Building codes (such as the IRC) mandate moisture or mold-resistant drywall for bathroom walls and ceilings. For wet areas like shower or tub surrounds, tile backerboard is strictly required. Standard paper-faced drywall ("green board") is no longer permitted behind tile.
While both materials have their place in construction, Purple Board or moisture and mold-resistant drywall is the clear winner for bathroom walls. Its moisture resistance and compliance with industry standards make it the best choice for a long-lasting, worry-free remodel.
How to Choose a Drywall Thickness
Green board should never be used in areas that receive direct, repeated water exposure: Inside shower or tub surrounds: Use cement board (Hardiebacker, Durock) or a foam board system (Kerdi-Board, GoBoard) instead. Building codes in most jurisdictions prohibit green board as a tile substrate in wet areas.
First things first: can you use regular drywall in a bathroom? Technically, yes- but it is not designed to take on water, and may rot or decay over time. When clients ask us what kind of drywall for bathroom is best, we always recommend green- but there are some other options.
Vapor barrier is only required on exterior walls - this is a rule for all exterior walls, not just those in a bathroom. Do you mean moisture barrier? Yes, you need a moisture barrier in the shower.
Bathroom trends for 2026 are characterized by the resurgence of untreated natural finishes, including stone. Together with handmade and textured tiles, the look is more rustic. This gives a warmer and more organic feel. The most popular bathroom tiles for 2026 are those inspired by limestone and travertine.
If you need to determine what size drywall you need for ceiling installations, 5/8-inch-panels are often the best choice.
Green Board Drywall – An excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and attics, green board drywall is mold resistant and typically comes in 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch thicknesses. A thick layer of green paper is applied to the surface of the gypsum, and a wax coating is applied over the paper.
Green board is highly efficient in bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture is frequently in the air, but it is not the drywall that should be set behind tile in your shower or any other areas where it can come in direct contact with water.
Common mistakes, such as improper screw spacing, overdriving screws, or neglecting to stagger joints can result in weak walls, screw pops, or visible seams. This guide aims to help both DIYers and professionals avoid pitfalls, ensuring a smooth, long-lasting finish for any drywall project.
You want cement board for wet areas. Greenboard for areas with moisture. Regular drywall for any other areas in the house. 1/2" and 5/8" are the only thickness really available.
Type X gypsum board is defined by ASTM C1396, Standard Specification for Gypsum Board. The following qualify as Type X gypsum board: 1"-thick shaftliner panels that provide a 2-hour fire rating when installed in a double-layer, non-load-bearing H-stud area separation wall assembly.
Unlike the green board drywall, blue board works great in bathroom areas or places that get in contact with water. It is perfect for wet areas because it has great mold and water resistance qualities.
The Japanese practice of hanging futons and pillows outside to “air out” isn't just traditional — it kills mold and mites that love humid bedding. Wipe down bathrooms after every use. Exhaust fans during showers, wipe tiles and mirrors, keep surfaces dry. Bathrooms are ground zero for household mold.
Standard drywall consists of gypsum sandwiched between sheets of paper. Unfortunately, when exposed to a lot of moisture, the organic material in the paper can serve as a growth medium for mold. That makes standard drywall a poor choice for bathrooms, where humidity is high.
It works well in bathrooms outside the shower, kitchens, basements, and repair areas after leaks. It fails when it's treated like waterproofing. Used in the wrong spot, it softens, sags, and feeds mold just like any other drywall.
Green board drywall, officially called moisture-resistant drywall, gets its name from the green-colored paper that covers it. This drywall is commonly used in areas that see occasional moisture but are not continuously wet—think bathroom walls (outside the shower), laundry rooms, or basements.
The only way to avoid bathroom water damage is by saying goodbye to drywall. In its place, you can install a better performing, waterproof alternative like Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard on the walls and ceiling.
To address these concerns, building codes often specify several key requirements for wet areas. These typically include: Use of moisture-resistant (MR) or mold-resistant drywall in wet areas. Proper sealing of joints and penetrations to prevent water intrusion.
Green board is a type of moisture-resistant drywall that has a water-resistant coating to help reduce moisture absorption. It's commonly used in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements but still requires a waterproof barrier in high-splash areas.
Bathrooms, kitchens and basements: Choose moisture- and mold-resistant drywall (often called green or purple board) that stands up to damp conditions and helps prevent odor or surface damage.
As far as thermal insulation, the difference is minimal. 1/2" drywall has an R-value of about. 45. 1/4" drywall will have half that.
Standard 1/2-inch drywall: This thickness is the most common type of drywall for interior residential walls. Ultralight drywall: A popular choice for interior residential walls and even ceilings, ultralight drywall still retains a 1/2-inch thickness but is 12 to 18 pounds lighter than standard drywall panels.