You are currently viewing Drywall In Five Different Types

Drywall In Five Different Types

Drywall can seem dull, but it is actually quite interesting. There are five types to choose from depending on how you plan to use it. Different types are better for different areas.

Drywall has many names. DIY professionals refer to it as Drywall. Drywall can be known by many names, including plasterboard (or wallboard), gypsum board (or Sheetrock), which is a brand, but is widely used for general purposes just like Band-Aid, which is often used for bandages. This is how to choose drywall for the home.

Regular Drywall

This is the most common type of drywall. This is the type most people know. Regular drywall is composed of a gypsum-core sandwiched between layers of paper. The face side is typically a lighter color than the rest and it comes in many thicknesses. There are two sizes most commonly used: 1/2 inch thick and 4 x 8 x 12 x 4 x 12. It is the most economical type of drywall.

Green Board

Green board is so named because the face paper is sea foam. The color is only used to identify this specific type of wallpaper. It is water resistant, which makes it different from other types of drywall. It is impregnated by water-resistant materials. It is most commonly used where moisture is an issue. You can use it in places like bathrooms and laundry rooms. Green board can come in the same size and thickness as regular plaster, but it will usually cost 20 percent more. Important to remember that green board is not waterproof and mold proof, but water and mold resistant.

Purple Drywall

Purple drywall is different than green board in that it contains mold inhibitors. It is stronger than regular or green board drywall. It resists scratches and dents and is commonly used in high traffic areas. It is used most often in basements where water problems might be an issue. It can be up to 30 percent cheaper than regular drywall.

Fire-Resistant Drywall

Names will tell you the difference in this type drywall. The fire-resistant rating means that the drywall must be thicker (typically 5/8-inch), and it is made differently. This drywall contains glass fibers in the gypsum. This drywall is installed in the same manner as other types and is used to share walls between homes. These situations are subject to fire-resistant requirements according to most building codes. A common use of fire-resistant drywall is between two adjoining apartments, two condominium units, and in common walls/or ceilings. Another common place it can be used is between the living space of a house, and an attached carport. It is fireproof but not fireproof. Type X drywall can be costlier than regular drywall because it is fire resistant.

Sound Damping Drywall

Sound damping drywall is generally 1/2 inch thicker than regular drywall. The difference lies in how it is manufactured. This type has a layer made of paper backing and then a 1/4 inch layer of Gypsum. It is then followed by a sound damping material, a further 1/4-inch layer, and finally a final layer of Paper for its backing. The cost of sound damping drywall is more expensive than standard drywall, but it can be used everywhere in home construction. It is typically used for soundproofing in offices and music studios, where noise can be an issue. However, it can cost up to 400 percent more.

Sizes and other considerations

The standard size of drywall is 4′ x 8, but it can be bought in other widths. Most common dimension differences are in length. Sheets can come in 8- to 10-, 12- and 16-foot lengths. Many newer homes have 9-foot ceilings. This means that sheets of drywall can be purchased in 4 1/2-foot lengths. This allows drywall installation professionals to have only one seam in their wall.

Although both green board as well as purple drywall can withstand water and mold, it is not the fact that gypsum gives them their resistance. Gypsum, which is not an organic substance, does not allow for mold growth. Both these products’ paper backings will be able to harbor mold, and gypsum can also support mold growth. This is why mold growth on any type or type of drywall should be investigated.

What it All Comes Down to

These types of drywall play an essential part of remodeling and home construction. Open floor plans may be the new “in” thing. However, seeing bare wall-studs is not. Plaster used to be the only way to decorate your home. However, today’s drywall options make it possible to personalize your home to suit your needs.

Water damage can occur at the worst times. It can be extremely helpful to have the right drywall for your situation in case of water damage. Mold can start to grow within 24 hours of a flood.

Leave a Reply