Can I use Hardiebacker 500 in my hearth project ?

[Ernienomoreoil]

Hello friends,


I am building a hearth for my NC 30 and I was wandering if I can use 2 Hardiebacker 500 1/2 inch boards on top of metal studs, I originally was going to use durock but they only have the next gen brand around me.

Is the Hardibacker board good....

 

[shawng111]

I used it for my hearth and it works very well, I am not sure if its fire rated though, I didnt need an R value for my hearth only ember protection so I was not concerned with that aspect. But if you require r value you should do some research on this. As far as the board itself it is easy to use in my opinion but you must use a dust or respirator mask while cutting it if you use a masonry blade, makes a lot of dust. It has no structural strength, it is only for a bonding surface for ceramic tile and such. Good luck