When we talk about drywall, it might sound like there is only one type of it. Drywall is drywall, right? Actually there are several different types of drywall to meet various functions in buildings. The drywall types are different because they vary in thickness as well as resistance to water and fire. Which one is right for your project? Read on to learn everything you need to know about the different types of drywall.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Type of Drywall
Drywall may be the most common material used in walls, but it is not just a one-size-fits-all type of material. Different buildings have different purposes, and drywall can be installed to enhance that purpose. For example, the walls in a restroom need a different type of drywall than the walls of a lobby of a building. As long as you are working with a reliable drywall contractor, you can rest assured that the right type of drywall is installed for your room or building. Now, let’s take a look at the types of drywall.
Differences in Types of Drywall
While every type of drywall has its differences, there is one common material in every type of drywall: gypsum. This common mineral has a superpower turning common into extraordinary. It is naturally fire-resistant. Gypsum is usually at the core of any drywall.
Regular or White Board Drywall
One of the most commonly used types of drywall is regular or white board drywall. For this type, gypsum is sandwiched between two layers of paper. The paper on the back of the drywall panel is brown, and the front is usually light gray or white. The standard thickness for regular drywall is ½- inch, but it comes in other thicknesses, depending on the purpose of the drywall and the building.
While we like straight walls and easy installations, old buildings and unusual designs can provide uneven or curved surfaces. If the surface of the wall that the drywall is being installed in is curved, the drywall will need to be bent; either ¼-inch or ⅜-inch thickness is better when working with curved walls.
To help with soundproofing a room, drywall that is ⅝-inch or ¾-inch in thickness is a good choice. A ⅝-inch drywall is also good for ceilings because it is resistant to sagging.
Blue Board Drywall
Blue board drywall is highly resistant to moisture, making it perfect for bathrooms, basements, kitchens, locker rooms, and attics. Blue board drywall is named for the blue paper surrounding the gypsum core. The paper is treated for moisture resistance, though it is not waterproof.
Green Board Drywall
For a kitchen, bathroom, attic, or basement, green board drywall is one of the best options. It is mold-resistant because it has thick layers of green paper surrounding the gypsum, and the paper has a wax coating over it. The mold resistance is great for damp areas, but it is important to keep in mind that green board drywall is not fire-resistant or waterproof. Green board drywall usually comes in ½-inch and ⅝-inch thicknesses.
Purple Board Drywall
Purple drywall is the type of drywall most resistant to both mold and moisture. Purple Board is great to use anywhere that may need moisture protection, like the exterior of a building or a ceiling. It is also resistant to dents and scratches, making it one of the best types of drywall for high-traffic areas. This premium drywall runs a little higher than the cost of other drywalls.
Paperless drywall
Paperless Drywall is a relatively new drywall type that surrounds the gypsum in fiberglass mesh instead of paper. The fiberglass makes this drywall resistant to moisture and mold.
Soundproof Drywall
Some of the types of drywall that we have listed here are helpful for soundproofing; however, there is a special type of drywall designed specifically for soundproofing. This soundproof drywall has two layers of gypsum at its core instead of one. When considering soundproofing a new room, you should consider whether you need soundproof drywall or acoustical wall or ceiling panels, which also provide soundproofing.
Type C Drywall
Type C drywall is one of the most fire-resistant drywall types because its gypsum core has glass fibers built into it. This drywall usually comes in ½-inch and ⅝-inch thickness, so it can also help with some soundproofing. It is great to use in ceilings to improve fire resistance as well as in boiler rooms of buildings and garages. Type C drywall has a fire rating of between two and four hours, meaning it can withstand fire for this range of time.
Type X Drywall
An excellent option for a fire-resistant drywall is Type X. Its gypsum core is surrounded by two layers of paper. One sheet is regular paper and one is lined on the back. It is a thicker drywall, usually ⅝-inch since it has two layers of paper, making it a good drywall to help with soundproofing. Type X drywall usually comes with a one hour fire rating, so it is a good choice for areas with an increased fire risk, like the kitchen in a large restaurant or a boiler room.
VOC-Absorbing Drywall
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are airborne chemicals that can irritate the throat and eyes, cause respiratory issues, and sometimes even cancer. Some household products contain VOCs, like paint, some cleaning products, and wood stains. VOC-absorbing drywall absorbs the VOCs in the air around you to help prevent someone from breathing these chemicals in. It is still a newer type of drywall, and commonly used in workshops and auto garages where VOCs are most likely to be a concern.
Let’s Get Started
If you want more information on the different types of drywall and which one is best for your building project, the experts at Magnum Drywall are here to help. Whether you need drywall, acoustical wall panels, professional painting, plaster, or something else, contact Magnum Drywall today. Let’s get started building your dream!