I’ve run into the same issue—green board just doesn’t always hold up if there’s any lingering moisture. Had a client’s powder room where the wall behind the sink started to get soft after a couple years, even though there was no leak. Since then, I lean toward cement board in any spot that might get splashed or stay damp. It’s a little more work, but I’d rather not risk callbacks for mushy drywall. Maybe it’s not necessary everywhere, but I’d rather err on the side of caution.
Had the same thing happen with green board behind a tub. Looked fine for a year, then started bubbling and crumbling near the bottom edge.
That’s pretty much where I landed too. Green board’s okay for the ceiling or above wainscoting, but anywhere water might sit or splash, it’s just not worth the risk. Cement board’s heavier, but I’d rather deal with that than redo a wall later.“I lean toward cement board in any spot that might get splashed or stay damp.”
Yeah, green board just doesn’t cut it if there’s any chance of standing water. I tried it once behind a shower—big mistake. Ended up tearing out half the wall after a year. Cement board’s a pain to haul in, but at least it lasts.
Yeah, green board just doesn’t cut it if there’s any chance of standing water. I tried it once behind a shower—big mistake. Ended up tearing out half the wall after a year. Cement board’s a pain to haul in, but at least it lasts.
Can totally relate to this. Green board's fine for bathroom walls that are nowhere near water, but showers? Nah, learned that lesson the hard way too... Mold city after about 18 months. Cement board is heavy and messy, but I’d rather deal with that upfront than gutting things later.
One thing I’ve started doing is using foam backer boards when I can—lighter than cement and still waterproof. Costs more, but my back thanks me every time. Green board’s okay for ceilings or outside the splash zone, but anywhere near a shower or tub, it’s just not worth the risk. Those “water-resistant” claims don’t mean much if you’ve got leaks or steam hanging around all day.
Green board’s just not built for the kind of moisture you get in a shower, no matter what the marketing says. I get that it’s tempting since it’s cheaper and lighter, but after seeing what happens behind tile when water sneaks in… not worth it.
Costs more, but my back thanks me every time.
Yeah, foam backer’s a game-changer. Anyone else wonder if we’ll see prices come down as more people switch over? I still use cement board when I have to, but man, it’s rough on the body after a few jobs in a row.
I’m curious—has anyone actually had green board hold up in a wet area for more than a couple years? Or is it always a ticking time bomb?
