James Hardie Building Products will showcase Hardibacker 500, featuring the company's new patented G2 technology, at Surfaces 2001. Hardibacker 500, a 1/2-inch-thick cement backerboard for ceramic tile wall applications, was created in the wake of extensive testing and improvement of the company's proprietary fiber-cement technology.

Available nationally, Hardibacker 500 is the lightest 1/2-inch cement underlayment in the industry, yet it provides more compressive and flexural strength, the company says. It is also designed for easy cutting and fastening.