Bathroom Drywall – Types, Benefits, and How to Install

Bathroom drywall installation is a great DIY project for homeowners. It doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming; simply use the proper techniques and materials for this type of wall covering.

There are many times that homeowners find themselves in need of some drywall repair. Whether it’s a leaky pipe or an uneven ceiling, sometimes the solution is to patch up your walls and save yourself from having to replace them. 

But what do you know about how long it will take for the job? What tools should you use? There are plenty of things that can make this process easier on everyone involved – if only people knew!

This article outlines everything there is to know about bathroom drywall installation. Learn how to get the job done right without any hassle!

What Is Drywall?

Drywall, also known as Sheetrock, wallboard, gypsum boards, custard boards, buster boards, or gypsum panels, is a building material made from gypsum (Calcium Sulphate Dihydrate) plaster that has been rolled into sheets.

A drywall is installed at the interior sides of ceilings and walls. The quick-set gypsum is combined with fiber-glass, paper-fiber, a mix of these both materials, plasticized, foaming agent, or some other material to give stress to the plaster and lower flammability, water absorption, and to lower chances of mildew.

The tradition of drywall started way back in the mid-20th century in North America to save labor costs and time for the plaster and lath.

Types of Drywall

Types of drywalls are differentiated by their function, their outer coating colors, the additives included in their formulation, and their thickness. 

That said, here are the different kinds of drywall being:

• White Board
• Green Board
• Blue Board, and
• Paperless Drywall

What Is White Board?

White board drywall is also called regular drywall. It is typically white on one side and brown on the other. It is the most economical drywall type and has different thicknesses ranging from ⅜ inches to 1-inch. It is the most common type used, and it’s usually available in 4’x8’ panels.

Green Drywall in Bathroom

This one is well-known as moisture-resistant drywall. It normally has a green covering, which makes it more water-resistant compared to white board drywall. Additionally, it is somewhat costlier. Keep in mind that it is only water-resistant and not waterproof. So, don’t consider installing green drywall in bathroom if it’s just going to be in contact with “a lot of water.” 

What Is Blue Board?

This type of drywall is also called plaster baseboard. Blue board drywall is used for veneer plastering, and its surface paper features special absorption qualities. It also has a high mold and water resistance. Blue board drywall is not designed for paint, tape, or mud. It helps reduce noise and works incredibly well in bathrooms or areas with a lot of moisture.

Paperless Drywall

Paperless drywall is a type of drywall that is covered with fiberglass rather than paper. This helps protect the gypsum board from rot and provides even greater resistance to mildew and mold. Its quality is a little tougher compared to whiteboard, but some construction experts find it easier to cut. Lastly, it has some slight textures that require applying joint compound to achieve a smooth neat finish drywall level.

Purple Drywall – Bathroom Moisture Resistant Drywall

Finally, purple drywall provides the same benefits as regular drywall but superior mold and moisture resistant properties. It can be utilized with all ceiling and wall applications and is perfectly suited where you need moisture-resistant drywall for bathroom. Basically, it’s perfect with places that have a lot of water.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Drywall

One of the best practices for bathroom drywall is learning its pros and cons. That said, here are the pros and cons of drywall.

Bathroom Drywall Advantages

• Drywall is cost-effective.
• Drywall is manufactured faster than other materials. That’s why you can guarantee that drywall is always available for your construction needs.
• Even though drywall is pretty heavy, a pro drywall contract with the right tools and equipment can effortlessly install drywall, be it for bathroom walls or ceilings.
• Because drywall consists of gypsum, it is fire resistant. And this can help stop the spread of fire.
• You can utilize drywall for the construction of regular bathroom walls and ceilings. But you can also use it as a partition, especially because it can easily be installed and removed.
• You can effortlessly install recessed lighting and hang anything you want with drywall ceilings and walls.

Drywall Disadvantages

• Drywall is not really durable. But even so, you can make its surface much stronger with drywall plastering.
• You can easily damage drywall since it isn’t resistant to impact, unless you have plaster over it.
  

What are some Drywall Alternatives?

If you have pets, children, or worse, a wild, rebellious teenager punching a hole through your drywall, you might consider trying some drywall alternatives such as:

• Wood Planks
• Veneer Plaster
• Lath & Plaster
• Plywood and Sheet Wood
• Texture Wall panels
• Reinforced Fibreglass and Gypsum panels
• Corrugated Metal
• Vinyl Siding

Wood Planks

Wood planks are a long-time drywall alternative that has definitely stood the test of time well. They can give your house a rustic and elegant feel without the maintenance problems of conventional drywall.

Veneer Plaster

This one is probably the alternative that comes closest to conventional drywall. But, veneer plaster is easier to use compared to drywall. It doesn’t need as many tools or skills as hanging drywall does. If you value ease of use a lot, veneer plaster is a good alternative to try.

Lath & Plaster

This one is a building technique utilized to finish primarily interior dividing ceilings and walls. It consists of narrow strips of wood or simply “laths,” which are nailed horizontally across the ceiling joists or wall studs and then coated in “plaster.” Hence, it is called lath and plaster. This process derives from an earlier, medieval-style process called wattle and daub.

Plywood and Sheet Wood

Plywood is the least inexpensive drywall alternative on this list. It enables you to finish a room with a certain flair without taking on the costs of drywall, veneer, or wood planks. Partner this with certain wall decorations, and you can really pull off a deep country feel.

Texture Wall Panels

This drywall alternative provides plenty of beauty and elegance to your house while also giving an otherwise flat surface some depth. Most of the time, texture wall panels would only be seen in expensive cocktail lounges and quaint boutique hotels.

Reinforced Fiberglass & Gypsum Panels

Reinforced fiberglass and gypsum panels are essentially the same concept and look like drywall. The main difference is that they are sturdier and scratch resistance. Since they are very durable, you don’t even have to install plywood under them along with the studs. This drywall alternative performs the task of both drywall and plywood. 

Additionally, they are also more mold-resistant. Lastly, some reinforced fiberglass and gypsum panels have surface designs that make for a nice second 3D layer.

Corrugated Metal

This drywall alternative is the wavy sheets of metal you normally see on a roof or sides of barns. They can be utilized indoors but definitely not on a large wall or all four walls. The best approach to pull this off is to utilize it on a smaller accent wall. 

Corrugated metal is a fairly inexpensive option, and installing it is as simple as screwing it into the studs. But the most daunting task is cutting it to the correct size since you will need a circular saw or a table saw that features a specialized blade.

Vinyl Siding

Meanwhile, vinyl siding panels are one of the less popular drywall alternatives. However, those who have already tried them have only positive things to say about them. 

They are straightforward to install, especially the tongue and groove panels, which are a variety of vinyl siding. Just lock it into place quickly, and the wall needs no further work except for some screw.

These five are the most common drywall alternatives, but there are other alternatives that you can also try, such as Brick & Masonry, Exposed Concrete Block, Cement Board, Pegboard, Cork Board, and Wahoo Walls.

What Drywall to Use in Bathroom Walls?

The most common drywall type for bathroom walls is green drywall due to its moisture-resistant properties. 

But it’s not a wise idea to install green drywall in places that will have direct contact with plenty of water.

For that matter, we highly recommend using USG Sheet Rock Mold Tough drywall for your bathroom wall. It is green drywall but an upgraded version. It is a high-performance interior panel normally adopted when carrying out renovations or when conducting new constructions.

The USG Corporation has included a non-combustible and moisture and mold-resistant core encased in a moisture-resistant fiberglass mat, which is important for shading water. 

The edges of this drywall come with long tapered edges to enable easy finishing.

What Drywall for the Bathroom Shower Should Be Used?

You can also use the USG Sheet Rock Mold Tough drywall for your bathroom shower. But if you’re looking for another option, we highly recommend the National Gypsum (XP) Waterproof drywall.

It is moisture and mold-resistant gypsum panel that can also be utilized as a water-resistant underlayment for various exterior materials.

The sheathing is constructed with an effective mold and moisture-resistant facer and core. The facer comes with a coated fiberglass mat complete with a purple color that provides improved weather resistance qualities.

Installing it is quite easy because it is made of lightweight material that scores and cuts effortlessly.

What Is the Cost to Drywall Bathroom?

Drywalling a bathroom comes with a range of costs, depending on the kind of bathroom and what you’re planning to do with it. For instance, a half bathroom that will be painted comes with different costs compared to a master bathroom that will have tile on most of its walls.

When it comes to bathrooms, you’ll need purple or green drywall to prevent moisture issues and inhibit mold problems. 

If you’re going to tiles your bathroom, your drywall costs will be lower than if they will be painted.

To sum it up, the average cost to drywall a bathroom is between $430 to $500, depending on the use and size.

Installing a Drywall for Bathroom – Step by Step

Drywall Installation Tools

• Saber Saw
• Utility Knife
• Drywall Knife

Drywall Installation Materials

• Drywall Tape
• Cupped-Head Nails
• Tape Measure
• All-Purpose Drywall Compound

Step 1: Take Measurements

After your materials and tools are ready, start by taking measurements all around your bathroom. Jot down any light switches, power outlets, light fixtures, or other protrusions from the bathroom ceiling or wall that need pre-cut holes in the board.

Step 2: Cut Drywall and Openings for Fixtures

Utilize your tape measure as a straight edge and outline the dimensions of the cut on the drywall. After that, get your utility knife to cut out the openings or holes. For circular cuts, measure the distance to all four sides and utilize a compass to outline a perfect circle before cutting.

Step 3 : Hang the Drywall

After that, work on the areas where you can hang full 4’x8’ sheets of drywall. This part is not really hard. The way of hanging drywall in the bathroom is the same, just like any other room.

Step 4: Tape and Mud the Joints

Once you’ve hung your drywall, go over every joint using drywall compound or mud, followed by tape. After this dries, it needs a second and a third coat of mud to smooth it out and hide the tape entirely. 

An all-purpose drywall compound works for all three layers. However, you can also use an amalgamation of taping and topping compounds. After you’re finished, you’re now ready to texture and paint your wall. Decorate the walls or add wainscoting as desired.

Insulating Drywall

Before installing drywall, it is crucial to insulate the area you’re going to put it up. This is very important if the wall is an outside wall. Use standard insulation for warmer climates and thicker insulation for colder climates. 

Sound Dampening

If adding rugs and towels doesn’t provide you with the level of sound dampening you need, more advanced ways can help you. 

In most bathrooms, the walls must be the first area you should tend to. The main objective here is to add mass to the walls, which reduces vibrations.

The two main kinds of drywall commonly utilized in soundproofing are soundproof drywalls such as QuietRock drywall and your regular type X drywall. 

Soundproof drywalls normally utilize an inner layer of ceramics, viscoelastic, and gypsum to up their STC. Other popular soundproof drywalls are National Gypsum’s SoundBreak and CertainTeed’s SilentFX.

Fire-Resistant

When putting up drywall, normally, a building code dictates specific kinds of drywall that should be used. One kind of drywall that shows up in building codes is what is known as fireproof drywall or, most commonly known as fire-rated drywall or Type X drywall.

While advantageous, Type X drywall is usually given more attributes than it truly has. 

Fact: Keep in mind that Type X is fire-rated but not “fireproof.”

While it can slow down the spread of fire, it won’t be able to stop it.

Applying Tile to Drywall

In most areas of your house, you can put tile over drywall without any problem, so long as you prepare the drywall first and use the correct mortar for your project. It is effective and safe and what most expert contractors do.

The only time you can’t apply tile to drywall is if you are hanging the tile in an area exposed to constant humidity or a place that gets wet frequently.

Drywall Installation Tips

Buy Smaller, Lightweight Variety.

Do yourself a favor, especially your back. Sure, 4 x 12 sheets are available, but they’re cumbersome and are much more difficult to transport, especially if you don’t know how to drive a semi-trailer. 

With that said, smaller sheets also imply more areas to tape, mud, and sand. So you should consider that too, particularly if you’re the one who’s going to be executing the final work.

Buy Enough Drywall Screws

There’s nothing unfortunate compared to running out of a supply ¾ of the way through your project. As a rule of thumb, for 16-inch on-center studs, you’ll use around 36 screws per 4 x 8 drywall sheet.

Consider Hanging the Sheetrock Yourself

Ask for an estimate from a drywall company for hanging the drywall and a separate estimate for finalizing the drywall. But if you can do the hanging yourself, you’ll surely be able to save plenty of money, particularly in a large area.

Buy a Sheetrock Carry Handle

Sheetrock is hefty and awkward, even the lightweight variety out there. These simple, cheap tools can make the lifting much simpler and a lot more ergonomically correct.

Get Professional Help to Do the Taping

If you don’t want to waste time, you should consider hiring a professional to do larger taping/finishing tasks. Additionally, the output will most likely look twice as good if you leave it to an experienced professional.

Consider Doing the Sanding Yourself

If you really want to save some money, this would be another drywall task to consider for your DIY list. Sanding is very simple and doesn’t require rocket science knowledge. You need to know down any high points and make a smooth surface for priming and painting.

Proper Gear and Ventilation Is a Must for Sanding

If you’re planning to sand yourself, be sure to have eye protection, a respirator, and good ventilation. You see, sanding is probably the messiest part when installing drywall. And the dust generated is just too much. Make sure to cover any openings to adjacent areas/rooms with painter’s plastic so the dust won’t escape to the rest of your home.

What Is the Best Drywall for the Bathroom Ceiling?

Traditional drywall is commonly utilized for bathroom ceilings. But most professional builders prefer to use a green board instead.

However, it would help if you kept in mind that not all “green board” is green. This moisture-resistant drywall also comes in other colors, which include purple. It also goes by various names, so make sure to read the fine print to get the drywall with the performance traits you’re searching for.

Can You Use Regular Drywall in a Bathroom Wall?

Yes, you can use regular drywall in a bathroom wall. But it’s not worth it compared to using green board drywall. Sure, regular drywall is cheaper, but when it comes to the overall value and water resistance, using greenboard is much more worth it, especially in the long term.

Can You Use Regular Drywall in a Bathroom Ceiling?

You can also go for regular drywall in bathroom ceilings. But then again, if you’re bathroom ceiling is constantly exposed to water, it’s smart to choose a green board or moisture-resistant drywall.

What Is the Best Primer for New Drywall in a Bathroom?

The best primer for new drywall in a bathroom is the KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Primer. It is formulated based on acrylic polymers in a water solution. Additionally, it is resistant to the residual alkalinity of new walls, which means you can utilize it on your bathroom wall without worrying.

Furthermore, it prevents the growth of molds and low-odor. It comes with exceptional compatibility with water and oil paints, both stain and matte. The KILZ Premium primer masks the arrangements with a finish and guarantees a smooth finish.

And lastly, rest assured that you’ll get the right product because this primer is made by KILZ, which has more than forty years of experience in paints and primers. They have won accolades for their illustrious product line!

What to Do if You Find Mold on Drywall in Bathroom?

If you spot mold on drywall in your bathroom, don’t panic. Mold can appear anywhere in your home. It just requires a source of moisture and an organic food source, like drywall, and they will thrive.

With that said, if you notice mold on drywall in your bathroom, here’s what to do:

Find the Source of Moisture

Before you begin getting rid of the mold from your drywall, you need to find out the source of moisture and stop it. 

Whether it’s a water vapor weeping through a concrete floor, a roofing issue, or a leaky pipe or window, you need to fix the issue. 

Or else, mold will start appearing very fast after you finish getting rid of it.

Decide Whether to Save It or Scrap It

There are instances when removing moldy drywall is less time-consuming, more effective, and safe than cleaning it. 

If your drywall’s surface is soft to the touch, the mold and moisture have probably damaged the drywall’s inside. 

If this is the case, it’s wiser to remove the drywall, eliminate the mold on the framing underneath, let it dry, and start fresh.

Eliminate the Mold

With most surface mold spores eliminated, you can now start targeting the root to eliminate the problem. 

There are certain effective products that you can utilize to kill molds, such as 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1:1:2 ratio of water, white vinegar, and baking soda, and Concrobium Mold Control.

Just brush or spray the solution on your affected drywall and let it sit for around ten minutes before brushing the surface in a circular motion using a medium-bristled brush.

Dry the Drywall Using a Fan

With the mold spores eliminated and residue removed, the next step you want to do is let the wall dry.

Set up a box fan and point it directly at the drywall. Let it run for at least a day to make sure that the wall dries entirely.

Keep the Humidity Low

A frequent humid bathroom can encourage mold regrowth in the future.

That’s why you should do your best to keep the area dry and mold-free by simply lowering the humidity levels.

You can get a dehumidifier and use it to keep the humidity between 30% to 50% to prevent mold from growing in other places.

Last update on 2022-10-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API