The Different Types of Drywall

The Different Types of Drywall

Drywall, also known as gypsum board, wallboard, and plasterboard, is gypsum plaster sandwiched between two thick sheets of paper. This popular interior wall finish began to replace plaster in the 1950’s due to easier installation and cost benefits. Today, drywall is the standard wall covering used in the United States. One reason for the popularity of drywall is the various types that can be used depending on the project, where it will be installed. The first step in mastering drywall installation is to understand these basic types.

What are the different types of drywall?

Traditional

Regular Drywall/ White Board- Regular drywall is the most commonly used and comes in various sizes ranging from 3/8 to 1 inch thick. The length is usually 8 or 10 feet but can range up to 16 feet long, and the width is usually 48 inches. The edging is typically a tapered edge which is best when using drywall tape and joint compound or square edge which is best when using a plaster finish.

Moisture Resistant

Green Board Drywall- Green board drywall has a green covering that makes it resistant to moisture. This type of-of drywall is slightly more expensive than regular drywall and is often used in bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room walls. Green Board can sometimes get confused as being waterproof so be aware that this should not be used if it’s going to come in contact with water.

Blue Board Drywall- Blue board drywall is another moisture resistant drywall that is used for veneer plastering. It has high water and mold resistance as well as unique absorption qualities. This type of drywall is often used in bathrooms and other rooms with a lot of moisture. Also, blue board helps reduce noise which makes it a popular drywall choice.

Paperless Drywall- Paperless drywall consists of gypsum sandwiched between fiberglass. The fiberglass offers high resistance to moisture, mold, and mildew and is often used in areas of high humidity. Although it has high moisture resistance, it should not be used in areas with direct exposure to water.

Purple Drywall- If there are areas where water contact will occur, purple drywall is a good choice to use. Purple drywall offers the same advantages of regular drywall as well as high moisture and mold resistant characteristics.

Cement Board- Cement board, is another popular choice for high water contact areas such as bath and shower areas. It is a stable base for ceramic tile and is made with cement that is reinforced with fibers making it a very rigid board.

Fire Resistant

Type X Drywall- Type X drywall, also known as the fire-resistant drywall, is made with a gypsum core that is reinforced with special noncombustible glass fibers. It is usually 5/8 thick and has a 1-hour fire rating.

Type C Drywall- Type C drywall is usually 1/2 or 5/8 thick and has a 2 to 4-hour fire rating. More glass fibers are used in Type C than Type X drywall, and its gypsum core has a shrinkage-compensating vermiculite.

Eco-Friendly

Enviroboard- Enviroboard consists of compressed fiber panels using ecologically safe material. These materials are usually waste fibers from newspaper or agriculture.

EcoRock- EcoRock is composed of different recycled industrial byproducts such as slag, kiln dust and fly ash. These byproducts are combined with filler and water which then binds the materials into a pourable paste. A major benefit of EcoRock is its resistance to mold and termites.

Soundproofing

Soundproof- Soundproof drywall is made of laminated drywall made with alternating layers of gypsum and materials such as ceramic, metal, plastic polymers and glue. This type of drywall is denser and stiffer than traditional drywall which helps to reduce vibration. Soundproof drywall is often used in areas where noise is a problem such as family room and music room walls.

Conclusion

Whatever your needs may be, there is likely a drywall to suit them. Over the years drywall has become more and more specified to meet the endless different types of room environments. Understanding the different types will help ensure that you pick the best type of drywall for your project.

 
Sources:

Definitive Drywall.COM
Do it Yourself Network
The Balance.COM