Shower surround drywall questions

spring3100

Putting in a shower surround in my basement.

What flavor drywall should I put on the 14 inches between the top of the shower wall and the ceiling.

Additionally,what should I put on the shower ceiling?

Prefer any products I install to be paintable.

Thanks in advance for your answers.

joecaption

Any bathroom needs at least green board, paperless would be even better.
All can be primed and painted.
Make sure you allow for a vent in that ceiling!

bjbatlanta

With the proper paint, regular drywall will be fine. Do not set the drywall directly on the surround. Leave a 1/4" gap so any moisture on the top of the surround will not "wick" up into the drywall. That's the biggest issue. Green board and even paperless will eventually break down if they absorb enough moisture. Use mesh tape and setting compound to fill the gap...

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joecaption

Totaly not true and would not meet any code I've heard of.
In fact we now have to use paperless sheetrock, not even green board is excepted anymore.
Why take a chance, for a few bucks more and not have to deal with mold later on.

bjbatlanta

I totally agree that "greenboard" is no better than regular board. I don't know of any "code" that requires any particular type of board in "wet areas" (at least around here). There could be a "code" in VA. Or if you know of some "nationally accepted code" I'm not aware of, but is not enforced... Proper installation and finishing of regular board has worked for decades. I'm not against the "paperless" board, but why buy a sheet JUST for the space over the shower when you don't need to?? I've never had an inspector come on a job, residential or commercial, in almost 40 years to see what type of drywall was in place, other than if it was for fire code. In that case it was the fire marshal, not the building inspector. He's the one you have to look out for. You Don't get a CO on a commercial job until he signs off....

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ToolSeeker

Hey guys not to be picky but green board is going the way of the DooDoo bird. The board is now purple or paperless (don't ask me why they made it purple) and code where I am says mold and moisture resistant in baths. And as for buying 1 sheet and only using above the shower he could also use it on the ceiling. And you are right about never getting inspected as a H/O but for the simple piece of mind and the low difference in price why would you ever take the chance. And yes they have used plain drywall for years and most of them I have taken down around showers have some degree of mold. In older homes or where there is just a tub hardly ever.

AtlanticWBConst.

XP board is sufficient and acceptable for the areas above a shower in most regions (as those surface areas are not considered "wet" locations) + also use mold-resistant paint.

It is rated as "mold resistant" according to the Manufacturer and ASTM ratings. Also note the last website point cited below.

LINK: http://nationalgypsum.com/products/P...ProductID=2413

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scottktmrider

I allways use some type of water board in the entire bathroom with the exception of the lid.I know code is so many feet from water but if nothing else use it everywhere for the mostere .