Types of Drywall

What Is Drywall? America’s #1 Wall Secret Revealed

Let’s start with the basics: drywall (aka gypsum board or Sheetrock) has been the backbone of US homes since World War II. Over 15 billion square feet of this material gets installed annually stateside – enough to wrap around Earth’s equator 50 times!

This sandwich of gypsum plaster between paper layers solves a key problem: traditional lath-and-plaster walls took weeks to build. Drywall lets contractors finish walls in hours, not days. But here’s the catch – not all drywall is created equal.

7 Must-Know Drywall Types (And Where to NEVER Use Them)

1. Regular Gypsum Board: The Budget All-Rounder

Best For: Bedrooms, hallways, and low-traffic areas
Avoid: Bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages
Pro Tip: “Always buy 10% extra – 5% cuts into waste, 5% for future repairs.” – Larry K., Florida contractor

Cost: $0.40-$0.60/sq.ft
DIY Difficulty: ⭐☆☆☆☆

2. Greenboard: Bathroom Savior or DIY Trap?

Best For: Bathroom ceilings away from showers
Avoid: Shower surrounds (it’s moisture-resistant, not waterproof!)
Pro Tip: Pair with semi-gloss paint to combat humidity

Cost: $0.70-$1.10/sq.ft
DIY Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

🔥 Myth Buster: “Greenboard prevents mold!” → False. It only slows moisture absorption by 30% (ASTM C1396 test data).

3. Purple XP: Mold’s Worst Nightmare

Best For: Basements, laundry rooms, pet washing stations
Avoid: Direct water exposure (still needs vapor barriers)
Pro Tip: “Purple XP resists 90% more mold than greenboard” – USG Lab Report 2023

Cost: $1.25-$1.75/sq.ft
DIY Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆

4. Type X Fire-Resistant Drywall

Best For: Garages, furnace rooms, apartment separations
Avoid: Outdoor use – humidity warps fireproof layers
Pro Tip: Local codes often mandate 5/8” thickness for 1-hour fire ratings

Cost: $1.80-$2.50/sq.ft
DIY Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

🛑 WARNING BOX 🛑
Never Use Regular Drywall In These 3 Spaces:

1. Within 3ft of showers/tubs
2. Garage ceilings (fire codes!)
3. Home gyms (can’t handle punching bag vibrations)

Drywall Showdown: Sheetrock vs. Generic Brands

Insider Take: “Sheetrock costs 15% more but saves $200+/year in maintenance.” – HomeAdvisor 2024 Report

DIYer’s Survival Checklist

Before installing drywall, verify you have:

1. Drywall lift ($80/day rental)
2. 12” taping knife (avoid 6” – causes bubbles)
3. Fiberglass mesh tape (paper tears easier)
4. 150-grit sanding sponge
5. Dust-sealing goggles

Stuck? Use our Drywall Cost Calculator for exact material estimates.

Quick Quiz: Test Your Drywall IQ

Q: Your Michigan lake house basement needs walls. Pick two:
a) Cement board
b) Purple XP
c) Regular gypsum

Answer: b + a. Use Purple XP on walls, cement board for floor-level barriers.

Soundproof Drywall: Worth the Hype?

Best For: Home theaters, nursery walls, NYC apartments
Avoid: Budget renovations – costs 3x regular drywall
Pro Tip: Layer with acoustic caulk and resilient channels

Cost Breakdown:

• Materials: $2.40/sq.ft
• Professional install: +$1.80/sq.ft

Blueboard: The Plasterer’s Secret Weapon

Best For: Venetian plaster finishes, historic home restorations
Avoid: Standard paint jobs – requires skilled labor
Pro Tip: “Blueboard needs veneer plaster within 24hrs of installation.” – Traditional Building Magazine

Cost: $3.00-$4.50/sq.ft (with plaster)

Local Law Alert: US Drywall Codes

• Bathrooms: ASTM C1396 requires moisture-resistant boards in wet areas
• Ceilings: 5/8” thickness mandatory in hurricane zones
• Accessibility: ADA-compliant rounded edges needed in commercial spaces

Final Verdict: Match Your Project

1. Budget remodel? Regular gypsum + Greenboard for bathrooms
2. Fire safety first? Type X in garages + kitchen walls
3. Luxury build? Purple XP + Soundproof combo