|
Forecast Period
|
2027-2031
|
|
Market Size (2025)
|
USD 222 Million
|
|
Market Size (2031)
|
USD 394 Million
|
|
CAGR (2026-2031)
|
9.89%
|
|
Fastest Growing Segment
|
Standard Density Boards
|
|
Largest Market
|
South India
|
Market Overview
India Cement Boards Market was
valued at USD 222 Million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 394 Million by 2031 with a
CAGR of 9.89% during the forecast period.
Cement boards are strong, durable building materials
composed primarily of cement and reinforcing fibers. They are commonly used as
a backing or underlayment for ceramic tiles, stone, and other finishes in areas
exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior walls. Cement
boards provide a stable, water-resistant, and mold-resistant surface, making
them ideal for both residential and commercial construction.
Typically, cement boards are manufactured in standard
sheet sizes and are available in two main types: fiber cement board and
cement-bonded particle board. Fiber cement boards contain cellulose fibers
mixed with cement, while cement-bonded particle boards use wood particles as
reinforcement. These boards are known for their dimensional stability,
resistance to warping, and excellent performance in wet environments.
Installation of cement boards involves securing them
with corrosion-resistant screws or nails, often over a wooden or metal
framework. The joints are usually taped and finished with a waterproof compound
to create a continuous, moisture-resistant barrier.
Due to their fire resistance, strength, and
compatibility with a wide range of finishes, cement boards are a preferred
choice in construction for enhancing the durability and longevity of walls,
floors, and ceilings. They serve as a reliable alternative to traditional
gypsum boards in demanding environments.
Key Market Drivers
Growth in
Urbanization and Infrastructure Development
India is witnessing rapid urbanization, with more
people moving to cities in search of employment and better living standards.
This shift has led to increased demand for residential, commercial, and
infrastructural construction. As a result, the construction industry is
evolving to meet the requirements for faster, more sustainable, and durable
building materials — a demand that cement boards fulfill effectively.
Cement boards offer excellent resistance to moisture,
fire, and pests, making them ideal for high-density urban environments where
durability and safety are critical. Urban infrastructure projects such as metro
stations, airports, office complexes, and shopping malls increasingly require
materials that are easy to install, long-lasting, and require minimal
maintenance. Cement boards meet these needs due to their dimensional stability
and low susceptibility to environmental damage.
The government’s push through initiatives like “Smart
Cities Mission,” “Housing for All,” and increased budget allocations to urban
infrastructure also supports market expansion. Developers are looking for
cost-effective and time-saving materials to meet tight deadlines and quality
expectations. Cement boards, being prefabricated and relatively easy to work
with, help reduce construction time without compromising structural
performance.
This trend is expected to continue as more Tier-II and
Tier-III cities grow, further driving the demand for efficient construction
materials like cement boards. India's urban population is expected to reach 600 million
by 2031, up from 377 million in 2011, growing at an annual rate of
approximately 2.5%. This rapid shift drives demand for residential and
commercial construction.
Rising Awareness
of Moisture and Fire-Resistant Materials
India’s diverse climate—ranging from heavy monsoons to
dry heat—poses challenges to conventional building materials like plywood and
gypsum boards. These materials often warp, swell, or degrade under extreme
weather conditions, particularly in regions with high humidity or rainfall. In
contrast, cement boards provide superior resistance to moisture, making them a
popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and exterior applications. Additionally,
fire safety has become a growing concern in both residential and commercial
buildings due to rising fire incidents. Cement boards, being non-combustible
and fire-rated, add an essential layer of protection. Developers, architects,
and building regulators are increasingly incorporating fire-resistant materials
into construction norms and designs, boosting the demand for cement boards.
The National Building Code of India and fire safety
guidelines have also pushed developers to adopt materials with higher
resistance ratings. This regulatory pressure, combined with heightened consumer
awareness about building safety and longevity, is encouraging widespread use of
cement boards in both new construction and renovation projects.
As awareness grows about the long-term cost savings
and safety benefits, cement boards are becoming a preferred substitute for less
durable and flammable materials, accelerating their market penetration across
India. The
National Building Code (NBC) and fire safety regulations are increasingly
pushing for the use of fire-resistant materials in buildings. This has led
developers to prioritize materials that meet safety standards, such as cement
boards, for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Expansion of the Prefabricated Construction Sector
Prefabricated and modular construction is rapidly
gaining momentum in India due to its speed, efficiency, and lower labor
dependency. In such building systems, materials that are easy to handle,
lightweight yet durable, and require minimal on-site modification are crucial —
and cement boards fit perfectly within this framework.
Cement boards are prefabrication-friendly due to their
standard sizing, compatibility with various finishes, and ability to maintain
structural integrity under transport and assembly conditions. They are widely
used in dry walls, partition systems, ceilings, and external cladding, all of
which are integral to prefabricated buildings. The growing use of
prefabrication in offices, hospitals, schools, and affordable housing projects
is driving consistent demand for such materials. In addition, prefabricated
construction significantly reduces construction time, waste generation, and
environmental impact. These benefits align with India's increasing focus on
green building and sustainable construction practices. Cement boards, being
eco-friendly and recyclable, support this transition.
As the Indian construction sector moves towards more
industrialized and off-site construction processes, demand for modular,
ready-to-use building panels will rise. This positions cement boards as a key
material in the future of construction in India, supporting both speed and
sustainability without compromising structural standards.
Increased Focus on Sustainable and Green Building
Materials
Environmental concerns are becoming central to
construction planning in India. The industry is under pressure to reduce its
carbon footprint, minimize resource consumption, and adopt sustainable building
practices. Cement boards, with their recyclable nature and energy-efficient
performance, align well with these goals.
Compared to traditional materials like plywood or
gypsum, cement boards have a longer life span and require less frequent
replacement, reducing overall material consumption. Moreover, many cement
boards are now manufactured using eco-friendly processes, incorporating fly
ash, recycled fibers, and other industrial by-products, which contribute to
waste reduction and resource conservation.
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and LEED
certification systems are encouraging developers to use environmentally
friendly materials. Cement boards help buildings score better in these rating
systems due to their fire resistance, durability, and low VOC emissions. As
more commercial and residential projects seek green certifications, the role of
such sustainable materials becomes more significant. Furthermore, consumer
preferences are gradually shifting toward eco-conscious living, especially in
urban and high-income segments. Builders are responding to this demand by
advertising eco-friendly features, including the use of green-certified cement
boards. As sustainability becomes both a regulatory requirement and a market
differentiator, the demand for cement boards in India is expected to grow
steadily. The
Indian government has been promoting green building practices through
initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission, Housing for All, and National
Mission on Sustainable Habitat, driving demand for sustainable construction
materials. Green buildings can reduce energy consumption by 20–30% and water usage by up to 50%, leading to significant operational savings
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Key Market Challenges
High Cost Compared to Traditional Materials
One of the major challenges
facing the India cement boards market is the relatively high cost of cement
boards compared to traditional materials such as plywood, gypsum boards, or
wood-based particle boards. While cement boards offer superior durability,
moisture resistance, and fire safety, their initial price point remains a
barrier for widespread adoption—especially in cost-sensitive markets and rural
regions.
Many small to medium-sized
builders and homeowners prioritize upfront costs over long-term benefits. In
such cases, cheaper materials are often preferred, even if they come with lower
durability and greater maintenance needs. Cement boards also require specialized
cutting tools and accessories, which add to the total installation expense.
Additionally, labor familiar with cement board installation may demand higher
wages, further increasing the overall project cost.
In the price-driven Indian
construction market, particularly in affordable housing or low-margin
construction projects, cost remains the primary decision-making factor. Despite
their long-term economic value, cement boards struggle to compete in segments
where short-term savings outweigh durability and performance benefits. Moreover,
the lack of standardized pricing across regions due to variable transportation
and logistics costs further discourages their adoption in remote or semi-urban
areas. This results in uneven market penetration, where cement boards are
primarily used in high-end or urban projects while being overlooked in
mass-market construction.
To overcome this challenge,
manufacturers will need to invest in cost-efficient production techniques,
streamline supply chains, and increase awareness about the lifecycle savings of
cement boards. Until then, the high upfront cost remains a key hurdle to the
market’s broader acceptance across India.
Limited Awareness and Skilled Workforce
Another significant
challenge in the India cement boards market is the lack of widespread awareness
and availability of skilled labor for proper installation and handling.
Although cement boards are technologically advanced and offer superior
performance, many contractors, masons, and end-users remain unfamiliar with
their benefits, application techniques, and long-term value.
In large parts of
India—especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities and rural areas—traditional
materials like plywood and gypsum are more commonly understood and used. The
construction workforce in these regions often lacks exposure to newer materials
like cement boards. Improper installation, cutting, or joint treatment can
compromise performance, leading to cracking, poor aesthetics, or even
structural issues, which in turn harms the material’s reputation. Furthermore,
many local dealers and suppliers do not stock cement boards consistently due to
low turnover and demand uncertainty. This leads to supply gaps and discourages
contractors from recommending them. Even architects and engineers in smaller
markets may not include cement boards in their specifications due to limited
technical familiarity or confidence in local sourcing and application.
This lack of awareness and
trained labor creates a feedback loop: lower demand leads to less availability
and expertise, which in turn prevents market growth. While some manufacturers
have started offering training programs and on-site demonstrations, a more
structured effort involving training institutes, trade associations, and
government-backed skill development programs is essential to create a
well-informed, capable workforce.
Until awareness and skilled
manpower improve across all market segments, the growth of the cement boards
industry will remain confined largely to urban and premium construction
projects.
Key Market Trends
Shift Toward Dry Construction Techniques
One of the most significant trends influencing the
Indian cement boards market is the growing shift from wet to dry construction
methods. Traditional wet construction, which involves the use of sand, cement,
and water on-site, is increasingly being replaced by dry systems that are
faster, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly. Cement boards are central
to this transformation.
Dry construction techniques, including drywall
partitions, false ceilings, cladding, and raised flooring, are gaining
popularity due to reduced site work, faster project completion, and minimal
environmental impact. These methods also reduce water usage—a crucial advantage
in a water-stressed country like India. Cement boards, being pre-engineered and
easy to install, are ideal for dry construction and are now widely used in
urban residential, commercial, and institutional projects. Additionally, the
adoption of dry construction aligns well with the rising use of Building
Information Modelling (BIM) and modular construction systems, both of which
favor materials with standard dimensions and predictable performance
characteristics. Cement boards offer consistency, precision, and compatibility
with steel framing systems—key elements in modern, prefabricated building
methods.
This trend is further supported by growing demand for
faster project delivery, rising labor costs, and the need to minimize on-site
errors. Dry construction, with cement boards as a core material, is quickly
becoming the standard in India’s evolving building landscape.
Increasing Use in Renovation and Retrofit Projects
With India’s large stock of aging residential and
commercial buildings, renovation and retrofitting have become major areas of
growth for the construction sector. Cement boards are increasingly being used
in such projects due to their versatility, light weight, and ease of
installation over existing surfaces.
Unlike traditional materials that require extensive
demolition and surface preparation, cement boards can be directly fixed onto
older substrates, minimizing labor, time, and cost. This is especially valuable
in commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, and hotels where downtime must be
minimized. They are used in wall paneling, ceiling repairs, bathroom
renovations, and façade upgrades.
Cement boards are also preferred for renovation
because they offer improved performance in moisture resistance, fire safety,
and sound insulation—key factors when upgrading old buildings to meet modern
standards. In addition, since renovation projects often involve space
constraints and unpredictable site conditions, the adaptability of cement
boards becomes a significant advantage.
This trend is also driven by the government’s push for
urban renewal under schemes like the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT, which
focus heavily on upgrading existing infrastructure. As more Indian cities
invest in infrastructure repair and modernization, the demand for
retrofit-friendly materials like cement boards is expected to grow steadily.
Segmental Insights
End Use Insights
The Residential held the largest market share
in 2025. The residential sector has
emerged as the largest consumer of cement boards in India, primarily due to the
growing demand for sustainable, durable, and cost-effective construction
materials in housing projects. Cement boards are extensively used in residential
buildings for applications such as wall partitions, false ceilings, and
exterior cladding, owing to their excellent resistance to moisture, fire, and
pests.
Rapid urbanization, coupled with
government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and
affordable housing schemes, has significantly boosted residential construction
activities across the country. Cement boards offer a quicker and cleaner
alternative to traditional materials, making them highly suitable for mass
housing and fast-track construction projects.
The shift towards eco-friendly and
low-maintenance building materials in modern housing has further accelerated
cement board adoption. Additionally, rising awareness among homeowners about
the long-term benefits of using cement boards—such as energy efficiency,
aesthetic versatility, and structural stability—continues to drive their use in
residential developments, reinforcing the segment’s dominance in the India
Cement Boards Market.
Application Insights
The Partition Walls held the largest
market share in 2025. Partition walls
accounted for the largest market share in the India cement boards market due to
the increasing demand for flexible, lightweight, and efficient interior
construction solutions. Cement boards are widely preferred for partitioning in
residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, as they offer high
durability, sound insulation, and resistance to moisture, fire, and
termites—making them ideal for varied Indian climatic conditions.
One of the key drivers of this segment’s
dominance is the growing trend toward modular and space-optimized architecture,
particularly in urban regions. Cement boards facilitate quick installation and
easy customization, enabling builders and architects to create versatile
layouts without structural compromises.
The rise in real estate development,
coworking spaces, and home renovations has further fueled demand for cement
board partition walls. Their low maintenance and superior aesthetic finish add
to their appeal. Moreover, government-backed infrastructure and housing
projects have amplified their usage in large-scale construction. With
increasing focus on speed, sustainability, and design flexibility, partition
walls are set to remain the leading application segment in the India Cement
Boards Market.
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Regional Insights
South India held the largest market
share in 2025. South India has emerged as the leading regional market for cement boards
in India due to a combination of favorable climatic, industrial, and economic
factors. The region, comprising states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala,
Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, has witnessed rapid urbanization and industrial
growth, fueling the demand for modern construction materials like cement
boards.
One of the key reasons for this dominance is the
concentration of manufacturing facilities. South India hosts several cement and
cement board manufacturing units, which ensures efficient supply chains, lower
transportation costs, and readily available raw materials. The proximity to
ports also facilitates easy import of additives and export of finished
products, further strengthening the region's position.
South India experiences a high level of humidity and
coastal climate in many areas. This makes moisture-resistant building materials
such as cement boards especially valuable. Traditional materials like plywood
are less durable in such conditions, leading to a natural preference for cement
boards in residential and commercial construction.
The region also benefits from a relatively high level
of awareness among architects, contractors, and builders regarding the
long-term advantages of cement boards, including fire resistance, durability,
and environmental sustainability. Government-backed affordable housing schemes
and infrastructure development in cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad
have further driven demand. Moreover, South India's active real estate sector,
combined with a strong focus on prefabricated and green building technologies,
has reinforced its leadership in cement board adoption. These factors
collectively contribute to South India holding the largest market share in the
India cement boards market and continue to position it as a key growth hub for
the sector.
Recent Developments
- In November 2024, Emaar announced an
investment of USD 117 million in a new housing project in Gurugram, focusing on
premium residential development as part of its ongoing expansion in North
India’s high-demand real estate market.
- On 8th April 2025, Hyderabad-based
Cyient announced plans to invest USD 100 million to expand its semiconductor
business, aiming to strengthen its presence in the rapidly growing global chip
design and manufacturing sector.
- In January 2025, Blackstone announced an
investment of USD 11 million in Maharashtra to develop infrastructure and data
centers, aiming to enhance the state’s digital capabilities and drive economic
growth.
- In March 2025, the Madhya Pradesh
2025–26 budget allocated USD 6 million for urban and rural development,
focusing on key areas such as housing, infrastructure upgrades, and improved
sanitation throughout the state.
Key Market Players
- HIL Limited
- Visaka Industries Limited
- Everest Industries Limited
- Sahyadri Industries Limited (Eco-Pro)
- NCL Industries Limited
- Ramco Industries Limited
- SCG Fiber Cement Board (ZMARTBUILD)
- Wedge India
|
By Product Type
|
By End Use
|
By Application
|
By Thickness & Dimension
|
By Category
|
By Region
|
- Fiber Cement Board
- Wood Wool Cement Board
- Wood Strand Cement Board
- Cement Bonded Particle Board
|
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Infrastructure
|
- Partition Walls
- Roofing
- Flooring
- External Cladding / Façade
- Prefabricated
Buildings
- Others
|
- 4–6 mm
- 8–12 mm
- 16–20 mm
- Others
|
- Standard Density
Boards
- High Density Boards
- Low Density Boards
|
- South India
- North India
- West India
- East India
|
Report Scope:
In this report, the India Cement
Boards Market has been
segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends
which have also been detailed below:
- India
Cement
Boards Market, By Product Type:
o Fiber Cement Board
o Wood Wool Cement Board
o Wood Strand Cement Board
o Cement Bonded Particle Board
- India
Cement
Boards Market, By End Use:
o Residential
o Commercial
o Industrial
o Infrastructure
- India
Cement Boards Market, By Application:
o Partition Walls
o Roofing
o Flooring
o External Cladding / Façade
o Prefabricated Buildings
o Others
- India
Cement Boards Market, By Thickness
& Dimension:
o 4–6 mm
o 8–12 mm
o 16–20 mm
o Others
- India
Cement Boards Market, By Category:
o Standard Density Boards
o High Density Boards
o Low Density Boards
- India
Cement Boards Market, By Region:
o South India
o North India
o West India
o East India
Competitive Landscape
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies
present in the India Cement Boards Market.
Available Customizations:
India Cement Boards Market report with the
given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a
company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for
the report:
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and
profiling of additional market players (up to five).
India Cement Boards Market is an upcoming report to be
released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm
the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]