our blog

What Drywall Should I Use in a Shower?

What drywall should I use in a shower? Learn about the best options, including cement board and green board, for long-lasting moisture protection in wet areas. Contact us for a free consultation.

Choosing the right drywall for a shower is essential for creating a moisture-resistant and durable bathroom space. The high humidity and direct exposure to water in showers make it critical to avoid standard drywall, as it is not designed to handle these conditions. Instead, specific types of drywall and backer boards are required to ensure that your shower remains mold-free, water-resistant, and structurally sound for years to come. Below, we will discuss the different options, including green board, cement board, and other essential materials that can be used to ensure optimal performance in your shower.

Standard Drywall: Why It’s Not Suitable for Showers

Standard drywall, often called gypsum board or drywall, is made from gypsum plaster pressed between thick sheets of paper. While it works well in most areas of a home, it is highly vulnerable to water and moisture. When exposed to the humidity and steam from showers, it can absorb water, leading to issues like mold, mildew, and eventual disintegration of the material. This water damage can compromise the integrity of your shower, causing safety issues and expensive repairs. Even when sealed with paint or tile, standard drywall is not an appropriate material for areas that experience constant or even occasional exposure to water.

Because of these limitations, it is critical to avoid using regular drywall in any shower or wet environment. Fortunately, there are better options designed to handle the unique conditions in a bathroom. So, what drywall should I use in a shower? Read on to learn more.

Green Board: An Intermediate Option

Green board is a step up from standard drywall for moisture-prone areas. This type of drywall is similar in composition to standard drywall but has a water-resistant coating on its surface, giving it better moisture resistance. Its green color is a distinguishing feature, hence the name “green board.” Green board is often used in bathrooms and areas of high humidity, such as kitchens and laundry rooms, where occasional exposure to moisture is expected.

However, it’s important to note that green board is not completely waterproof. It is water-resistant, meaning it can handle moisture and humidity better than regular drywall, but it is still not recommended for areas that experience direct and continuous contact with water, like inside shower enclosures. Green board can be an appropriate choice for the walls surrounding your bathroom or for areas not directly exposed to water, such as ceilings and non-shower walls.

Cement Board: The Best Option for Showers

When it comes to the question of “what drywall should I use in a shower,” the most reliable answer is cement board. Cement board is specifically designed for wet areas like showers, bathtubs, and kitchen backsplashes. Unlike green board, cement board is 100% waterproof and highly resistant to mold, mildew, and decay. It is composed of cement and reinforced with fiberglass mesh, which gives it exceptional durability and resistance to water damage. Cement board does not degrade or swell when exposed to water, making it the best choice for installing tiles in showers and other areas that will be consistently exposed to water.

In addition to its waterproof properties, cement board provides a solid and stable surface for attaching tiles, ensuring that they adhere properly and remain in place over time. Installing a waterproof membrane over the cement board is also recommended to create an added layer of protection against water seepage.

Other Shower Drywall Options:

While cement board remains the most common material for shower walls, there are other alternatives that some homeowners and contractors may consider for their moisture resistance and durability:

Fiber Cement Board: Similar to cement board, fiber cement board combines cement with cellulose fibers, adding some flexibility and strength to the material. It’s a great option for areas exposed to water and can serve as a reliable backer for tile installations.
Glass Mat Drywall: Often referred to as "purple board", glass mat drywall is another water-resistant option for bathrooms and showers. Unlike green board, which uses a paper facing, purple board uses fiberglass matting to resist water damage and mold. It’s more water-resistant than green board but is still best used in conjunction with waterproof membranes in a shower.
Kerdi Board: Kerdi board is a foam-core backer board that’s both lightweight and waterproof. It’s typically used in tile installations, and many contractors favor it for its ease of use and ability to create waterproof showers.

Installation Considerations:

When installing drywall in a shower, it’s important to pay attention to the specific steps required to create a waterproof barrier. Here are some key considerations:

Waterproof Membrane: Cement board or any other moisture-resistant drywall should always be installed with a waterproofing membrane over it. This adds an extra layer of protection and prevents any moisture from seeping behind the drywall into the studs or framing, which can lead to serious water damage over time.
Proper Sealing: Be sure to properly seal all joints and seams using a waterproof joint compound. This will prevent water from sneaking into gaps between boards or tiles.
Tile Adhesion: Cement board provides an excellent surface for tile adhesion, ensuring that the tiles in your shower will remain securely in place. Use a high-quality thinset mortar to bond the tiles to the cement board, ensuring durability and longevity.

Why Cement Board is the Best Choice for Showers

Cement board is the superior material for areas that see high moisture exposure due to its inherent resistance to water. It provides a reliable base for tile installations, ensuring your shower walls remain strong and dry for years to come. By pairing cement board with a proper waterproof membrane and quality installation techniques, you’ll protect your bathroom from water damage, mold, and mildew.

For homeowners and builders alike, when asking “what drywall should I use in a shower,” it’s essential to choose the right drywall or backer board to maintain the integrity of your shower. Cement board not only outperforms other options in terms of water resistance but also provides a solid foundation for any tile work, making it the best choice for shower installations.

To Sum This Up

When planning your shower installation or remodel, choosing the correct materials is critical for long-term durability. The answer to “What drywall should I use in a shower?” is clear: cement board is the ideal choice for areas exposed to high moisture and direct water contact. It provides superior protection, preventing water damage, mold, and structural issues, while serving as a solid base for tiles.

If you’re unsure about the installation process or want professional guidance, contact American Striping & Commercial Coatings LLC today for a free consultation. Our team of experts will help you make the right decision and ensure your shower installation is built to last. We provide top-quality materials and professional installation services to meet all your drywall and waterproofing needs.

our blog

What Drywall Should I Use in a Shower?

Standard Drywall: Why It’s Not Suitable for Showers

Green Board: An Intermediate Option

Cement Board: The Best Option for Showers

Other Shower Drywall Options:

Installation Considerations:

Why Cement Board is the Best Choice for Showers

To Sum This Up

About American Striping and Commercial Coatings LLC

Quick Menu

Our Services

Contact Info

Areas of Service:

Business Hours:

Phone Number:

Email Address: