What is the most water resistant drywall?

Author: Emie Rau  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

Fiberglass-coated drywall is both mold and moisture-resistant. Purple Board Drywall – In addition to being moisture- and mold-resistant, purple board drywall is also fire-resistant. There is usually 5/16-inch thickness to the gypsum, which is fire and moisture-resistant.

What is the best moisture resistant drywall?

PURPLE mold- and moisture-resistant drywall is the best drywall for high moisture areas, such as shower walls, with features that inhibit mold growth with the highest possible score on mold tests (ASTM D3273 and ASTM G21).

Is purple drywall better than green?

What's the difference between PURPLE drywall and traditional green drywall? Traditional green drywall (also known as greenboard) is only moisture-resistant. PURPLE drywall, manufactured only by Gold Bond Building Products, is superior because it offers moisture, mold and mildew resistance.

What type of drywall goes behind a shower?

Moisture-Resistant Backer Board: Use a cement board or a moisture-resistant drywall (often referred to as green board) as a substrate. Cement board is preferred because it's more water-resistant and helps prevent mold growth.

What is the best drywall waterproofing?

Waterproofing: SEMCO Liquid Membrane forms a waterproof barrier, preventing moisture infiltration and safeguarding drywalls against mold and water damage. Flexibility: Its flexible nature allows for natural expansion and contraction of the drywall, minimizing the risk of cracks and ensuring long-term durability.

How to pick Moisture Resistant Drywall For Bathroom

What is the strongest waterproofing?

POLYURETHANE

Polyurethane is considered one of the best waterproofing materials. It can be applied seamlessly and penetrates the surface deeply and evenly. Thus, the polyurethane membrane will fill in even the finest cracks in concrete, reducing its water absorbency capacity.

What is waterproof drywall called?

Green board is called that because the face side paper is sea-foam green. The color is only used as a means of identifying this particular type of drywall. What makes this type of drywall different is that it is moisture resistant. Its core is impregnated with water resistant materials.

What is the best material to use behind shower walls?

Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints. Don't use paper-faced backer board, i.e., paper-faced drywall, behind seamed tub and shower enclosures.

What do you put between shower and drywall?

Finally, to prevent moisture intrusion, caulk the gap between the Shower Bead and the shower/bath unit. For additional protection, you're able to lay a bead of caulk onto the shower/tub flange and embed the support leg of the Shower Bead in it, as shown above.

Why is the green board being phased out?

phasing out greenboard

This relatively new addition to the drywall market is gradually replacing green board because it's suited to the same tasks but even more water- and moisture-resistant than green board. Paperless drywall consists of a water-resistant gypsum core and a fiberglass (rather than paper) backing.

Can mold grow on purple drywall?

While all gypsum-based drywall is naturally fire-resistant, the PURPLE family of products is unique because it also resists moisture, mold and mildew. In addition, some PURPLE drywall products also stand up to scratches, scuffs, dents and noise.

What drywall to use in a bathroom?

Regular drywall is not recommended in bathrooms as it can easily absorb this moisture and mold or even disintegrate. Instead, bathroom walls should be constructed from drywall that is resistant to mold, mildew, and moisture. The best product to use for bathroom walls is MMR drywall, also known as green board.

Is there a special drywall mud for bathrooms?

In bathrooms, where humidity is often higher than in other areas of the home, using a moisture-resistant drywall mud is advisable.

Is there a better product than drywall?

Though fiberglass reinforced panels can be expensive and difficult to install, they are still a great alternative to drywall. They are far more durable than other wall materials and are resistant to moisture damage as well as mold.

How much does it cost to drywall a bathroom?

Installing drywall in a small bathroom of around 100 square feet will cost $400 to $650, while for a large living room, it can range from $1,500 to $3,000.

What is the cheapest way to waterproof a shower wall?

Bathroom waterproofing with liquid membranes is perhaps the easiest and cheapest modern method of waterproofing, which can be applied to any surfaces that come into contact with water or moisture.

Do showers need special drywall?

For areas that will have direct water contact, such as shower walls, Cement Backer Board is often the go-to choice.

What can I put on drywall to make it waterproof?

The most popular way to waterproof your drywall is to use oil- or latex-based waterproofing primer. These primers are made by most paint manufacturers and are designed to prevent mold and mildew from growing on the surface of your drywall.

What is the most durable material for shower walls?

Acrylic is one of the most cost-effective materials for your bathroom. Cheaper and with fewer problems than tiling, it can give you the look and functionality you're after at a fraction of the cost. It is extremely durable, stain-resistant, and can resist scratching or chipping.

What is the best backer board for a shower?

Cement backer board, such as HardieBacker and Durock, is a popular choice due to their exceptional durability and resistance to moisture. It's made from a cement and fiber mixture, making it perfect for wet areas like showers.

Should there be insulation behind shower walls?

Neglecting to insulate and air seal behind shower walls can cause significant heat loss, which can make showers, tubs, and bathrooms chilly. The insulation behind shower walls should be equivalent to the insulation installed in the rest of the exterior walls.

Is greenboard ok for shower walls?

Green board is water-resistant – it is not waterproof. 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.

What kind of drywall can get wet?

Fiberglass-coated drywall is both mold and moisture-resistant. Purple Board Drywall – In addition to being moisture- and mold-resistant, purple board drywall is also fire-resistant. There is usually 5/16-inch thickness to the gypsum, which is fire and moisture-resistant.

Can I use purple drywall in the shower?

In your bathroom, the forecast always calls for a chance of showers – or maybe a bubble bath. That's why easy-to-install PURPLE® XP® Drywall is moisture-, mold- and mildew-resistant, so you can keep walls and ceilings fresh and clean for years to come.

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