What Type of Drywall is Best for a Bathroom?
Choosing the right drywall for your bathroom can save you from future headaches. The steam from hot showers, drops of water, and general humidity may not seem like a big deal, but over time, this moisture can compromise the wrong drywall. By choosing the write drywall, you can prevent the danger of mold growth, drywall cracks, and expensive repairs. So, what is the best drywall for a bathroom? Let’s simplify this for you.
Why Bathroom Drywall is Important?
Your bathroom is exposed to constant moisture every day. Hot showers create steam, water splashes hit the walls, and humidity lingers in the air long after you’re done. Regular drywall isn’t designed to handle any of this.
- It absorbs moisture.
- It becomes soft and structurally weak.
- It may start cracking, bubbling, or deteriorating.
- It can even develop hidden mold inside the wall.
Because of these risks, builders use moisture-rated drywall products in bathrooms to prevent long-term damage and keep the space safe and durable.
Best Drywalls for bathrooms
1. Moisture-Resistant Drywall (Greenboard)
Green board is the most used choice for typical bathroom walls.
What It is:
It is drywall covered with a green, water-resistant paper that prevents moisture infiltration.
Why do People Use it?
- Works well with minor to moderate moisture conditions.
- Works well for bathroom walls that are not directly splashed with water.
- It is cost-effective and simple to install.
Where to Use it:
- Around sinks
- Above the toilet
- Ceiling (Only in bathrooms with low moisture)
Where Not to Use it:
- Inside the shower
- Behind the tiles
- In very high-moisture bathrooms
2. Cement Board (Best for Wet Areas)
Cement board is a great option for any ideas that will have direct contact with water.
What It is:
A heavy, cement-based board that is completely not affected by water absorption
Why It is Best for Wet Areas:
- It never swells and softens.
- It is impervious to mold and supports tile for any version.
- It will last for years, even with daily water soaking.
Where to Use:
- Shower walls
- Bathtub surrounds
- Any areas behind ceramic or porcelain tile
- Any areas where there will be direct splashing
If you are remodeling or building a shower area, this product is a must.
3. Mold-Resistant Drywall (Purple Board)
Bathrooms are the most prone areas for mold to develop. Purple drywall is engineered to counter this issue.
What It is:
A drywall using a high-density of mold and mildew-resistant materials.
Why is it Beneficial?
- Handles high humidity levels better than green board.
- Keeps walls safe from mold spores.
- Works well with bathrooms that are poorly ventilated.
- Safe to use on both walls and ceilings.
Where to Use It:
- Next to bathroom windows.
- On ceilings (especially if they are low)
- In bathrooms without exhaust fans.
- In bathrooms that stay humid for a long time.
4. Water-resistant drywall with additives
A few brands also sell drywall with added water-resistant properties. These are less common but can be useful in medium-humidity bathrooms
Benefits:
- Extra resistance
- Policies for areas that receive occasional moisture
- Worthwhile in guest bathrooms or powder rooms
How to Choose the Right Drywall?
If you follow these simple steps, it is easy to select the correct drywall for your bathroom:
1. See if the wall gets direct water:
If water hits a wall daily (such as the wall inside the shower or surrounding the tub), use Cement board. It is the strongest one and it will not get damaged by water.
2. See if the wall only gets damp, not water.
If the wall only gets humidity or light dampness (like above the sink or normal bath walls), use Moisture-Resistant Drywall (Green Board).
See if your bathroom stays damp for a long time and has bad air circulation or gets mold easily, use Mold-Resistant Drywall (Purple Board).
3. Do not use regular drywall:
Do not use regular drywall in the bathroom. It will get damaged very quickly.
Final Thoughts:
Bathrooms face moisture on a daily basis. Selecting the proper drywall can help minimize mold, damage, and costly repairs. By using boards designed for wet spaces, your bathroom will remain dry and resilient for years.