I get where you’re coming from with cement board—no doubt it’s tough as nails and does the job. But I’ve gotta say, green board’s come a long way in the last few years. Some of the newer products are a lot better at handling moisture than they used to be. I’ve used it behind tile in a couple of low-splash bathrooms (not full showers, but tub surrounds with good ventilation), and it’s held up fine. Maybe I just got lucky, but I haven’t seen any of the “tile starts popping off” disasters you mentioned.
Not worth trusting the “moisture resistant” label.
I hear you, but I think it depends on how the space gets used. For a guest bath that barely sees action, green board plus a solid waterproofing membrane can be a decent compromise—especially if you’re trying to keep things eco-friendly and avoid hauling around heavy cement board. Less dust, less waste, and easier to recycle scraps. I’ll admit, if it’s a daily-use shower or a spot that never dries out, I’m not rolling the dice. But for lighter-use areas, I’m not totally against it.
There’s also the environmental side—cement board’s got a pretty big carbon footprint compared to gypsum-based stuff. Not a dealbreaker for everyone, but it’s something I try to factor in when I can. Sometimes it’s about picking your battles and knowing your space. If you’ve got kids splashing around every day, yeah, cement board all the way. But for that half-bath or guest suite? Green board’s not the villain it used to be.
I hear you on the cement board being the “safe bet,” but man, my back still remembers lugging those sheets up the stairs for our last reno. For our powder room redo, I went with green board and a roll-on membrane—mainly because the only thing that gets wet in there is the dog when he sneaks in after a walk. Two years later, not a single issue. If I had to do our main bath again, though? No way I’d risk it. But for the “fancy guest” bathroom that’s mostly just for show, green board’s been fine... and my wallet didn’t cry as much.
I totally get where you’re coming from—hauling cement board is no joke. My arms still ache just thinking about the time I tried to maneuver a full sheet around a tight stairwell. For spaces that don’t see much water action, like a powder room or a guest bath, I’ve had good luck with green board too. I did something similar in my own “showpiece” bathroom, mostly because it’s more about looking pretty than surviving a daily splashfest. Two years in, still holding up, and no mold in sight.
I know some folks swear by cement board for everything, but honestly, it feels like overkill for low-moisture spots. Plus, less waste and fewer chemicals involved with green board, which is always a bonus in my book. I’d still go full-on waterproof fortress for a main bath or anywhere there’s a shower, but for the “occasional dog bath” scenario? Green board’s been more than enough. Sometimes it’s about picking your battles... and saving your back.
I get the appeal of green board for lighter-use bathrooms, but I’ve seen it go sideways even in “dry” spaces if there’s a slow leak or bad ventilation. Mold can sneak up on you, especially behind tile where you can’t see it until it’s a mess. Cement board’s a pain, yeah, but it’s basically bulletproof. I’d rather overbuild once than have to rip out soggy drywall later... just my two cents.
Been there, done that with green board behind a tub—looked fine for a couple years, then we opened it up during a faucet replacement and the stuff was mush. The tile hid the damage until it was too late. Cement board’s not fun to cut or haul upstairs, but I’ll trade a little extra sweat for peace of mind. I get why folks try to save time, but water always finds a way, especially in older homes with “character.”
