If water gets behind it—especially from a slow leak—it’ll still get funky over time.
Totally agree, green board’s decent for splash zones but it’s not a miracle worker. I’ve opened up plenty of “waterproof” walls and found mushy green board after a sneaky drip. Had a client once who insisted on green board everywhere, then their old shower valve leaked just enough to ruin the whole wall. Cement board’s my go-to now for any wet area—costs more, but saves headaches later. Hidden leaks are just brutal, no matter what you use.
Cement board’s definitely the safer bet for actual wet zones—showers, tub surrounds, the works. Green board just isn’t built to handle constant moisture or leaks, even if it’s labeled “moisture-resistant.” I’ve seen it fail after just a year in a poorly ventilated bathroom. If you’re after something eco-friendly, there are even recycled-content cement boards out there now. It’s a bit more upfront, but you avoid having to rip everything out later if water sneaks in. Hidden leaks are just relentless... no wallboard stands a chance if plumbing goes rogue.
Green board gets a lot of buzz, but honestly, I’ve never seen it hold up long-term in wet areas. Maybe for a half-bath or a laundry room wall, sure, but anywhere you’ve got regular water exposure? It’s just not worth the risk. I’ve had to pay for more than one bathroom gut job because a previous owner tried to save a few bucks with green board behind tile. Once water gets in, it’s game over—mold, soft spots, the works.
Cement board’s a little more work and cost upfront, but it’s saved me headaches (and cash) down the line. I’ve started using the recycled-content stuff too. It’s not perfect, but it feels better knowing I’m not just adding more waste. Plus, buyers seem to like hearing about eco-friendly materials these days.
One thing I will say—ventilation matters just as much as what you put on the walls. Even cement board can get gross if the bathroom’s always damp. I always check the fan situation before signing off on a reno. If you’re flipping or renting, that’s something to keep in mind. No one wants to deal with hidden leaks or moldy surprises after closing.
Green board’s fine for some spots, but for showers and tubs? I’d pass every time.
I hear you on the green board. I once helped a friend redo a shower where the previous owner had used it behind tile—looked fine for a few years, then suddenly the grout lines started getting dark and soft. Pulled off a tile and, yeah, total mess underneath. I’m with you, cement board’s my go-to for wet zones now. I do wish there were more recycled options that didn’t cost an arm and a leg, but at least it’s a step in the right direction. Ventilation’s huge too... I’ve seen even the best materials fail if the fan’s not up to snuff.
Yeah, I’ve seen green board fail in old houses too—just doesn’t hold up to real moisture over time. Cement board’s a pain to cut, but it’s worth it for peace of mind. Good call on ventilation... sometimes that’s the real hero.
