Does one abolutely have to use concrete board for tile application around a bathtub?

Answer 1

Greenboard is fine for use in bathrooms but not in the "wet" areas as it is only water resistent but not waterproof.

A water proofing backerboard is the only means of substrate you shoud be considering for shower/tub walls.


If you're going to do it might as well do it right,the cost differential between the two is minimal with the pros highly outweighing the cons.


Hope you found this info useful and good luck to you.

bellzie... :)

Answer 2

It depends, but backerboard really is the best.

I'm going to guess you are asking because you are doing a bit of remodeling and are adding tile in an existing bathroom. You are hoping not to remove the existing wallboard before tiling.

I would advise that you DO remove the existing wallboard and replace it. You don't want to tile over wallboard which is painted or covered with wallpaper, so if you don't remove the wallboard you need to thoroughly strip it. That's impossible for paint and very difficult to do really well for wallpaper. So, the only case in which you could *consider* tiling over wallboard is in new construction where you could just use backerboard to begin with!

It's going to be easier AND better to replace with backerboard. Better than regretting a job poorly done a year from now!

Answer 3

No. but why would you NOT want to use one of the best products for this application?

I've seen plywood and drywall backing and with those I've seen nasty tile problems crop up after long term use.

Backerboards are probably the only material out there that actually gets stronger when it is moist...

Bite the bullet and do the job right the first time.

Answer 4

Have to agree with everyone else, use the concrete board as it has alot less flex to it. Imagine what will happen to your nice tile job when you get out of the tub and the floor flexes. Pop goes the tile!! You'll be forever repairing the seems and think of the water damage you won't see until it's to late.

Take the time to do it correctly

Answer 5

You can use greenboard, which is moisture resistant and has been used for years for wet applications like showers and tubs. But the concrete backerboard is a better product that will assure a better job, so why wouldn't you want to use it?

Answer 6

Only a fool wouldn't. It helps to prevent moisture from getting into the walls around the tub and shower.

If you want to take the chance on rot getting in the walls if you don't have everything caulked and sealed properly, do whatever you want. I've heard it's lots of fun to rip everything out and replace it all later.

Answer 7

Depends on the building code where you live.
Some areas can use green sheetrock.