Using Gypsum Board in the Bathroom

Gypsum Board Ceiling in the Bathroom

Photo 1 — Gypsum Board Ceiling in the Bathroom

Gypsum Board Ceilings and Walls in the Bathroom — General Recommendations

Installing gypsum board ceilings and walls in the bathroom is done using the same method as in any other room. However, humidity dictates some special rules for working with gypsum board structures.

IMPORTANT! Even if wooden battens have special impregnation, it is better to use a metal framework in the bathroom instead of wooden lath.

Wall leveling with gypsum board for tile (tile) differs in the frame mounting. Vertical profiles are installed more frequently, with a smaller spacing, as the load on the structure will be significant. Additionally, it is recommended to use two layers of gypsum board.

When planning bathroom renovation and deciding how to finish this space, it is better to prefer sheets not of GKLV but GVLV.

IMPORTANT! Before mounting gypsum board, electrical wiring must be installed and light fixture positions marked.

It should also be noted that there should be no junction boxes or switches in the bathroom, and outlets are only allowed in a zone away from water splash and in a splash-proof design. Wires to lights and outlets should be as short as possible, and the cables should be protected with corrugated tubing or metal conduit.

Waterproofing the Junction of Floor and Gypsum Board

Photo 2 — Waterproofing the Junction of Floor and Gypsum Board

In a bathroom finished with gypsum board, proper ventilation that extracts vapors is mandatory.

Water-resistant gypsum board, despite its excellent properties, requires additional protection. Before mounting, sheets can be treated with hydrophobic agents, and they are also useful during finishing. For example, there are special primer emulsions that regulate the absorption rate of the base, dense masses that make the base denser and protect against moisture, and sealing tapes and gaskets that do not allow water to pass through and protect corners, joints, and pipe edges. It is also a good idea to prime the sheets with such a primer and tape all joints and corners of the gypsum board with sealing tape applied to the sealing compound. The water-repelling primer can be applied multiple times: before and after skimming.

IMPORTANT! Waterproofing will be incomplete if silicone sealant is not used. It should be applied to all openings, contact points of different materials, etc.

Surfaces where tiles are not mounted must be painted with moisture-resistant paint.

What Else Can Be Covered with Gypsum Board in the Bathroom

As mentioned earlier, walls and ceilings are not the only applications of gypsum board in the bathroom.

Can pipes be hidden under gypsum board? Not only can they, but it is necessary! A gypsum board frame will perfectly hide such essential but unattractive utilities. In areas where access to pipes is important (e.g., taps, valves for hot and cold water), a window with a removable plastic plug can be made.

A bathroom screen can be built from a frame covered with gypsum board. Tiles can be placed on the boards to give the bathroom a completely different look. However, special care should be taken when using a gypsum board screen: water often splashes onto the bathroom, and prolonged exposure to moisture will cause even moisture-resistant gypsum board to deteriorate.

IMPORTANT! Waterproofing in the “risk zone” must be provided by all possible means.

Photo 3 — Installing a Gypsum Board Screen for the Bathtub

Shelves made of gypsum board are an excellent option for creating a cabinet for cosmetics or household chemicals, which usually abound in the bathroom.

A countertop made of solid stone or another similar material is an expensive pleasure. A budget-friendly alternative is to make a countertop from gypsum board. However, this project only makes sense if the waterproofing, tiling or mosaic, and countertop installation are done with very high quality and the sink is securely fastened.

Photo 4 — One of the Ways to Install a Countertop Using Gypsum Board

Installing Gypsum Board Items

All the above-mentioned gypsum board items are installed using one method: a project is created on paper, markings are transferred to the base, guide rails are attached to the base, which connect to upright profiles, sheets of GKLV are mounted on the frame, waterproofing is done, finishing is performed, and finally, joints between surfaces such as the floor and gypsum board structure are sealed with sealant.

Gypsum Board in the Bathroom: VIDEO