FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Paperless drywall vs ‘green board’

20ph | Posted in General Discussion on March 4, 2008 06:10am

I’m rehabing a finished basement that has had mold problems.  This includes a new fiberglass shower which requires new sheetrock around it and on the ceiling.

Not sure what is a better sheetrock product to use:  the old standard ‘green board’ or this newer DensArmor ‘paperless’ sheetrock (Georgia Pacific).

Any comments when one is better than the other?

Thanks,

Jim

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    RichBeckman | Mar 04, 2008 06:22am | #1

    I'm doing a bathroom right now. I'm putting in the DensArmor. On a small bath, the extra dollars just are not that much.

    It is true that I don't really know how good or bad the DensArmor is, but I do already know that green board is only a marginal improvement over ordinary drywall, so....

    Rich Beckman

    View Image

    1. 20ph | Mar 04, 2008 07:11pm | #3

      Thanks Rich.  I though reading that 'green board' is no longer approved for use in bathrooms, etc. but cannot find that information again.  The paperless drywall seems like it is worth a try.

      Jim

      1. homedesign | Mar 04, 2008 07:45pm | #4

        20ph,

        You are reducing the "food-source" with paperless drywall...what about the moisture source?

        Are you taking any steps to reduce moisture?

        John B

        1. 20ph | Mar 05, 2008 08:37pm | #5

          Hello John,

          Yes but my options are limited.

          Thanks,

          Jim

          1. custombuilt | Mar 05, 2008 09:02pm | #6

            Why not just user hardybacker or densheild throughout the whole bath if you are so worried?  And it is not true that greenboard is no longer approved for bathrooms, but rather it is no longer approved be the TCA for use under tile on bathroom walls.

            Either way i think putting up a vapor barrier is going to be the best thing to do.When in doubt, get a bigger hammer!

          2. DanH | Mar 05, 2008 11:40pm | #9

            To be specific, greenboard is no longer approved as a tile backer in wet areas (showers, etc). This is the tile industry's standards group, not code per se, but some codes refer to it.
            If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader

          3. User avater
            Mongo | Mar 06, 2008 07:22pm | #21

            Dan, I'm fairly certain that IRC prohibited it as well with the January 06 revision.Lemme see if i can find a reference...

          4. User avater
            Mongo | Mar 06, 2008 07:36pm | #22

            Here's the quickest cut and paste reference that I could find:

            Section R702.4.2 that “Cement, fiber-cement or glass mat

            gypsum backers in compliance with ASTM C1288, C1325

            or C1178 and installed in accordance with manufacturers’

            recommendations shall be used as backers for wall tile in

            tub and shower areas and wall panels in shower areas.”

            There are a few other caveats in there, but it all depends on if the Jan 2006 revision has been adopted by the local agency.

            But as far a good building practices, it's either cement board or fiber cement, which both require a barrier (like 6-mil poly) behind them or Kerdi over them, or a glass-mat product like Denshield, which does not need a barrier behind it but needs proper detailing to cut edges and fastener holes.

            This refers to tile backer in wet areas, like showers or tub surrounds.

          5. User avater
            Mongo | Mar 06, 2008 07:45pm | #23

            Wanted to add one more thing:In my area, per code we can't do Kerdi over drywall. But with documentation certificates from Schluter the inspector says we can, but it's on a case-by-case basis.Most guys here know that TCNA isn't code, it's more suited to the "best building practices" category. TCNA is a more flexible agency and it's easier to change than code, so it's usually more timely than code and some local agencies use TCNA guidlines to supplement the national code. It seems to take a cycle or two before TCNA recommendations are incorporated into national code.

  2. User avater
    PearceServices | Mar 04, 2008 06:25am | #2

    DensArmor is all I would use. I do not even touch greenboard any longer

  3. sbaillie | Mar 05, 2008 09:10pm | #7

    Durock or other brand cementboard.  Excellent product for kitchens, bathrooms etc.  I would never put drywall in a bathroom, no matter what colour skin it has.

    Simon

    1. DonCanDo | Mar 05, 2008 10:03pm | #8

      Are you referring to the "wet" areas like a shower or do you mean anywhere in the entire bathroom?

      I think greenboard works well in bathrooms, but obviously not as a tile backer.  I haven't used the paperless drywall yet.

      1. sbaillie | Mar 06, 2008 06:31pm | #20

        Entire bathroom.  I am in the middle of redoing the kitchen and I used it everywhere but the ceiling. 

        Simon

         

        1. DonCanDo | Mar 06, 2008 09:18pm | #24

          Wow!  I never heard of anyone doing that before.  I think it's overkill, but it's also pretty good insurance against moisture problems.

          1. sbaillie | Mar 06, 2008 10:44pm | #25

            Not to mention heat.  I believe it can be used to reduce wall clearances for woodstoves in some locals as well.

            Simon

             

  4. FHB Editor
    JFink | Mar 05, 2008 11:58pm | #10

    USG has actually stopped making what most of us are used to calling "green board", which is called ToughRock MR (the MR stands for Moisture Resistant). They have *supposedly replaced it with another product, which is the exact same shade of green, which is called Mold Tough. (Note: I think they also eliminated Humitek and the other drywall used for wet locations as well...not sure of all the names)

    Mold Tough has a perfect score on the ASTM standard for resisting the growth of mold; I believe both the paper and the core are treated. National Gypsum also has a product that has an equal score, it's purple instead of green.

    I doubt that either are approved for use under tile in bathrooms - they are designed for "incidental moisture" like splashing water, etc.

    * I say "supposedly replaced" because this was transition to the new product happened months and months ago, but my local home depot still has the old stock.

    Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

    1. DonCanDo | Mar 06, 2008 12:32am | #11

      All of these drywall choices can be a little confusing.  Maybe it's time for a FHB article on choosing drywall, something a little more than "what's the difference".

      At the local big box, they stopped carrying DensArmor (paperless drywall) probably because it didn't sell very well.  I have a feeling that the product may have been developed as an over-reaction to the fear of mold.

      1. FHB Editor
        JFink | Mar 06, 2008 12:53am | #12

        You make a good point, and we're on the same page. It's something we might play with in the future.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

        1. User avater
          EricPaulson | Mar 06, 2008 01:02am | #13

          We're getting purple drywall at the lumber yard. I haven't even looked to see who is making it or spec's.

          Mold and moisture resistant we are being told.

          Dens Armor special order only at the Lumber Yard.yourcontractor@aol.com

           

           

           

           

          1. FHB Editor
            JFink | Mar 06, 2008 01:09am | #14

            That's the National Gypsum XP. I just hung about 100 sheets of it this winter - works just like regular drywall, none of the fiberglass.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

          2. User avater
            EricPaulson | Mar 06, 2008 01:42am | #16

            Large bathroom?

            Ah, basement...........yourcontractor@aol.com

             

             

             

             

  5. BryanSayer | Mar 06, 2008 01:15am | #15

    Besides the board choice, you have a choice in terms of the taping compound. If you can, stick to the 'hot' muds. They won't react with the moisture in the bathroom once they have set up.

    I used DensShield (I think it was). Watch out for texture, which is good for tiling but bad for painting. In particular, it will be smooth where you tape it.

  6. FNbenthayer | Mar 06, 2008 02:47am | #17

    DensArmor will need to be skim coated and you need to adjust your screw guns to barely dimple the skin.

    We use the "new" 5/8" green board cielings and skim everything that's not tiled.

     

     

     

     

    The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is the heart of man.
    - Fyodor Dostoyevski

    1. sledgehammer | Mar 06, 2008 03:17am | #18

      I know you couldn't use the old green board on ceilings... is it the same for these new boards?

      1. FHB Editor
        JFink | Mar 06, 2008 05:10pm | #19

        I think that's changed - though probably still a concern if your spacing is 24 on center.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done

From work boots to power tools, these favorite picks make perfect gifts for moms and women who build.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • Beat the Heat: Cool Innovations
  • A Practical Approach to Exterior Insulation
  • Making and Installing Wood Wall Paneling

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data