The proper material for shower walls that will be tiled is cement board (or cement backer board), not traditional drywall. While moisture-resistant drywall exists for bathrooms, it is not meant for the direct, continuous water exposure found inside a shower stall.
For shower and tub enclosures, you should never use standard or moisture-resistant paper-faced drywall. Instead, install a waterproof cement board, a fiberglass mat backer board, or use drywall specifically designed for tile assemblies (like a foam backer board).
Regular drywall can mold or deteriorate in high humidity. The best drywall for use in a shower is cement board. Greenboard, purple drywall, and blueboard are all water-resistant but not waterproof. You can add a waterproof membrane or waterproof primer for extra moisture protection.
Waterproof drywall is typically referred to as moisture-resistant drywall or cement board. There are no 100% waterproof gypsum drywall products, but highly moisture-resistant options are used for high-humidity areas, while true waterproof materials are used behind tiles.
Drywall comes in several specialized varieties tailored to specific building needs. The three most common types are Regular Drywall for standard rooms, Moisture-Resistant Drywall for high-humidity areas, and Fire-Resistant Drywall for safety-critical zones like garages.
Drywall alternatives like plywood, plaster, and shiplap provide options for those seeking unique aesthetics or improved functionality in wall finishes. While drywall is affordable, easy to repair, and fire-resistant, these materials offer benefits that might better suit specific needs.
The most popular drywall texture in 2026 is the skip trowel texture / hand texture it is done by hand, you can order it in light, medium and heavy, light meaning almost flat in the wall and the heavier the most drywall compound it's going to have so it's going to be sticking more from the wall, but the pattern it's ...
Use moisture and mold-resistant drywall (commonly called purple board or green board) for bathroom walls and ceilings that will only be painted. For areas inside a shower or tub surround, do not use drywall; instead, install a waterproof cement backer board (like Durock or HardieBacker) to prevent water damage.
To make drywall waterproof, apply a liquid waterproofing membrane (like RedGard or AquaDefense), or install waterproofing fabric membranes embedded in thin-set mortar. For areas being tiled, use a paint-on liquid membrane. For non-tiled areas, use a waterproofing primer and specialized paint.
Greenboard drywall is specifically designed for use in areas of high moisture and humidity, making it an ideal choice for several key locations in a home: Bathrooms: Particularly in shower and bathtub areas, where the walls are regularly exposed to moisture and steam.
Two common mistakes made during drywalling are improper joint compound application (such as applying it too thickly or not feathering the edges), and failing to stagger the seams across different studs, which weakens the wall and increases the risk of cracking.
You should never use standard drywall directly in a shower. Water will cause it to swell, crumble, and grow mold. However, you can use specialized moisture-resistant drywall if it is fully protected by a continuous waterproof membrane or used in conjunction with a prefabricated shower surround.
The best shower wall material depends on your priorities. For high-end design and durability, porcelain tile is ideal. If budget and low maintenance are your main concerns, acrylic or solid surface panels are best.
For a bathroom, purple drywall is the superior choice over green drywall. While both resist moisture, purple board offers premium mold, mildew, and often scratch resistance, making it ideal for the high-humidity environment of a bathroom at only a slightly higher cost.
Initial Wall Prep
Install a 4-mil plastic vapor barrier just above the shower pan before installing the cement backer board. Follow manufacturer's instructions. Measure your panels of cement backer board to fit the shower walls on each side.
You cannot waterproof traditional, uncoated drywall for a tiled shower. Standard drywall is gypsum and paper; it will absorb moisture, leading to mold and structural failure.
The cheapest, most reliable way to waterproof shower walls for a tile finish is using mold-resistant greenboard (drywall), sealed with thin-set mortar and a flexible sheet membrane (like Curie). This method costs around $200−$250 in materials for a standard tub surround, compared to $800−$2,000 for professional installation.
Some people add a small amount of dish soap to drywall mud to reduce surface tension, which helps release air bubbles and create a smoother, more even finish, especially when applying the final "skim coat"; however, this practice is not recommended by professionals as it can potentially weaken the adhesion of the mud ...
True waterproof gypsum drywall does not exist, but there are highly moisture-resistant drywall alternatives and specialized waterproof backers designed for areas with high humidity or water exposure.
Replace bathroom drywall with waterproof, mold-resistant materials to prevent moisture damage. The best alternatives include PVC panels (like Trusscore PVC), fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), or cement backer board (like HardieBacker) for tiled areas. These options eliminate water absorption and reduce long-term maintenance.
Yes, using green board (moisture-resistant drywall) is code-compliant for bathroom walls and ceilings, but it is not allowed as a tile backer inside shower or tub enclosures. It is designed for high-humidity areas, not direct water exposure, requiring cement board or specialized foam boards in wet zones.
For most bathroom walls, use 1/2-inch moisture-resistant or mold-resistant drywall. For ceilings, use 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch to prevent sagging. In wet zones (directly inside the shower or tub), industry standards require using a 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch cement backer board instead of standard drywall.
Fiber Cement Boards. Fiber cement boards are a strong drywall alternative that offers both durability and design flexibility. These boards blend cement, sand, and cellulose fibers to create a tough building product that works better than regular gypsum boards in many ways.
Are textured walls out of date? Yes, textured walls are becoming outdated. Builders and consumers are moving away from them because they absorb light, make spaces feel smaller, and create challenges for cleaning and repairs. Smooth walls are now the preferred choice for a modern, sleek, and brighter look.
Again, we can look to Joanna Gaines for inspiration. Everyone knows that she is incredibly fond of shiplap as a design material, as evidenced by many of the homes featured on her popular show "Fixer Upper." But she's also been known to use other types of wood, such as cedar, as an accent wall material.