Purple Board vs Green Board: The Right Moisture-Resistant Drywall for You
Thinking about which type of drywall to install in your house can be overwhelming, especially in high moisture areas. That is because there are several options you can choose from. Today, we will discuss purple board vs. green board. As a result, you’ll know which one works better for you.
Before we attempt to compare these two drywall boards, we briefly want to define what drywall is. It is a gypsum board pressed between two sheets of paper. Contractors join the boards together with drywall tape and joint compound to create seamless wall coverings.
So, now, the question is, do all drywall types work for high moisture or humidity areas? We will attempt to answer this question by comparing both purple and green board drywall. That’s why we invite you to keep reading this blog to learn more about this topic.
What Is Moisture-Resistant Drywall?
Moisture-resistant drywall is just like regular drywall as it is made of gypsum. But, the difference is that it has a thicker paper coating with a wax covering for water resistance. You should consider this type of drywall in areas with high levels of moisture or humidity.
However, don’t mix moisture-resistant drywall with waterproof drywall as they are not the same.
Moisture-resistant drywall works best in areas with damp conditions and minimal splashes of water. On the other hand, waterproof drywall, or cement board, works great in wet areas such as showers or bathtubs.
Some types of drywall for bathroom use are paperless drywall and blue board drywall used for veneer plastering. There is also purple and green board drywall which we will be discussing in this blog.
When comparing purple board vs. green board, both are moisture-resistant drywall. The difference is that purple board drywall also resists mold and mildew. Besides this, it also stands against dents, scratches, and scuffs. So, it offers more benefits than green board drywall
What to Know About Purple Board Drywall
Let’s first focus on purple board drywall. We will discuss what exactly it is and where you can install it.
What Is Purple Drywall?
Purple drywall offers the same advantages as regular drywall, such as a good fire rating. But, it goes above and beyond as it also has moisture and mold-resistant characteristics.
Besides having resistance to mold and mildew, some types of purple drywall can also withstand dents, scratches, and scuffs. You can even find some soundproof drywall from the same purple products.
Purple drywall is a product made only by Gold Bond Building Products, LLC, a brand of National Gypsum.
Some other benefits purple drywall can provide to homeowners include abuse and fire resistance. You can find all types of products regarding purple drywall, including:
- PURPLE XP® Drywall
- SoundBreak XP Ceiling Board
- XP® Hi-Abuse® Drywall
- SoundBreak XP Retrofit Board
- XP® Hi-Impact® Drywall
- SoundBreak XP Wall Board
Where Can You Install Purple Board Drywall?
Since purple board drywall can endure all types of conditions, you can install it in any room in your house. But, we especially recommend it in areas where you need high water resistance. This may include the bathroom or basement.
Some other rooms many homeowners tend to install purple drywall include kitchen and media rooms as well. Just be sure to check which type of purple drywall would be best for the room you’re looking to install.
Learn All About Green Board Drywall
Now, it’s time to learn about green board drywall. We will also be discussing what exactly it is, its best areas for installation, and its difference from cement boards.
What Is Green Drywall?
Green board drywall used to be known as water-resistant drywall. But, this term became outdated several years ago since other Sheetrock panels offer this feature. This drywall type is resistant to moisture, so it works great in areas with low humidity levels.
Nevertheless, this is not mold-resistant drywall. For this reason, we suggest you not install green board drywall, thinking that you will inhibit mold growth in your bathroom.
There are two main reasons why this type of drywall has its distinctive green color. First, it helps it distinguish from other kinds of boards. The second reason is that it allows contractors determine where to apply the drywall compound in the installation process.
Like regular drywall, green board counts on an inner gypsum core, and it’s attached directly to the studs. Moreover, you can cut it using a sharp utility knife.
Some tremendous green board drywall brands include American Gypsum’s Aquabloc and GP’s ToughRock Mold-Guard Drywall Panel.
Where Can You Install Green Board Drywall?
Some good areas where you can install green board drywall are the kitchen near the sink and basement areas. You can also use it in some bathtub enclosures. In other words, as long as you’re using it in reasonably dry areas, you should be good to go.
Some places you’ll want to avoid altogether include shower stalls, saunas, steam rooms, and water-prone basement walls. Also, avoid using this type of drywall for ceiling applications. The reason behind this is that ceiling panels can sag if there’s constant water damage exposure.
Green Board vs. Cement Board
Before purple drywall was available, green board was practically the only option for homeowners back in the day. That’s why you needed to follow a specific procedure if you wished to have a panel for damp places.
Since green boards can’t directly contact water, contractors need to place cement boards for damp places. Due to its mineral core, it works great for wet areas. Moreover, it’s sturdier than drywall, making it perfect for flooring applications as well.
However, it’s more expensive and difficult to install. That’s why homeowners use these boards on certain key spots and, on the rest of the areas, they opt for green drywall.
As you can see, when it comes to purple board vs. green board, the first option offers you a wider selection of benefits. Nevertheless, green drywall provides you a more affordable option.
Now that you know its main differences, it’s time for you to install yours. Remember that you can count on our team for any doubts you may have! Call us today when in need of professional assistance for your drywall installation.