If you’re redoing drywall in the bathroom, it’s essential to use a mold or moisture-resistant option. These types of drywall can handle high moisture rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
You can use a mold-proof option like greenboard or opt for purple drywall, which is mold, mildew, and water-resistant.
Here’s what else you should know.
Do I Need Moisture Resistant Drywall In The Bathroom?
Yes, you need moisture-resistant drywall in your bathroom. There are two common types of this drywall: green and purple.
Green drywall has a thick green wax coating that makes it resistant to moisture and mold buildup. However, this drywall is not entirely waterproof, so you’ll still want to avoid using it in places with direct water exposure.
Purple drywall is even more water-repellant than green. This drywall is also mold and mildew-proof.
Although about 50% more expensive than standard drywall, this option is excellent for high moisture rooms.
Some common brands of moisture-resistant drywall for the bathroom include:
- Sheetrock Mold Tough
- Gold Bond XP Purple
- M-Bloc Gypsum Drywall
You’ll also need to use a mold-resistant joint compound to finish the drywall.
Regardless of the type or brand, the standard thickness of sheetrock for bathroom walls is ½ inch.,
Do You Need Mold Resistant Drywall In The Bathroom?
Yes, since bathrooms are subject to a lot of moisture, you should use mold-resistant drywall. Both green and purple drywall are mold resistant.
If you use standard drywall in your bathroom, you’ll likely see mold develop over time from the moisture and humidity levels.
Should You Use Waterproof Drywall For A Bathroom?
You should use waterproof drywall in any spots the walls come into direct contact with water. For example, if you know your kids splash water on the walls every time they bathe, it makes sense to put more expensive water-proof drywall next to the shower.
You can use a mold-resistant green board for the rest of the bathroom.
Do You Use The Same Drywall For The Bathroom Ceiling?
What’s the best drywall for bathroom ceilings? You’ll get a different answer depending on who you ask.
If you want to be on the safe side, drywall the ceiling in moisture resistant-green board.
If you’re looking to save money, you can drywall over the shower and tub area with green board and drywall the rest of the ceiling with standard drywall. However, just be aware that if there is not good ventilation in your bathroom, the standard drywall can develop mildew or mold.
Whatever you use, it’s a smart idea to coat the ceiling with mold-resistant paint. Also, to prevent sagging between joists, use drywall that’s ⅝ inch thick on the ceiling.
What Is The Best Drywall To Use In A Shower?
If you’re tiling your shower, you need to use cement board. Cement board is water-proof and is best suited for any areas you’re tiling that will come into contact with water.
This includes ceilings, walls, and of course, the shower.
While some homeowners opt to put green drywall in their shower, it’s only moisture resistant and not completely waterproof.
Is It Okay To Use Regular Drywall In The Bathroom?
It’s not a great idea to use regular drywall in the bathroom. Standard gypsum drywall is porous, meaning it will absorb water.
In the bathroom, you want drywall that will repel water, or else you’ll be dealing with mold issues.
Insistent on using regular drywall in the bathroom to save money?
At the bare minimum, you need to install purple or green drywall around the shower or bathtub and anywhere else moisture builds up.
Conclusion
Since bathrooms are high moisture areas, it’s vital to use mold-proof and moisture-resistant drywall. These types of drywall are usually green or purple.
If you’re tiling, you need to put cement board under the tile. A cement board is also the ideal choice to put behind showers since it’s completely waterproof.