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What Plasterboard for Bathroom Should Be Used? Guide and Tips

Contemporary Structures 15 July, 2024

Installing the proper plasterboard in a bathroom is crucial to prevent moisture damage and mould growth.

This article explains the types of plasterboard best suited for bathrooms.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • What Plasterboard for Bathroom?
  • Key Points
  • Our Opinion
  • Types of Plasterboard for Bathrooms
  • Moisture-Resistant Plasterboard Benefits
  • Waterproof Plasterboard Options
  • Using Normal Plasterboard in Bathrooms
  • How to Choose the Right Plasterboard
  • FAQ
    • Is normal plasterboard OK in the bathroom?
    • Do bathrooms need green plasterboard?
    • What plasterboard is best for bathrooms in the UK?
  • Conclusion

What Plasterboard for Bathroom?

Credit: InsulationGo Ltd

 

Moisture-resistant plasterboard, often called green plasterboard, is the recommended type of plasterboard to use in bathrooms.

It is designed to withstand high humidity and prevent deterioration.

Key Points

  • Use moisture-resistant plasterboard in bathrooms
  • Also called green plasterboard
  • Withstands humidity better than normal plasterboard

Our Opinion

In our experience, moisture-resistant plasterboard is clearly the best choice for bathroom walls and ceilings.

Brands like Gyproc Moisture Resistant provide excellent water resistance.

Using the right plasterboard prevents long-term damage and maintains the integrity of the bathroom.

We always recommend moisture-resistant plasterboard for bathrooms.

Types of Plasterboard for Bathrooms

When selecting plasterboard for a bathroom, opt for moisture and water-resistant options. Here are the main types to consider:

  • Moisture Resistant Plasterboard – This plasterboard is designed specifically for bathrooms and areas of high humidity. The gypsum core is treated to repel moisture.
  • Water-Resistant Plasterboard – With a water-repellent additive in the gypsum core, this plasterboard has enhanced water resistance compared to standard options. It performs well in wet rooms.
  • Glass Reinforced Gypsum (GRG) – GRG plasterboard has a gypsum core reinforced with glass fibres for maximum moisture protection. It’s an ideal solution for bathrooms and en suites.

The most popular plasterboards for bathrooms are moisture-resistant and water-resistant varieties. They provide better protection than standard plasterboard in humid environments. Consider factors like budget, the severity of moisture exposure, and building codes to choose the right bathroom plasterboard.

Moisture-Resistant Plasterboard Benefits

what plasterboard for bathroom

Credit: The Mick George Group

 

Installing moisture-resistant plasterboard in bathrooms offers several advantages over standard plasterboard:

  • The treated gypsum core prevents moisture from seeping into the plasterboard and causing damage.
  • Mould and mildew growth is inhibited, helping maintain good indoor air quality.
  • It stands up to high humidity levels from daily showering and bathing.
  • Moisture-resistant plasterboard has improved sag resistance if exposed to leaks or water splashes.
  • You avoid costly repairs and replacements that can result from using standard plasterboard in damp bathrooms.

Moisture-resistant plasterboard is a smart investment for bathrooms. The minimal extra cost compared to regular plasterboard pays off through better moisture protection and fewer repairs down the road. Just be sure to finish it properly with bathroom-appropriate paint or tile.

Waterproof Plasterboard Options

When selecting waterproof plasterboard for bathrooms, you have a few options to consider:

  • Tile backer boards like DensShield are made from fibreglass mats coated in waterproof acrylic.
  • Glass-reinforced gypsum (GRG) boards such as Aquaroc are embedded with alkali-resistant glass fibres.
  • The cement board is comprised of Portland cement sandwiched between fibreglass mesh.
  • Foam boards like Wedi provide rigid extruded polystyrene cores laminated with coated glass fibre.

Each type of waterproof plasterboard has advantages. Tile backer boards resist moisture and will not deteriorate. GRG boards are mould-resistant and have high impact strength. Cement boards offer superior durability. Foam boards are lightweight yet provide insulation.

When selecting the right waterproof plasterboard for your bathroom, consider factors like cost, weight, insulating properties, and ease of installation. Consulting with a professional can help determine the best option for your specific needs and budget.

Using Normal Plasterboard in Bathrooms

While waterproof plasterboard is recommended for bathrooms, you may wonder if regular plasterboard is an option. The short answer is yes, but there are some important caveats.

Normal plasterboard is vulnerable to moisture damage over time. Condensation and steam from showers can cause regular plasterboard to deteriorate or encourage mould growth. This means you’ll need to take extra precautions.

If using regular plasterboard in a bathroom, be sure to prime and paint it with bathroom-specific paint that resists moisture. You’ll also need to diligently seal and caulk all joints and gaps. Ventilation is key – install a high-powered extractor fan to limit steam buildup.

Even with all precautions, normal plasterboard won’t be as durable as water-resistant options in the long run. For heavy-use bathrooms or wet rooms, specialists recommend sticking with tile backer boards or other waterproof plasterboard.

The bottom line is you can get away with regular plasterboard on bathroom walls, but only if you’re vigilant about moisture protection and prepared to replace it sooner than a waterproof board. Weigh up the pros and cons of your specific bathroom project.

How to Choose the Right Plasterboard

With different types of plasterboard available, it can get confusing to pick the right one. Here are a few tips to guide your choice:

Consider the room’s purpose. For bathrooms and kitchens, moisture-resistant boards are best. Fire-rated boards make sense for garages or areas needing fire protection.

Look at the location. Ceiling boards are lighter than wall boards. Damp-resistant boards suit basements. Impact-resistant boards work for high-traffic halls.

Factor in budget. Standard boards tend to be the most affordable. Speciality boards cost more but suit specific needs.

Check the manufacturer guidelines. They’ll indicate which boards work for which projects. This prevents any mismatches.

Inspect framing and insulation. Boards must be compatible and installed properly to function as intended.

Doing a bit of planning will ensure you get the ideal plasterboard for each part of your building or renovation project. With the wide range available today, you’re sure to find the right match.

FAQ

Is normal plasterboard OK in the bathroom?

Normal plasterboard is not ideal for bathrooms as it can deteriorate over time due to moisture exposure. Moisture-resistant plasterboard is more suitable.

Do bathrooms need green plasterboard?

Yes, green moisture-resistant plasterboard is recommended for bathrooms as it is water resistant and handles humidity better than normal plasterboard.

What plasterboard is best for bathrooms in the UK?

In the UK, moisture-resistant plasterboard (MR grade) is considered the best for bathrooms. The top brands are British Gypsum Gyproc Moisture Resistant and Lafarge Gyvlon Plus.

Conclusion

Moisture-resistant plasterboard is the best type to use in bathrooms. It resists moisture and condensation better than normal plasterboard. Key brands in the UK are Gyproc Moisture Resistant and Gyvlon Plus. Using the right plasterboard prevents deterioration and damage in humid bathroom environments.

Please call 01959 933 100
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Contemporary Structures
366 Main Road Biggin Hill, Kent TN16 2HN
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