3. RYagid | Feb 02, 2010 12:21pm | #3

    GoGreenGo, you're correct. Schluter is in the process of building a brand new plant here in the U.S. (Up near plattsburgh, NY, I think.) Supposedly it will have an even greater capacity than the Euro plants. Hopefully this improves distribution and costs.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Tall Deck on a Sloped Lot

When deck posts exceed what the prescriptive code tables allow, it's time to consult a structural engineer for post sizing and possible bracing.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • Podcast Episode 683: Barndominiums, ERVs, and Radon Mitigation
  • Podcast Episode 682: Basement Flooring, Architectural Salvage, and HVAC Ducts
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #331 Online Highlights

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

Video

View All Videos
  • Podcast Episode 678: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 2
  • Podcast Episode 677: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 1
  • FHB Podcast Segment: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 8
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Larsen-Truss Retrofit to Existing Stud-Frame House
View All

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data