Do you need a special saw blade to cut Hardie board?

Can you use a wood or concrete blade to cut James Hardie siding? You shouldn't use a wood blade to cut Hardie or other fiber cement siding. The higher teeth-per-inch count creates more fine dust particles. This increases the installer's exposure to respirable silica dust, which can lead to future health problems.

Can I use regular saw blade to cut Hardie board?

You can use a jigsaw, table saw or circular saw, or another tool, as long as it's equipped with the right kind of blade. Once prepared, cut the Hardie board as you would any other material. Mark your line; align the board against the guard as needed and slowly but firmly make the cut.

Do you need a special blade to cut cement board?

Fit the jigsaw with a metal-cutting blade or a carbide-grit blade. Cement is a tough material to use a jigsaw to cut through, so you need to use the right blade for the job. Use a metal-cutting blade or a carbide-grit blade to cut through the board.

Will masonry blade cut Hardie board?

That's a stone/tile/masonry cutting blade with a diamond 'turbo' rim. It will work for Hardie Backer board or similar fiber-cement products but it'll make a lot of dust, and would almost certainly be awful at cutting any sort of wood or wood paneling - more likely to burn through than cut it.

What can I cut Hardie board with?

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.

Tips for Cutting Hardie Board Cement Fiberboard Siding

Can you cut Hardie board siding with a wood blade?

Can you use a wood or concrete blade to cut James Hardie siding? You shouldn't use a wood blade to cut Hardie or other fiber cement siding. The higher teeth-per-inch count creates more fine dust particles.

What do you use to cut fiber cement siding?

For cutting fiber-cement siding, it's best to use a 4- to 6-tooth polycrystalline diamond-tipped (PCD) blade made specifically for fiber-cement. Regular carbide blades will cut fiber cement, but they dull relatively quickly, and if you attempt a gang cut, the blades overheat and can warp.

What kind of blade Do I need 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 you cut cement board with a hand saw?

While power saws make it a lot easier, it is possible to cut ​cement boards by hand.

What side of Hardie board faces out?

Which side goes up, smooth or rough? Either is acceptable, but we recommend that the smooth side with the nailing pattern of every 8" on center go up.

What kind of screws do you use for Hardie board?

James Hardie recommends 1-1/4'' long galvanized or STAINLESS steel roofing nails or 1-1/4'' long ribbed waferhead screws in compliance with the tile industry. It is 8-18 x 3/8'' HD.

What is a carbide tipped saw blade?

Carbide saw blades are used by woodworkers and craftsmen for precision cuts for projects that require minimal to no tearout, such as cabinet making or furniture building. Circular carbide tip blades are generally used with miter and table saws.

What size nails do you use for Hardie siding?

James Hardie recommends using stainless steel finish nails when installing HardieTrim products. Use a 2 in. finish nail to fasten trim together. Longer finish nails may bend.

Is Hardie board dust toxic?

Using a handheld circular saw to cut fiber‑cement board can generate respirable crystalline silica dust. When inhaled over time, the small particles of silica can irreversibly damage the lungs.

What is the best saw to cut cement board?

For straight cuts, use a circular saw fitted with a carbide-tipped wood-cutting blade, pushing the saw into the material with slow, even pressure. Here's a little secret: Use a blade with the fewest number of teeth you can find.

How do you cut a hole in Hardie 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.

Is Hardie board hard to install?

Joining Hardie boards together is actually very easy, but there are a number of ways that contractors get it wrong; Gaps: Hardie boards should be joined in “moderate contact”. This means that the boards should be touching each other when they are installed. There is no need to leave a gap for expansion.

Is Hardie board waterproof?

Tested & Proven Waterproofness

No water penetration through Hardie® Backer Board with HydroDefense™ Technology during 48-hour hydrostatic test. HardieBacker® Cement Board with HydroDefense™ Technology is a long-lasting, waterproof solution for walls, floors, and countertops.

Can I just screw down cement board?

Doing this will require that you remove the existing surface material before installing backer board over the studs. Cement board can also be used on countertops when laying tile. However, the process will involve using an extra sheet of backer board. Never use standard screws when installing cement board.

Are drywall screws OK for 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.