Green board in the news—worth the hype for bathrooms?

I get what you mean about cement board feeling like overkill sometimes. When I did my first bathroom reno, I used green board outside the shower and just made sure to caulk and paint everything really well. Never had a problem, even with kids splashing water everywhere. Like you said,

for walls outside the direct shower spray, it seems fine if you’re on a budget

I’m with you on green board being a solid choice for anywhere that’s not getting hammered by water. Here’s what’s worked for me: after hanging the green board, I run a bead of silicone caulk along every seam and corner, then use a good primer before painting. If you’ve got decent ventilation and keep up with the caulk, it really does hold up. Cement board is just so heavy... I’ll save that hassle for inside the shower or tub surround.

Cement board is just so heavy... I’ll save that hassle for inside the shower or tub surround.

Man, I hear you on the cement board. Last time I tried hauling a few sheets up a narrow staircase, I thought I’d need a chiropractor on speed dial. Green board’s been my go-to for half-baths and powder rooms—never had an issue as long as the fan’s working and nobody’s turning the place into a sauna. That said, I’ve seen some folks skip the caulk and regret it later... water finds every little crack.

Green board's definitely easier on the back, but man, I learned the hard way that even a tiny leak behind the toilet can turn into a science experiment if you skip the caulk. I still remember chasing a musty smell for weeks... turned out water had seeped right behind the baseboard. Never again.

I learned the hard way that even a tiny leak behind the toilet can turn into a science experiment if you skip the caulk.

Totally get this—moisture’s sneaky. Green board helps, but it’s not magic. I always recommend sealing every seam and edge, especially around plumbing. Even the best materials need backup from good prep work.