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basement bathroom walls

CCI | Posted in Construction Techniques on April 8, 2005 07:01am

Hello to all,

I am finishing a powder room in my basement.  Just a toilet and vanity – small room 4ft x 5ft.  It will have a vent fan to outside.  The floor will be tiled and the walls will be wainscotted (sp?) and painted/papered.  Should I use greenboard for the walls?  The basement is dry and the rest is finished w/ regular sheetrock and paint and there are no dampness problems.  The bathroom will by its nature have more moisture due to the standing water in the bowl and damp towels, etc. from handwashing.  Is this a moot point?  Does regular sheetrock finish better than greenboard?  Since it is such a small room the cost is not an issue.

Thnaks for the help.

Reply

Replies

  1. TRice | Apr 08, 2005 07:32pm | #1

    Standing cold water in a toilet bowl and handwashing will not increase the relative moisture level by any noticeable amount.  However, a tank full of cold water in an area with limited air flow, (like any toilet up against a wall) will cause elevated moisture and frequently mildew, behind the toilet. If you want to be safe, put greenboard on the wall behind the toilet and the sink, and use regular drywall (GWB) on the rest.



    Edited 4/8/2005 12:50 pm ET by Timbo

    1. CCI | Apr 08, 2005 10:58pm | #2

      Thanks for the info.  Should I use some of the mildew resistant paint just to be safe or is this overkill?  I prefer to do something once and never have to think about it again.

      Thanks.

      1. User avater
        JDRHI | Apr 08, 2005 11:45pm | #3

        Chris.....I typically use greenboard in all basements, even as is your case , where moisture has never presented a problem in the past. Same with the mildew resistant paints.

        Yes....its overkill...but like you, I prefer to do things once and not have to think about them again. Especially considering the minimal increases in cost we`re talking about here.

        Good luck.

        ATTENTION FELLOW BREAKTIME MEMBERS:<!----><!---->

        If you`d like to discuss topics other than home building, come on down to the Woodshed Tavern. Great bunch of guys and gals letting off a little steam about everything and anything. Its not a special club, but.....as of Monday, March 14, the Tavern folder will go behind an access wall. Only those who request access to this folder by contacting [email protected] will be able to view and participate in discussions there.

      2. User avater
        JeffBuck | Apr 09, 2005 08:35am | #4

        bast paint for kitchens and baths ...

        PermaWhite.

        it can be tinted to any color, so don't let the name throw ya.

        Jeff  Buck Construction 

           Artistry in Carpentry

                Pgh, PA

        1. CCI | Apr 09, 2005 04:00pm | #5

          Thanks for the info.  I guess between the greenrock and the permawhite paint (sort of a belt and suspenders approach) I should be mildew free.

          1. User avater
            JeffBuck | Apr 10, 2005 02:35am | #6

            should be good.

            aside from the mold/mildew end of it ... it's a nice paint to work with.

            covers and flows nice.

            Jeff  Buck Construction 

               Artistry in Carpentry

                    Pgh, PA

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