Green board is fine for those lower-risk spots—like behind a vanity or in a powder room—but I wouldn’t trust it in a shower, either. Cement board just gives you that extra peace of mind. I’ve seen regular drywall hold up okay in older homes, but it’s always a gamble if there’s even a hint of moisture sneaking in. Plaster walls are a different beast... they really don’t make materials like that anymore. Sometimes I wonder if we’re overengineering bathrooms, but then I remember the mold horror stories and think, maybe not.
Title: Green Board—Good Enough for Some Spots, But Not All
Green board is fine for those lower-risk spots—like behind a vanity or in a powder room—but I wouldn’t trust it in a shower, either. Cement board just gives you that extra peace of mind.
You’re spot on with this. I’ve run into way too many “budget” bathroom remodels where someone tried to save a few bucks by using green board in a shower, and it always comes back to bite them. Maybe not right away, but give it a few years and you’ll start seeing bubbling paint, soft spots, or worse—hidden mold. That’s a nightmare if you’re trying to protect your investment.
Here’s how I usually break it down when I’m evaluating a property or planning a reno:
1. **Powder rooms and dry areas:** Green board is fine here. It’s got that moisture resistance, but it’s not waterproof. If there’s no direct water exposure, it’ll hold up well enough.
2. **Behind vanities (with no shower/tub):** Still okay with green board, but I always check for leaks under the sink. If there’s any history of plumbing issues, I’ll sometimes go with cement board just to be safe.
3. **Showers and tub surrounds:** Cement board, no question. It’s heavier and a bit more work to install, but it’s basically bulletproof when it comes to water. I always pair it with a waterproofing membrane—think RedGard or Schluter—because even cement board isn’t totally waterproof on its own.
4. **Old plaster walls:** Like you said, “they really don’t make materials like that anymore.” I’ve demoed 80-year-old bathrooms where the plaster was still rock solid, even after decades of use. But once you open up those walls, you’re usually better off updating to modern materials.
I get what you mean about maybe overengineering things these days, but honestly, the cost of fixing water damage or mold is so much higher than just doing it right the first time. I’d rather spend an extra couple hundred bucks on cement board and sleep easy.
Funny enough, I once bought a rental where someone had used regular drywall in the shower—painted it with “bathroom paint” and called it good. Two tenants later, we had to gut the whole thing because the studs were black with mold. Lesson learned.
Long story short: green board has its place, but showers aren’t it. You’re thinking about this the right way.
That’s exactly it—green board is “moisture resistant,” not waterproof. People hear the hype and think it’s a magic bullet, but water finds a way, especially in showers. I’ve seen folks try to justify it with “eco-friendly” claims, but honestly, what’s green about ripping out moldy drywall every few years? Curious if anyone’s tried any of the newer recycled-content cement boards. Are they actually greener, or just more marketing?
what’s green about ripping out moldy drywall every few years?
I get where you’re coming from, but I think green board still has its place—just not in the shower itself. If you use it for bathroom walls outside the wet zone, and pair it with good ventilation, it can last a long time. For showers, though, I’m with you: cement board or one of those newer foam panels is way better. I tried recycled-content cement board last year—honestly, it was heavier than I expected, but seemed solid. Hard to say if it’s truly “greener” unless you factor in the whole lifecycle, but at least it won’t end up moldy and trashed as fast as drywall.
Honestly, I used to think green board was the answer for every bathroom wall, but after tearing out a soggy mess behind a leaky sink, I’m not so sure. These days, I stick to cement board in the shower and tile areas, then use green board for the rest—just like you said. Vent fans make a huge difference too. If you want to keep things “green,” maybe focus on durability first... nothing eco-friendly about hauling moldy drywall to the dump every few years.
