Green board’s one of those things that sounds great on paper, but in practice… eh, I’ve seen it go both ways. Had a rental where the previous owner used green board in the shower surround—looked fine for a couple years, then tenants called about “soft spots.” Sure enough, water found its way in and it was like wet cardboard under the tile. Cement board’s a pain to haul up stairs, but I’ll take that over surprise demo days. Sometimes old-school is just less headache.
Green board’s one of those things that gets hyped up, but I’ve seen it fail more than once in wet areas. You’re spot on about the “wet cardboard” effect—once moisture sneaks in, it’s game over. I get why folks want to use it (lighter, cheaper, easier to cut), but for showers or tub surrounds, I always stick with cement board. Yeah, it’s heavier and a pain to lug around, but you only have to do the job once if you do it right.
If someone’s dead set on green board, maybe for a bathroom wall away from direct water? Fine. But behind tile in a shower? Not worth the risk. Had a client try to save a few bucks with green board years ago—ended up costing double when we had to rip everything out and redo it with cement board after just three years.
Old-school isn’t always glamorous, but sometimes it’s just less hassle down the road.
Couldn’t agree more with your take. Green board’s fine for a powder room or maybe a ceiling, but in a shower? That’s just asking for trouble. I’ve seen the same thing—people try to save a few bucks and end up paying way more later. Like you said:
“Old-school isn’t always glamorous, but sometimes it’s just less hassle down the road.”
Cement board’s a pain to haul, but it’s peace of mind. I’d rather sweat a little now than rip out moldy walls in two years.
Totally with you—cutting corners with green board in a shower is just asking for headaches. I’ve had tenants call about “weird smells” only to find a science experiment behind the tiles. Cement board’s a hassle, but it’s way cheaper than a gut job.
“Cement board’s a hassle, but it’s way cheaper than a gut job.”
Couldn’t agree more—cement board is heavy and messy to cut, but I’ve never regretted using it. Green board just isn’t rated for constant wet areas, even if some folks try to stretch its limits. Ever checked out Kerdi or other waterproofing membranes? I’ve found them pretty user-friendly over cement board, and way more peace of mind than green board alone. Curious if anyone’s ever had green board actually hold up long-term in a shower... I haven’t seen it yet.
