Hey there! Lillie here, your friendly bath reno expert. If you‘re thinking about using purple drywall in your shower, I‘ve got some important info for you. While purple drywall adds a fun pop of color, it‘s not the best choice for shower walls. In this detailed guide, we‘ll dive into:
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What is Purple Drywall?
Let‘s start with the basics – what exactly is purple drywall?
Drywall is a construction material made from gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper. It‘s used for interior walls and ceilings. The most common type is white, but you can also get it in various colors.
Purple drywall, sometimes called lavender board, is regular drywall that has one side coated in a purple dye or paint. This gives it a vibrant violet color.
Manufacturers will often market it as mold and mildew resistant. However, there‘s no evidence that the purple coloring provides any protective properties. Don‘t be fooled – purple drywall is not waterproof despite its exotic color!
Here are a few examples of popular purple drywall brands:
- National Gypsum PermaBase in Rave Violet
- USG Sheetrock in Lilac Surprise
- CertainTeed Gypsum Purple
Bottom line – purple drywall has a colored surface, but the gypsum core is the same as regular drywall. Its moisture resistance does not differ from plain white boards.
Why Purple Drywall and Water Don‘t Mix
Now that you know what purple board is, let‘s talk about why it and water don‘t mix well!
The paper facings and gypsum core of drywall can quickly become saturated with moisture. Unfortunately, wet drywall leads to all kinds of problems:
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Sagging – Waterlogged areas sag under their own weight
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Crumbling – Wet gypsum core loses integrity and strength
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Mold – Damp drywall fosters mold growth
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Staining – Water leaves behind mineral deposits and discoloration
Unlike mold-resistant greenboard, purple drywall has no water-repellent vinyl coating or additives. The decorative purple dye does not make it waterproof or even water-resistant.
Direct water exposure from a shower quickly degrades regular or purple drywall. I don‘t recommend using it anywhere that will get wet.
How to Choose the Right Shower Wall Materials
Okay, so purple‘s out. What should you use for shower walls instead? Here are some of the top options:
Cement Board
Cement board, also called Durock, WonderBoard, or HardieBacker, is the hardcore heavyweight option for wet areas.
It‘s made from portland cement pressed between fiberglass meshes. This makes it:
- Completely non-combustible and non-absorbent
- Unaffected by prolonged moisture exposure
- Capable of withstanding freezing, thawing, and mechanical impacts
In my experience as a contractor, cement board is the most waterproof and durable choice for shower enclosures. The main downside is that it‘s heavy and difficult to cut without power tools.
Here‘s a quick comparison of cement board brands:
| Brand | Thickness Options | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Durock | 1/2", 5/8" | Excellent durability, low cost |
| HardieBacker | 1/4", 1/2" | Lightweight, 10-year limited warranty |
| PermaBase | 1/4", 1/2" | Superior mold resistance |
| WonderBoard | 1/4", 1/2" | Can be scored and snapped for easy cutting |
No matter which you choose, cement board is a smart pick for tiled shower walls. It won‘t let you down!
Greenboard
Moisture-resistant drywall, affectionately called greenboard, is another common choice for shower enclosures. It has a few advantages over cement board:
- Lighter weight
- Lower cost
- Easier to cut and install
Greenboard is coated with a water-repellent vinyl and contains additives to reduce water absorption. The green surface paper helps identify it. Brands include DensArmor Plus, Sheetrock Mold Tough, and GP DensShield.
While greenboard is water-resistant, it‘s not fully waterproof like cement board. It still needs proper installation and ventilation to avoid moisture issues. Overall, greenboard provides a lightweight, affordable shower wall option if installed correctly.
Fiber-Cement Board
Fiber-cement boards like HardieBacker offer a good compromise between cement board and greenboard.
They‘re composed of cement mixed with wood pulp fibers. This combination makes fiber-cement lighter and easier to work than cement board.
Although not completely waterproof, fiber-cement boards have excellent moisture resistance. They also have fiberglass mesh reinforcing for strength.
Brands like HardieBacker and Fiberon Aqua-Tough are suitable for shower walls when installed with a vapor barrier. They‘re somewhat cheaper than cement board too.
Glass Mat Gypsum Board
For you techies out there, glass mat gypsum boards are an intriguing option. Instead of paper facings, they‘re covered with fiberglass mats.
The fiberglass allows the boards to retain their integrity even when wet. Brands like DensShield and Georgia-Pacific DensArmor Plus are designed for high moisture areas.
Glass mat gypsum boards must be properly sealed and installed. But they provide good water resistance at a lighter weight and lower cost than cement board. Quite nifty!
Mold Resistance Tips for Bathrooms
Since bathrooms tend to be damp, mold resistance is crucial. Unfortunately, purple drywall‘s color does not make it mold-proof. Even greenboard can grow mold without enough ventilation.
Here are my top tips for preventing mold in bathrooms:
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Install a bathroom fan vented outside – this is a must!
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Apply mold-resistant paints and primers to surfaces. Look for products containing zinc oxide or sodium borate.
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Fix any leaks ASAP and monitor humidity levels. Ideally keep bathroom humidity under 50%.
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Leave bathroom doors open and run fans for 30 minutes after showering.
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Clean bathrooms regularly with antimicrobial cleaners to inhibit mold growth. Tiles should be kept free of soap scum and mildew.
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Consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier to manage moisture. Ideal home humidity is 30-50%.
With good ventilation, moisture control, and mold-resistant finishes, you can avoid ugly mold and mildew. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Is Purple a Good Color for Bathrooms?
Okay, you can‘t have purple shower walls – but what about using it elsewhere in the bathroom?
Purple can be a fun, elegant color for bathrooms. However, you need to be strategic with how you incorporate it.
Dark, bold purple works best in larger bathrooms with lots of natural light. It can feel oppressive in a small windowless bath. Stick to lighter lavender hues instead.
Too much purple overload can also be overwhelming. Use it sparingly on one accent wall or use purple towels/decor against a neutral backdrop.
Harsh overhead lighting isn‘t flattering to rich purple walls. Incorporate soft mood lighting for a warmer effect. Wall sconces and accent lighting work nicely.
Cool tones like blues and greens complement purple beautifully. Avoid clashing with warm reds and oranges.
Glossy or metallic purple paint adds nice depth, while flat purple can look dull and faded. I‘m a big fan of iridescent paints for a fun disco feel!
In the end, strategic use of purple can create a relaxing, elegant bath sanctuary. Just stick to shower-friendly materials there.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Shower Wall Boards
Once you‘ve selected the right shower wall materials, proper installation is crucial. Follow these steps to do it right:
Prep
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Turn off power and water supply lines to the shower area.
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Remove existing wall finishes down to the studs.
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Inspect for leaks, damage, or mold. Address any underlying issues.
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Install vapor barrier over studs. Seal seams with acrylic caulk.
Install Boards
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Place boards horizontally for fewer seams in the splash zone.
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Use corrosion-resistant screws to fasten boards to studs every 8-12 inches.
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Maintain 1/8" gap between boards. Offset seams between rows.
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Seal all joints and corners with waterproof silicone caulk.
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Treat exposed board edges with caulk to prevent water wicking.
Finish Up
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Ensure good ventilation with a ducted bath fan.
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Apply waterproofing membrane over boards. RedGard and Laticrete Hydroban are great options.
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Tile or finish as desired. Grout with mold-resistant epoxy grout.
Take it slow and steady for optimal results. Feel free to holler if you need help!
FAQs About Using Purple Drywall in Showers
I know you must have more questions about purple drywall. Here are some common ones:
Can I waterproof purple drywall somehow?
Nope, waterproofing paint or membranes won‘t make purple board suitable for showers. They don‘t address the vulnerable paper facings and gypsum core. Stick with inherently waterproof boards.
What about using it outside the shower or behind tile?
I‘d still recommend moisture-resistant boards everywhere in bathrooms. Limit purple drywall to non-wet areas like bedrooms or kitchens.
Is greenboard more water-resistant than purple board?
Absolutely! The vinyl coating and special additives in greenboard give it much more tolerance for moisture vs standard or purple drywall. Purple has zero added protection.
Does purple drywall need a vapor barrier in bathrooms?
Yes, it‘s smart to install a vapor barrier behind any drywall in humid areas like bathrooms. But for best results, choose a board designed for wet areas like fiber-cement or glass mat gypsum.
Can I put plastic sheets behind purple drywall in the shower?
Plastic sheets alone won‘t make purple board waterproof for shower walls. You need a substrate that‘s inherently water-resistant before tiling or finishing.
The Bottom Line
While vibrant purple drywall might be tempting for your bathroom, I strongly advise against using it in shower enclosures. The moisture exposure will quickly damage the paper facings and gypsum core.
For best results, use waterproof cement board, mold-resistant greenboard, or fiber-cement panels in wet areas. Then get your purple fix with towels, tile, or an accent wall in a drier spot.
With smart material choices and proper installation, you can have a dream bathroom with all the colors you love! Let me know if you have any other questions.
