I get the hesitation with foam boards, but honestly, I’ve used them a few times now and they’ve held up fine—plus way less mess than cement board. The environmental impact’s a bit iffy though, since most aren’t recyclable. Still, I’d pick them over green board any day.
Foam board’s definitely easier to work with—my back thanks me every time I skip the cement board routine. I hear you on the environmental stuff, though. It bugs me too, but sometimes practicality wins out, especially in an old house where nothing’s square and you need all the flexibility you can get. Green board never held up for me, especially in rooms that tend to sweat in summer. If it’s between a little landfill guilt and redoing a wall in five years... I’ll take the guilt, I guess.
If it’s between a little landfill guilt and redoing a wall in five years... I’ll take the guilt, I guess.
I get that—sometimes you just need something that works and lasts. I’ve had green board fail on me too, especially in those old houses where moisture sneaks in no matter what you do. Ever tried any of the newer waterproof panels? I’m curious if they’re actually worth the extra cost or just another “miracle” product that doesn’t deliver.
I hear you, but honestly, I’ve had better luck with cement board and a good vapor barrier than any of those “miracle” panels. Tried one of the pricier ones last year—looked great at first, but the seams still needed extra attention. Sometimes old-school methods just hold up better, even if they’re not as flashy or “eco.”
Funny you mention that—my place is nearly a hundred years old, and I’ve pulled out enough crumbly plaster to last a lifetime. I’ve stuck with cement board and a heavy vapor barrier, too. Those new panels look slick, but I just don’t trust ‘em to outlast the classics. Maybe I’m just set in my ways, but I’d rather patch a little grout than deal with hidden water damage down the line.
