Never again for anything with a shower. For half baths, though, I still use it—no issues so far.
Couldn’t agree more about showers. The extra upfront for cement board is worth it when you factor in mold and water damage headaches down the line. Here’s how I usually break it down for clients:
1. Showers/tubs—cement board only, then waterproof membrane
2. Powder rooms or dry walls—green board’s fine
3. Behind vanities—depends on splash risk
I’ve seen green board hold up in low-moisture spots, but once water gets in, it’s game over. The peace of mind with cement board is just hard to beat.
Cement board’s been my go-to for years, especially after seeing mold sneak up behind green board in a client’s shower reno—what a headache. I don’t mind green board for powder rooms or spots with barely any moisture, but I just can’t trust it in wet areas. Funny how a little extra cost upfront saves so much stress later. Still, I’ve seen some older homes where green board’s held up fine, so maybe it’s a bit luck of the draw too...
I don’t mind green board for powder rooms or spots with barely any moisture, but I just can’t trust it in wet areas.
Right there with you. Here’s my quick checklist for bathroom renos: 1) Cement board for showers/tubs, always. 2) Green board’s fine for ceilings or dry walls, but I never risk it behind tile where water might sneak through grout lines. Had a flip years ago where someone used green board in a shower—looked fine until we pulled tile and found mushy drywall and black mold. That extra $30-40 for cement board is worth it every time. Sometimes old green board holds up, but I wouldn’t bet my budget on it.
2) Green board’s fine for ceilings or dry walls, but I never risk it behind tile where water might sneak through grout lines.
Totally get where you’re coming from. That “mushy drywall and black mold” scenario is exactly why I just can’t bring myself to trust green board in wet zones either. Here’s how I look at it:
- Cement board = peace of mind, especially if you’re thinking long-term or resale.
- Green board’s okay for low-moisture spots, but even then, I’d rather use something with recycled content if possible.
- Mold remediation is way pricier (and nastier) than just doing it right the first time.
You’re spot on about that extra $30-40 being worth it. Sometimes the “eco” choice is just the one that lasts longer and keeps stuff out of landfills.
Cement board is definitely the gold standard for wet areas, but I’ve actually had a few projects where green board held up better than expected—provided it was paired with a good waterproofing membrane.
That’s true, but sometimes budget constraints or existing structures make green board with proper sealing a reasonable compromise. Not ideal for every situation, but I wouldn’t write it off entirely. Sometimes you have to balance risk, cost, and what’s already there.“Mold remediation is way pricier (and nastier) than just doing it right the first time.”
