What Is Drywall? Complete Guide to Types, Materials & Uses
What Is Drywall? The Complete Guide to Types, Materials & Uses
Walls are a key part of any building, but have you ever thought about what's behind your paint and wallpaper? If you're planning a home improvement project or just curious about construction basics, understanding drywall is essential.
Drywall is a building material made of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper, used to make interior walls and ceilings. It's the most common wall material used in modern homes and buildings because it's affordable, fire-resistant, and easy to install and repair.
Drywall goes by many names - sheetrock, wallboard, gypsum board, or plasterboard. No matter what you call it, this simple material forms the backbone of interior spaces in most buildings today. Let's explore everything you need to know about this versatile construction material.
Understanding Drywall Basics
What Is Drywall Made Of?
Drywall's main ingredient is gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral. This natural material is mixed with additives, formed into boards, and dried. The gypsum core is then sandwiched between paper layers - typically heavy paper on the front (for painting and finishing) and lighter paper on the back.
The beauty of gypsum is that it contains water molecules that release when heated, making drywall naturally fire-resistant. This built-in safety feature is why drywall became the wall covering of choice over wood panels when building codes began to emphasize fire safety.
How Drywall Differs from Plaster
Before drywall became popular in the mid-20th century, walls were made using wet plaster applied over wood lath strips. This process was time-consuming and required skilled craftsmen.
Drywall brought a revolution to construction because it:
Comes ready-made in sheets
Installs much faster (hours vs. days)
Requires less skill to install
Creates less mess
Costs significantly less
The switch from plaster to drywall is one reason home construction became more affordable after World War II.
Common Drywall Dimensions
Standard drywall sheets come in these common sizes:
Thickness: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and 5/8 inch
Width: 4 feet
Length: 8 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, and 16 feet
The most popular size for home walls is 4×8 feet with 1/2-inch thickness. Ceilings often use 5/8-inch for added strength, while curved walls might use thinner 1/4-inch boards that bend more easily.
Popular Types of Drywall
Standard Drywall
Standard drywall (sometimes called white board) is the basic version used in most wall and ceiling applications. It has a natural white face paper that's perfect for painting. This type works well in dry areas like living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where moisture and fire resistance aren't major concerns.
Moisture-Resistant Drywall (Green Board)
Green board gets its name from its green paper coating that's treated to resist moisture. This type of drywall is ideal for:
Bathrooms
Laundry rooms
Kitchens
Basements
While green board handles humidity better than standard drywall, it's not completely waterproof. It shouldn't be used in shower or tub surrounds where tile will be directly applied - use cement board for those applications instead.
Fire-Resistant Drywall (Type X)
Type X drywall contains glass fibers in its gypsum core, giving it extra fire resistance. Building codes often require this type for:
Garage walls attached to homes
Between apartment units
Around furnaces and fireplaces
Commercial buildings
Fire-resistant drywall is typically 5/8-inch thick and can resist fire for up to one hour, giving people more time to escape during emergencies.
Soundproof Drywall
For rooms where noise control matters, soundproof drywall offers a solution. This specialty product is:
Denser than regular drywall
Often laminated with multiple layers
Sometimes contains wood fibers or other sound-dampening materials
Soundproof drywall costs more but can reduce noise transfer between rooms by up to 90% compared to standard drywall.
Paperless Drywall
A newer innovation, paperless drywall replaces the paper facing with fiberglass mats. This design makes it highly resistant to mold and moisture damage. It's ideal for:
Bathrooms
Damp basements
Coastal homes
Healthcare facilities
While more expensive, paperless drywall offers superior durability in challenging environments.
How Drywall Is Installed
Measuring and Cutting
Drywall installation starts with careful measuring. Professionals use:
Tape measures
T-squares
Utility knives
Cutting drywall is surprisingly simple - score the paper face deeply with a utility knife, snap the board along the score line, and cut the back paper. Special cuts for outlets and switches require drywall saws or rotary tools.
Hanging Techniques
Hanging drywall requires:
Screws (not nails) for secure attachment
Drywall screwguns that set screws to the perfect depth
Proper spacing of screws (typically every 12 inches)
Staggering joints for strength
Professionals typically work in teams, with one person supporting the sheet while another drives screws. Ceiling installation is particularly challenging and often requires special lifts or several helpers.
Taping and Mudding
After hanging, the seams between sheets need to be finished:
Paper or mesh tape covers the seams
Joint compound (mud) is applied over the tape
Multiple layers of compound are applied, each wider than the last
Each layer must dry completely before the next is applied
This process typically takes several days because of drying times between coats.
Sanding and Finishing
The final step is sanding the dried joint compound until it's perfectly smooth with the drywall surface. This creates a seamless appearance once painted. Professional finishers achieve different texture levels:
Level 0: No finishing (for temporary walls)
Level 1: Basic tape and mud (for attics/garages)
Level 2: Second coat of compound (for garages/storage)
Level 3: Standard finishing (acceptable for textured walls)
Level 4: Standard smooth finish (most homes)
Level 5: Ultimate smooth finish (high-end homes, critical lighting)
Common Uses for Different Drywall Types
Residential Applications
In homes, drywall creates the interior environment we live in every day:
Standard drywall: Most walls and ceilings
Green board: Bathroom and kitchen walls
Type X: Garage walls, furnace rooms
Soundproof: Home theaters, bedrooms, home offices
The right drywall type for each space enhances both function and comfort.
Commercial Applications
Commercial buildings have special drywall needs:
Fire-rated assemblies for safety
Impact-resistant panels for high-traffic areas
Abuse-resistant types for schools and healthcare
Mold-resistant options for food service areas
Commercial applications often must meet strict building codes that residential projects don't face.
Specialized Applications
Some uses require specialty drywall products:
Lead-lined drywall for x-ray rooms
Cement board for shower and tub surrounds
Curved walls using flexible drywall
Exterior soffit boards designed for outdoor exposure
These specialized products solve specific building challenges that standard drywall can't handle.
Drywall Problems and Solutions
Common Drywall Damage
Even the best drywall can suffer damage:
Nail pops: When fasteners push out of the surface
Cracks: Often at seams or corners due to settling
Water damage: Staining, softening, or mold growth
Holes: From accidents, door handles, or furniture
Most damage is repairable without replacing entire sheets.
DIY vs. Professional Repairs
Small drywall repairs are popular DIY projects:
Patch kits work well for holes under 6 inches
Tape and mud can fix minor cracks
Nail pop repairs involve driving in the nail and adding a screw nearby
Larger repairs, especially those involving water damage or structural issues, often require professional help. Matching textures perfectly is also a skill that takes years to master.
Maintenance Tips
Prevent drywall problems with simple steps:
Fix leaks immediately to prevent water damage
Control humidity to prevent warping and mold
Use wall anchors for hanging heavy items
Check for cracks that might indicate foundation issues
Regular inspection and quick repairs prevent small problems from becoming major expenses.
Choosing the Right Drywall for Your Project
Factors to Consider
When selecting drywall, think about:
Room function (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom)
Moisture levels in the space
Sound requirements between rooms
Fire code requirements
Impact resistance needs
Budget constraints
The right choice balances performance needs with cost considerations.
Cost Comparisons
Drywall prices vary significantly by type:
Standard drywall: $10-15 per 4×8 sheet
Green board: $15-20 per sheet
Type X fire-resistant: $15-22 per sheet
Soundproof: $50+ per sheet
Paperless: $20-30 per sheet
Remember that specialty drywalls may save money long-term by preventing damage or increasing energy efficiency.
Professional Installation Benefits
While DIY drywall installation is possible, professional installation offers:
Faster completion (days vs. weeks for DIYers)
Higher quality finishing that looks seamless
Proper handling of difficult areas like vaulted ceilings
Warranty protection on both materials and labor
For most homeowners, the perfect wall finish that professionals provide justifies the extra cost.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Drywall may seem simple, but choosing the right type and ensuring proper installation makes a huge difference in how your spaces look, feel, and function. Whether you're building new or renovating, understanding drywall options helps you make informed decisions.
Ready for your next drywall project? Trust Verfel Drywall for expert installation, repair, and finishing. Our team brings years of experience and attention to detail to every job, ensuring your walls look flawless and last for years to come. From basic repairs to complete home renovations, we handle drywall projects of all sizes with skill and care.
Contact Verfel Drywall today for a free quote and experience the difference professional drywall services make. Your walls deserve the best!