KERDI-BOARD vs GO-BOARD: Which Is Right for Your Shower?

When it comes to waterproofing your shower, two products dominate the professional market: Schluter KERDI-BOARD and Johns Manville GO-BOARD. We've installed hundreds of showers with both systems, so here's our honest comparison. KERDI-BOARD (Schluter Systems) KERDI-BOARD is an extruded polystyrene foam panel with a fleece webbing on both sides. It's been the industry standard for years. Pros: - Complete system with matching drains, niches, and accessories - Excellent warranty when using all Schluter components - Widely available at specialty tile shops - Proven track record over decades Cons: - More expensive overall (system approach means all Schluter) - Requires Schluter-specific thin-set for full warranty - Panels can be fragile during transport GO-BOARD (Johns Manville) GO-BOARD is a newer competitor made from extruded polystyrene with a cementitious coating. It's gaining popularity fast. Pros: - Works with any modified thin-set (no proprietary requirement) - Slightly more affordable per square foot - More rigid than KERDI-BOARD — easier to handle - Integrated waterproofing — no separate membrane needed Cons: - Smaller accessory ecosystem - Less brand recognition (though growing fast) - Fewer integrated system components Our Recommendation For most homeowners, both systems deliver excellent results. We typically recommend KERDI-BOARD for complex custom showers where the full system integration matters, and GO-BOARD for straightforward shower builds where cost savings are a priority. Want to discuss which system is right for your project? Contact us for a free consultation.