Should you shower with cement board or drywall? The Ultimate Guide

Hey there! If you‘re renovating your bathroom and installing a new shower, one of the biggest decisions you‘ll face is choosing the right material for your shower walls. I‘m here to make your decision easier by comparing cement board vs. drywall for shower walls.

As an expert in home renovation with over 10 years of experience, I always recommend cement board for shower walls. It‘s simply a better choice than drywall for the wet, humid environment inside a shower.

In this guide, I‘ll outline the pros and cons of both materials, the key differences between them, and walk you through a cement board installation step-by-step. I‘ll also answer common questions and share tips to help ensure your cement board shower stands the test of time.

Let‘s dive in!

What is Cement Board Exactly?

Cement board, also known by brand names like HardieBacker™ and Durock®, is a strong, durable building material made from water, cement, sand, and cellulose or glass fiber reinforcement. It‘s commonly used as a base for ceramic tile in bathrooms.

Unlike drywall, cement board can withstand direct and prolonged exposure to water without warping, crumbling, or promoting mold growth. This moisture-resistant property makes cement board an ideal substrate for wet areas like showers.

Here are some of the benefits that make cement board worth the extra cost:

• Withstands wet conditions – Won‘t degrade due to moisture exposure
• Prevents mold or mildew – Provides a water-resistant layer
• Extremely durable – A long-lasting surface for tiles
• Adds structural strength – Reinforces walls better than drywall
• Fire resistant – Cement board is non-combustible

On the downside, cement board is heavy, difficult to cut and install, and costs about 2-3 times more than drywall. But as you‘ll see, the pros outweigh the cons for shower applications.

Drywall Overview – Why It‘s Risky for Showers

Drywall, also called sheetrock or wallboard, is a cheaper wall material made by pressing gypsum between thick sheets of paper. It‘s convenient to install but has some definite downsides:

• Not water-resistant – Paper facing erodes with moisture exposure
• Prone to mold – Absorbs moisture that promotes mold growth
• No structural strength – Too brittle and weak for a tile backing
• Easily damaged – Paper facing tears and punctures easily

While drywall is fine for interior walls and ceilings, prolonged moisture exposure causes the paper to degrade. For this reason, it‘s not recommended for direct water contact in showers. The one exception would be pre-fabricated fiberglass shower units, where you may be able to get away with using drywall.

But for tiled shower walls, choosing cement board over drywall is crucial. Let‘s look at the key differences between the two.

Cement Board vs. Drywall for Showers

Cement Board	Drywall
Waterproof surface	Absorbs water like a sponge
Withstands direct water contact	Degrades and falls apart when wet
Prevents mold or mildew	Prone to extensive mold growth
Adds structural strength	No structural reinforcement
Rigid and durable	Paper facing damages easily
Higher material cost	Lower material cost
Heavier and harder to install	Lightweight and easier to install

As you can see, cement board beats out drywall across the board when it comes to showers. The moisture resistance and durability of cement make all the difference.

Key Factors to Consider for Your Project

When deciding whether to use cement board or drywall for your upcoming shower installation, here are the most important factors to consider:

Will walls be exposed to a lot of moisture?

Cement board won‘t degrade due to moisture like drywall. It provides a water-resistant layer that prevents seepage into walls. If walls will see high humidity and direct water contact, cement board is the smart choice.

Do you want it to last decades without issue?

Cement board is extremely durable – up to 5 times stronger than drywall. Thinset mortar and tile form a permanent bond to the cement board surface. This combination can easily last over 50 years if installed properly.

Is ease of installation important?

Drywall is far lighter and easier for one person to install compared to heavy cement board. Cement board requires careful cutting, drilling holes, and mounting. Installation takes longer and demands more skill.

What‘s your budget?

Cement board costs roughly 2-3 times more than drywall. For a large shower, this can add a few hundred dollars to material costs. The extra longevity may balance out the higher price.

What type of shower are you building?

• Tile showers – Always use cement board
• Fiberglass unit – May be able to use drywall

For any custom tiled shower, cement board is the clear choice. Pre-fabricated showers may allow drywall, but check with the manufacturer.

Now that you know the key factors, let‘s walk through the cement board installation process.

Installing Cement Board on Shower Walls

Installing cement board for shower walls takes more time and skill than drywall. But it‘s a project a motivated DIYer can absolutely take on. Here are the key steps:

Step 1) Prep the studs

Ensure wood studs are plumb, level, and spaced 16 inches on center. Address any issues before installing the cement board.

Step 2) Measure and cut the cement board pieces

Measure each wall and cut boards to size using a carbide-tipped cement board scorer and snapping knife. Wear a N95 mask when cutting to avoid breathing in silica dust.

Step 3) Fasten boards to studs

Screw boards to studs using cement board screws. Space screws 8 inches apart across the panel. Use washers to prevent cracks.

Step 4) Tape and mud seams

Cover all cement board seams and corners with alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh tape and thinset mortar.

Step 5) Apply waterproofing membrane

Roll or trowel on a waterproofing membrane like RedGard® over all cement board surfaces. This seals the shower walls fully.

Allow the thinset and membrane to cure fully before tiling – usually 2-3 days. Be meticulous with the prep work to get professional results.

Key Benefits of Cement Board Showers

Let‘s recap the main benefits you‘ll enjoy by using cement board instead of drywall for your shower walls:

• Withstands moisture – Cement board won‘t fall apart when exposed to humidity and steam like drywall.

• Prevents mold – The water-resistant qualities inhibit mold growth within walls over time.

• Extremely durable surface – Cement board stands up to decades of scrubbing and direct water contact.

• Adds structural strength – Cement reinforcement provides solid backing for shower tiles.

• Fire resistant – Cement board is non-combustible, while drywall can fuel fires.

• Looks professional – With precise seams and proper tile application, cement board showers look high-end.

Cement board has clear advantages as a shower wall substrate. I always recommend it for achieving the most durable, water-resistant shower possible.

Potential Downsides to Consider

I want to provide an honest assessment, so here are potential downsides of using cement board you should be aware of:

• Higher cost – Cement board costs roughly 2-3 times more per square foot compared to drywall. This can add hundreds to your shower material budget.

• Heavier and harder to install – At 2 lbs per square foot, cement board is heavy and unwieldy. Installation is more labour intensive.

• Careful waterproofing required – Cement board alone is not waterproof. Proper sealing and membranes are essential.

• Difficult to repair – Replacing a damaged section of cement board is trickier compared to patching drywall.

• Dust when cutting – Cement board dust contains silica, requiring safety precautions when scoring and snapping.

While the extra effort and cost of cement board are justified for shower walls, it‘s smart to account for these factors in your renovation plans and budget.

Helpful Tips for Your Cement Board Shower

Here are my top tips to ensure your cement board shower turns out beautifully and lasts for decades:

• Always start with a waterproof shower pan before installing wall cement board.

• Use cement board screws and washers to prevent cracks when fastening to studs.

• Apply waterproofing or vapor barrier to studs before the cement board.

• Use fiberglass mesh tape, not paper tape, for sealing seams and corners.

• Allow thinset mortar and membrane to fully cure before applying tiles.

• Make sure cement board seams are staggered from underlying drywall seams.

• Use a tile saw with a diamond blade for smooth cement board cuts.

• Wear an N95 mask and safety goggles when cutting or drilling cement board.

Follow my tips and take your time with proper installation techniques to achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let‘s go over some common questions about cement board showers:

Do you need a vapor barrier with cement board?

Yes, you should install a vapor barrier on studs before applying the cement board. This adds an extra layer of moisture protection.

What thickness cement board should you use for shower walls?

1/4" or 1/2" cement board is ideal. Use 1/4" panels for smaller mosaic tiles and 1/2" for larger format tiles exceeding 4 inches.

Can you tile directly on cement board?

Yes, you can tile directly on cement board without any additional layers, provided proper waterproofing has been applied to the boards.

Does cement board need to be sealed?

Cement board alone is porous and not waterproof. A waterproofing membrane or liquid sealant like RedGard® must be applied.

How long does cement board last in a shower?

When installed correctly on a waterproof shower base, cement board can easily last over 50 years before needing replacement.

Don‘t hesitate to reach out with any other cement board shower questions! I‘m always happy to help.

Cement Board Is the Clear Choice

After reading this guide, you now understand why cement board is the best option for shower walls in nearly all circumstances. Its unrivaled moisture resistance, mold prevention, and durability make cement board well worth the extra installation effort.

While drywall may save you money upfront, it simply won‘t last in a wet shower environment. Investing in cement board now will reward you with a beautiful, high-performing shower that will stand the test of time.

If you carefully follow the installation best practices outlined above, your new cement board shower will not only look amazing but also provide decades of enjoyment. I hope this guide gives you the confidence to tackle this project yourself. But don‘t hesitate to consult a professional if you need assistance.

I wish you the best of luck with your shower renovation project! Please reach out if you have any other questions.