Green board’s always seemed like a shortcut to me, but I get why folks use it—lighter, cheaper, less hassle. Thing is, I’ve walked through too many properties where someone tried to save a buck with green board behind tile, and years later you’re dealing with soft spots or worse, hidden mold. That’s a nightmare for resale value and buyer confidence.
I’m curious—has anyone actually seen a long-term install of green board in a wet area that held up? Like, 10-15 years down the line? Or is it just one of those things that always comes back to bite you eventually? I wonder if there’s some magic combo of sealers or membranes that really works, or if it’s just better to stick with cement board and not gamble. Sometimes I think the “new” materials get hyped because they’re easier for quick flips, but do they ever really stand the test of time?
Green board behind tile always makes me nervous. I picked up a duplex a few years back—bathrooms looked fine at first, but when we started demo, the green board was mush behind the shower. Tile was barely holding on. Maybe it lasts in super dry climates, but I haven’t seen it survive more than a decade in a real wet area. Cement board’s a pain, but I sleep better knowing it’s there.