Fiber cement board (FCB) is a versatile building board made from cement, cellulose fibres, sand & additives, cured into a strong, fire-resistant, water-resistant panel. It is used for exterior cladding, dry-wall partitions, false ceilings, mezzanine flooring, prefab walls and wet-area linings. Combining the strength & durability of cement with the workability of a board, FCB is fire-proof, termite-proof, water-resistant and weatherproof — ideal for both interior & exterior applications.
Indian fiber cement boards follow IS 14862 (Fibre Cement Flat Sheets). Major brands: Everest, HIL Aerocon, Visaka (V-Boards), Ramco, NCL, Swisspearl (premium), Bison Panel.
FCB is manufactured by mixing Portland cement, cellulose / synthetic fibres, silica & water, then forming & autoclave-curing into dense flat sheets. The cellulose fibres reinforce the cement matrix (replacing the banned asbestos), giving flexural strength, while the cement gives fire, water & weather resistance.
| Type | Density | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Low Density FCB | < 1000 kg/m³ | False ceilings, light partitions |
| Medium Density FCB | 1000–1250 kg/m³ | Walls, partitions, ceilings |
| High Density FCB | > 1250–1500 kg/m³ | Cladding, flooring, heavy duty |
| Designer / Textured FCB | Varied | Facade cladding (wood / stone look) |
| Pre-Coated / Painted FCB | Varied | Ready-finish facades |
| Cement Plank / Lap Siding | High | Plank-style cladding |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 900–1500 kg/m³ |
| Thickness | 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20 mm |
| Board Size | 1220 x 2440 mm (4x8 ft) |
| Flexural Strength | 7–22 MPa (grade dependent) |
| Fire Rating | Non-combustible (A1 / A2) |
| Water Absorption | Moderate (sealed for exterior) |
| Termite / Rot | Immune |
| Lifespan | 30–50 years |
| Parameter | Fiber Cement Board | Gypsum Board | Plywood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire | Non-combustible | Fire-resistant | Combustible |
| Water Resistance | Good (exterior OK) | Poor (MR limited) | BWP/BWR water-resistant |
| Termite / Rot | Immune | Immune | Needs treatment |
| Strength | High | Moderate | High |
| Exterior Use | Yes | No | Limited (BWP) |
| Weight | Heavy | Light | Medium |
| Cost | Medium | Low-Medium | Medium-High |
| Best For | Exterior, wet, fire areas | Interior dry ceilings / walls | Furniture, interior |
See gypsum boards for interior dry applications.
| Brand | Products |
|---|---|
| Everest | Everest Cement Boards & planks |
| HIL (Aerocon) | Aerocon boards & panels |
| Visaka | V-Boards, V-Panels |
| Ramco | Ramco Hicem boards |
| NCL | NCL Bison Panel |
| Swisspearl (imported) | Premium designer FCB |
| Shera / Eternit | Plank siding & boards |
| Type | Cost (per sqft) |
|---|---|
| Low Density FCB 6–8 mm | Rs 25 – 55 |
| Medium Density FCB 10–12 mm | Rs 45 – 90 |
| High Density FCB 12–18 mm | Rs 70 – 150 |
| Designer / Textured FCB | Rs 100 – 250 |
| Cement Plank Siding | Rs 80 – 200 |
| Premium / Imported (Swisspearl) | Rs 300 – 700 |
| Partition / Cladding Installed | Rs 90 – 250 |
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| IS 14862 | Fibre Cement Flat Sheets |
| IS 2098 | Asbestos Cement Building Boards (legacy) |
| EN 12467 | Fibre-Cement Flat Sheets |
| ASTM C1186 | Flat Fiber-Cement Sheets |
| EN 13501-1 | Fire Classification |
| NBC 2016 | National Building Code — Boards & Cladding |
Fiber cement board is a versatile, fire-proof, water-resistant, termite-proof board for exterior cladding, partitions, wet-area ceilings, flooring and prefab construction — outperforming gypsum & plywood where fire, water & weather resistance matter. Use high-density boards for cladding / flooring, maintain a ventilated rainscreen for exterior, seal cut edges, use corrosion-resistant fixings, and allow expansion gaps.
For other facades, see stone / brick cladding, ACP, HPL, wood cladding & terracotta tiles; for interior dry ceilings / partitions, gypsum boards.