Knowing the proper type of drywall to install can save you frustration and money later.
Though drywall is an essential building component in most construction projects, the material has its limitations. The most important limitation to track when installing drywall is the moisture level in the room in which you install the drywall. Regular drywall cannot withstand serious water or moisture invasion, but there are different types of the same material that can be installed in wet rooms.
Basic Drywall
Regular drywall consists of a gypsum core surrounded by paper facing on both sides of the board. This material has no defense against water; it is not considered water resistant or waterproof. As soon as water touches the drywall surface, the paper facing absorbs it, exposing the gypsum center to the moisture. The moisture will cause the gypsum to crumble, resulting in catastrophic failure of the material. Regular drywall serves as an installation material for dry rooms such as living rooms but cannot stand up to wet areas such as bathrooms or basements.
Green Board
Named for the characteristic color of the paper facing it has, green board also goes by the name of water-resistant drywall. This material is good for areas of the home that are exposed to moisture but not to direct water infiltration, which can include areas in kitchens or areas of the bathroom away from the shower and tub. The paper facing will still absorb water if it is applied directly to the surface but will not absorb moisture from the air. This material cannot be used on walls that you intend to cover with tile or grout; moisture from the adhesive and grout will seep into the paper facing and disintegrate the material.
Cement Backerboard
Cement backerboard is the only truly waterproof version of drywall. The material features a cement-based core and a sturdy covering that is completely immune to the effects of water and moisture. Cement backerboard is one of the most common support materials for tile installations, especially in shower stalls and on kitchen backsplashes, which are constantly exposed to moisture and direct water application. This material can also be attached to wood or cement subfloors for tile or natural stone flooring applications.
Other Tips
If you are unsure about what type of drywall to use for your home renovation or construction project, contact a professional builder or worker at a hardware or home improvement store. You must choose the right type of drywall, or your entire project will fail. All of the materials are installed in essentially the same way, though green board must be attached to walls with 12-inch-spaced joists; for larger spaces between joists, use 5/8-inch thick green board instead of the normal 1/2-inch thick material.
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