How Thick Should Bathroom Drywall Be?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The most common thicknesses for general application are

3/8 inch and 1/2 inch

. However, several decades ago, 1/2 inch became the industry standard. Quarter-inch is often used to cover damaged plaster walls and also for curved areas because it bends easier than thicker drywall.

Is normal drywall OK for bathroom?

Drywall for bathrooms has

special moisture-, mold- and mildew-resistant qualities

, but it's not 100 percent waterproof. Tub and shower surrounds require the use of other materials like backer board, but it's common to use green board or MMR drywall on the walls and ceilings.

What is the best type of drywall to use in a bathroom?


Green drywall

is a type of drywall that's mold resistant and is used in applications where moisture can be an issue—so most commonly, bathrooms. To maximize the mold resistance, use mold-resistant drywall mud, aka joint compound. Green drywall generally costs about 20% more than regular drywall.

Is Greenboard required in bathrooms?

Water resistant drywall must be installed at all wet locations (Not for direct tile application in a shower stall).

Green board shall not be used in a wet location or on ceiling

. … Bathrooms with steam showers shall have a min. sloped ceilings 1”to 2” per foot.

What type of drywall goes behind a shower?


Blueboard

is a type of drywall that is frequently used for a tile wall in a shower. Not only is it water-resistant, but blueboard is easy to find and inexpensive, making it an ideal option for those on a budget. Furthermore, blueboard is not difficult to install.

Do I need moisture resistant drywall in bathroom?

Installing moisture resistant drywall in the bathroom

can help prevent growth of mold

. This type of drywall should however not be installed behind ceramic tiles. … Regular drywall will not protect your property from water and mold damage. You will have to replace your cheap drywall if it's exposed to moisture or mold.

Can you use moisture resistant drywall in shower?

It means “

Greenboard

” can still be used in bathrooms (and other areas), it just cannot be used as a backer for tile in a shower or tub surround. It can be used in areas not subject to direct water exposure (tub/shower surround), and areas of noncontinuous high humidity (bathrooms).

Is mold resistant drywall worth it?

Mold-resistant drywall is

a little more expensive than standard drywall

, but the amount of money it can save you from having to repair mold damage is more than worth the cost – not to mention the health risks of mold buildup.

What is the difference between purple and green Sheetrock?

About PURPLE® What's the difference between PURPLE drywall and traditional green drywall? Traditional green drywall (also known as greenboard) is only moisture-resistant. …

PURPLE drywall stands up to what standard drywall can't

, including moisture, mold, mildew, scratches, scuffs, dents and sound.

Do you drywall behind shower?

Fiberglass and acrylic tub and shower enclosures come with a flanged edge that attaches directly to the wall studs, and the proper way to hide this flange is to

install drywall over

it. Consequently, enclosures are typically installed on the bare studs.

What is the best backer board for a shower?


Cement board

is a good, reliable backer board that works well on both floors and walls. Keep in mind that most tile setters err on the side of caution and brush a waterproofing membrane on top of cement board when it is in wet areas like showers or tub surrounds.

Can I use purple board in a shower?

Purple sheetrock is highly resistive to mold, damage, and water. It is used

on the exterior of commercial buildings

and many other applications such as showers.

Can you use cement board in a shower?

There are several acceptable applications of cement board in the shower. All applications pair up the

tile board

with some kind of waterproofing material, whether a liquid membrane, plastic sheeting, an uncoupling membrane like Schluter Kerdi, or a board that is already faced with waterproofing.

Is moisture resistant drywall required by code?

Changes made to the 2006 International Residential Code (IRC)

no longer recognize moisture-resistant

, paper-faced drywall (commonly known as “green board”) as a suitable tile backing material in wet areas such as tub and showersurrounds.

When should I use moisture resistant drywall?

It is best to use greenboard or other water-resistant drywall in the

large areas of bathrooms, kitchens

, and other areas where the drywall may be subjected to lightly damp conditions, humidity, and the occasional minor splashes of water.

How do you protect moisture from drywall?

The best way to waterproof your drywall is to use

a waterproofing primer

. You can find both oil- and latex-based waterproofing primers made by most paint manufacturers. These products are created specifically to prevent mold and mildew on the surface to which they are applied.

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.