QA

Quick Answer: How To Install Drywall In A Bathroom

Can you install drywall in a bathroom?

The process of hanging bathroom drywall is nearly identical to doing the work in any other room. The biggest difference, aside from the scope of the project, is the type of gypsum board you use. For bathrooms and showers, greenboard is used. It has a thin fiberglass mat instead of paper for the outer layers.

Is there special drywall for bathrooms?

Green. 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.

What do you put over drywall in a bathroom?

You can use cement board, or a specialized backing board, such as Kerdi-Board, Wedi-Board, or HardieBacker. A cement board is a classic shower-ready backing board. There are several backing boards available on the market. Never use drywall as a shower backing.

Do I need mold resistant drywall in bathroom?

Installing moisture resistant drywall in the bathroom can help prevent growth of mold. 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.

How do you waterproof drywall above a shower?

Prime the drywall with oil- or shellac-based primer. These coatings protect against moisture better than water-based primer, but they are noxious, so wear a respirator while using them. Spread the primer with a paintbrush or roller and let it dry before painting.

Do I need drywall behind shower walls?

The short answer to the question is, “It’s not recommended.” However, this answer only really only suffices if you’re converting a room that was never a bathroom into a wet space. Drywall on its own is not suitable for use in bathrooms because it is prone to absorbing moisture and thus losing structural integrity.

What type of drywall goes behind a shower?

Look into cement board if you need waterproof drywall. This type of waterproof drywall is designed for wet areas such as showers and bathtub surrounds. Be cognizant that cement board requires a moisture barrier behind it, which makes the installation process longer than moisture-resistant drywall.

How do you waterproof 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.

How thick should bathroom drywall be?

Most drywall measures 1/2-inch thick. It’s the most common choice for interior walls because they are easy to carry and hang. If weight is a concern, consider ultra-light half-inch drywall. It’s 13 pounds lighter than other varieties for the same size and thickness.

Is purple drywall waterproof?

No. While all drywall is naturally fire-resistant, PURPLE drywall is unique because it also resists moisture, mold and mildew. Some PURPLE drywall products also stand up to scratches, scuffs, dents and sound.

Is it OK to tile over drywall?

You can tile over drywall in areas that are not exposed to excessive moisture, and it is safe. It is not safe to tile over drywall in areas that are exposed to wetness like in the shower. In most cases, you’ll be fine to tile over drywall.

Do you need to mud drywall before tiling?

Drywall is a good underlayment for ceramic tile, if it is solid and firmly adhered, but special moisture-resistant types should be used in bathrooms, kitchens or other areas exposed to moisture. Drywall also generally needs to be sealed before any tile mastic is applied.

Does the entire bathroom need green board?

Green boards are often required by local building codes to be used as a backing for tiles and wall panels in areas that are exposed to moisture; this includes bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. However, they are not allowed for use in parts of the home that have excess humidity, like near indoor pools.

Does the green side of drywall faces out?

Function. The green side should face toward you when you install greenboard. The brownish side should face away. Another way to identify the correct side is to install the greenboard so the beveled edges face outward.

Is cement board better than drywall?

Regular drywall is not appropriate. Many professional installers even recommend against using water- or mold-resistant drywall in high-moisture areas. In sharp contrast, cement backer board does not rot, warp, grow mold, or deteriorate when subjected to water.

Can you use drywall above shower?

Regular drywall is fine provided you prime and apply a good coat or two of latex enamel. The sheen isn’t all that important, just that it will repell moisture.

What do you put on walls above shower?

You can apply moisture-resistant paint with a brush or a roller in the space above the shower panels. Although it costs more money, Bob Vila recommends using paint that has an anti-microbial/anti-fungal additive to prevent mold in humid areas.

Is drywall OK for shower ceiling?

Drywall and Greenboard Drywall can be used above the non-tub and shower areas of your bathroom. However, some areas of your bathroom that are exposed to water and moisture such as the expanse just above the shower will necessitate the use of greenboard or drywall that is properly moisture resistant.

Does drywall go over tub flange?

You can bring sheetrock right down to the flange just like in the picture as long as you aren’t going to tile over it. I would suggest using sheetrock over backer board on surfaces which you intend to paint.

Do you put drywall behind cement board?

Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board. Instead, first, remove the existing surface material, then install the cement board over the studs and membrane, as applicable.