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: 0.60/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: 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: 1.75/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: 2.50/sq.ft
DIY Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
🛑 WARNING BOX 🛑
Never Use Regular Drywall In These 3 Spaces:
- Within 3ft of showers/tubs
- Garage ceilings (fire codes!)
- Home gyms (can’t handle punching bag vibrations)
Drywall Showdown: Sheetrock vs. Generic Brands
Feature | USG Sheetrock | Generic Brands |
---|---|---|
Mold Warranty | 30 years | 1-5 years |
Edge Chipping | 12% less | Industry avg. |
Eco-Friendly | 40% recycled | 15-25% |
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:
- Drywall lift ($80/day rental)
- 12” taping knife (avoid 6” – causes bubbles)
- Fiberglass mesh tape (paper tears easier)
- 150-grit sanding sponge
- 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: 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
- Budget remodel? Regular gypsum + Greenboard for bathrooms
- Fire safety first? Type X in garages + kitchen walls
- Luxury build? Purple XP + Soundproof combo