I'm currently renovating a bathroom that's about 20 years old. It previously had a tile shower that ended up leaking. I'm in the process of cleaning everything up and replacing the CPVC plumbing. My main question is about the best material to use now: should I stick with moisture-resistant drywall like greenboard, or would something like Kerdi panels offer better longevity? I'm not reinstalling tile; instead, I'm going with a corner shower insert on the left and a bathtub on the right. The floor had plywood with a vapor barrier and SuperPly boards topped with a vinyl sheet, which seemed to hold up well aside from the leaking shower. I'm considering putting down another vinyl sheet or linoleum. Is my setup fine, or are there better materials I should consider? Appreciate any advice!
5 Answers
For about 30 years, I've been using DensShield products and then waterproofing over them. They've served me well!
Since you're installing a shower insert, the backing material isn't as crucial. Moisture-resistant drywall should be okay. Just be sure to check the insert's installation guidelines for what kind of backing they recommend! How are you planning to finish the space around the bathtub? What's your alternative to tile?
There are a few good options out there! You could go with a combination of drywall plus a Kerdi membrane, or even use Kerdi board or concrete board combined with RedGuard. Personally, I did drywall with Kerdi in my bathrooms about five years ago, and it was way simpler compared to using concrete board with RedGuard in the past.
Using regular drywall, even the moisture-resistant kind, can be risky since it's not waterproof. You definitely want a solid water barrier around the shower area. Kerdi is a great option, just make sure you follow the installation specs. There are plenty of helpful tutorials available online!
With a shower insert, your backing material doesn't need to be super fancy. Any drywall will generally work just fine!