Cement board’s definitely the workhorse for wet zones, no doubt. I’ve seen too many green board “moisture-resistant” claims fall apart after a few years, especially behind tile. One thing I’d add—don’t forget to tape and mud those cement board seams with alkali-resistant mesh before waterproofing. That’s where leaks love to sneak in. And yeah, cutting cement board is a dusty mess... I usually score and snap for straight cuts, but for curves, it’s always a battle.
Green board’s always seemed like a bit of a gamble to me, especially in showers or tub surrounds. I remember a job a few years back—client insisted on green board behind the tile in their bathroom because their last contractor swore by it. Fast forward three years, and I’m back there tearing out mushy drywall that looked like it never stood a chance. Maybe it’s fine for half baths or powder rooms, but in real wet zones? I just can’t trust it.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with those newer foam backer boards? They’re lighter and supposedly easier to cut, but I haven’t used them enough to say if they’re worth the extra cost. And yeah, cutting cement board... I’ve tried everything from scoring to using a jigsaw with a carbide blade, but it’s always a mess. Anyone actually enjoy that part? I sure don’t.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with those newer foam backer boards? They’re lighter and supposedly easier to cut, but I haven’t used them enough to say if they’re worth the extra cost.
- Used foam backer (Wedi) for my first shower reno.
- Cutting was way easier—just a utility knife, no dust, no mess.
- Panels felt sturdy once installed, but the price was a shock.
- Install went faster than with cement board, less cleanup.
- Not sure about long-term durability yet, but so far, no leaks or issues.
- For me, the time saved almost balanced out the higher cost.
- Still wouldn’t trust green board anywhere near a shower, honestly.
Green board gets hyped up a lot, but I’m with you—wouldn’t trust it in a shower. Maybe for bathroom walls *outside* the wet zone, sure, but water finds a way. I tried foam panels (GoBoard, not Wedi) last year and yeah,
That alone saved me a headache. The price stings, but I’d rather pay extra than deal with mold down the line. Green board’s just not worth the risk for anything that gets soaked.“Cutting was way easier—just a utility knife, no dust, no mess.”
Green board gets hyped up a lot, but I’m with you—wouldn’t trust it in a shower. Maybe for bathroom walls *outside* the wet zone, sure, but water finds a way.
I’ve owned a 1920s house for years and learned the hard way—“water finds a way” is spot on. I used green board behind tile once, thinking it’d be fine. Ended up with bubbling paint and a musty smell within a year. Switched to foam panels after that, and haven’t looked back. The upfront cost stings, but honestly, it’s nothing compared to what mold remediation costs. Green board just isn’t worth the gamble in wet areas, even if the hype says otherwise.