The field of construction is evolving every day with the use of new materials, one of which is drywall. This material has revolutionised the way we create interior walls and ceilings. From basic wall construction to more refined architectural features like arches and eaves, drywall has become an indispensable component of modern building practices. In today’s blog by Brick & Bolt, you will learn more about drywall, its types, installation, and uses.
What are Drywalls?
Drywall is a construction material used to build walls and ceilings. It often consists of a layer of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two sheets of thick paper or fiberglass. It can also be used to create many design features, such as eaves, arches and other architectural elements. It is also called wallboard, gypsum board, plasterboard, dry lining, sheetrock, gib board, clapboard, custard board, gypsum panel, and gyprock.
Different Types of Drywall
Commonly, regular drywall is suitable for most applications; however, many other types are also available for different circumstances. The following are various types of drywalls designed to meet your distinct requirements:
- Regular Drywall Sheets
- Mould-resistant Drywall
- Moisture-Resistant (Green Board)
- Fire-Resistant (Type X)
- Soundproof Drywall
Regular Drywall Sheets
These regular drywalls are commonly called standard drywall or whiteboard. Since they are suitable for both interior wall and ceiling applications, they are used in most cases. They are typically available in a 1/2-inch thickness for walls and 5/8-inch for ceilings. Additionally, these whiteboards are affordably priced, making them suitable for budget-friendly projects.
Mould-resistant Drywall
As the name indicates, mould-resistant drywall is specially designed for longer life in wet areas or humid places. It uses a non-organic covering, like fiberglass mesh, instead of paper. This design removes the food source that mould needs to grow, making it much harder for mould to spread. Their design helps to prevent the mould from dampening. It has a paperless backing and a special coating to help prevent the build-up of mould in moist or humid areas. This type of drywall is suitable for bathrooms and kitchens or even other rooms in coastal areas.
Moisture-Resistant Drywall(Green Board)
Moisture-resistant drywall, also known as green board, is specially designed for use in humid and wet areas. It involves a gypsum core covered with specially treated moisture-resistant paper to resist water. You can use these drywalls for bathrooms, basements, kitchens, laundry rooms, and utility rooms. However, it still contains organic material, which means mould can grow if the board remains wet for too long.
Fire-Resistant Drywall (Type X)
Type X drywalls are used when you require better fire resistance. The design of these drywalls involves a regular gypsum core mixed with non-combustible glass fibers. These fibers help it resist fire better, usually providing at least one hour of fire protection by slowing down the spread of flames and smoke in case of a fire. This type is often required by building codes in walls separating living spaces from garages or in other areas where fire resistance is essential. They are commonly available in 5/8-inch thicknesses. Type X drywall makes buildings safer by adding extra fire resistance while still staying strong and sturdy.
Soundproof Drywall
Soundproof drywalls are designed to prevent sound from travelling between walls and ceilings. They are usually denser than most standard drywall sheets. They often include two gypsum layers that are glued together with a special sound-dampening material in between. This type of drywall is perfect for places where controlling sound is important, like recording studios or family rooms, because it helps reduce noise.
The size of these drywalls can range from as thin as 1/2-inch to as thick as 5/8-inch. If needed, you can also ensure soundproofing by attaching two regular drywall sheets together, though this will result in a thicker and bulkier layer.
Different Types of Gypsum Sheet Price Considerations
| Drywall Type | Drywall Size | Drywall Cost ranges per sheet |
| Regular drywall sheets | 4×8 feet | ₹400 to ₹600 |
| Mould-resistant drywall | 4×8 feet | ₹500 to ₹800 |
| Moisture-resistant drywall | 4×8 feet | ₹450 to ₹750 |
| Fire-resistant drywall | 4×8 feet | ₹600 to ₹1,200 |
| Soundproof drywall | 4×8 feet | ₹800 to ₹1,500 |
Sizing and Thickness Options
The sizes and thicknesses of drywall sheets significantly impact their usability across different applications.
Common Drywall Sheet Dimensions
The standard width of drywall panels is 4 feet, and they usually come in lengths of 8, 10, or 12 feet. For taller walls, you can also find longer sheets, like 16 feet, to reduce seams and make the wall look better.
Thickness Variations and Their Applications
Commonly, drywall thickness varies between 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch, and 5/8-inch.
- 1/4-Inch drywall is a thinner drywall sheet, generally used for creating curved surfaces or for covering up old drywall to make it smooth again.
- 1/2-Inch drywall is used for walls and ceilings in homes.
- 5/8-Inch drywall is used for ceilings and walls that need to be fire-resistant. It is heavier and also helps reduce noise better than thinner drywall.
Drywall Installation Process
As drywall installation is easy to learn and doesn’t require any costly speciality tools, it can be performed as a DIY project for homeowners. Hiring a professional costs more, but they bring experience and can do the job faster.
Choose the Drywall Type
The gypsum sheet prices vary depending on the region and thickness. Choose them based on your project requirements for quality results.
Gather the Required Tools
Before initiating the installation, gather the required tools, such as a T-square, drywall saw, screw gun, finishing knives (6-inch and 10/12-inch), and sanding equipment. You’ll also need drywall sheets, screws, various compounds, and tape.
Installation
Start by measuring your space and planning where to place the drywall sheets. It’s best to install them horizontally if you have wood studs and vertically if you have metal studs. When installed on the ceiling, gypsum drywall needs extra support and care.
To cut drywall, use a T-square and saw on a flat surface. For outlets and fixtures, a keyhole saw is best. Make cuts as you go to reduce waste, though this will take longer than cutting everything at once.
Hanging
When hanging drywall, apply adhesive to the wood studs before attaching the sheets to prevent warping. Place screws about four inches apart, making sure they go into the studs. If you’re designing a wall feature with gypsum, plan carefully to get the look you want.
Finishing
The finishing process involves several steps. First, apply taping compound along the seams, then add tape. After that, cover the tape with joint compound, followed by a final coat of sheetrock compound using a wider knife. Some professionals use drywall paste for obtaining the smoothest finish. There are different finishing levels (0-5), with level 5 being the highest quality used in premium spaces.
Let the compound dry for 24 hours, then sand with 120-grit sandpaper. Wear protective gear while sanding. The wall is ready when there are no visible tape lines or bulging compound, and a level measurement shows an even surface.
Repairing
For repairs, fill small holes with compound, and use patches for larger damage. Professionals advise keeping compound thickness even, not over-sanding, and allowing enough drying time between layers. While professionals can finish quickly and with great results, DIYers can also do a good job with proper preparation and attention to detail.
Conclusion
You need to understand each type of drywall before opting for drywalls. Drywalls are made for specific environments and needs. For a drywall installation to be successful, it is important to choose the right type, install it carefully, and finish it properly. As building technology improves, drywall continues to be a key part of modern construction. It provides dependable solutions for various building needs while being affordable and flexible.
Hemali Patel