Introduction: What’s Drywall?
Drywall, also known as plasterboard, wallboard or gypsum board, forms the walls and ceilings of many homes. Drywall consists of gypsum wrapped with a paper facing. The panels are cut to size and designed to be fastened to wall studs or ceiling joists.
Terminology: Sheetrock vs. Drywall
Although the terms ‘sheetrock’ and ‘drywall’ are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a notable difference between them. Sheetrock is a trademarked brand of drywall manufactured by the United States Gypsum Company, which is often abbreviated USG. While drywall is produced by more than one company, only products bearing the Sheetrock logo can accurately be referred to as Sheetrock.
Drywall Materials
Here are some drywall materials you’ll need when planning a DIY project.
Drywall Framing
As the name implies, drywall framing forms the structure that supports the drywall to create the finished wall. Standard dimensional wooden 2-by-4s or metal studs are used when framing.
Drywall Joint Compound
Drywall joint compound, also called drywall mud, is a gypsum-based powder that, when combined with water, forms a paste used to seal joints in drywall. It’s also used to fill cracks and holes in drywall and plaster surfaces.
Drywall Tape
Drywall tape seals joints in drywall sheets. It’s made of either paper, which is non-adhesive and requires joint compound, or mesh, which has a tacky backing and doesn’t require joint compound.
Corner Bead
When creating outside corners on drywall, corner beads are used to create a neatly finished look and protect the drywall from damage. They’re applied using joint compound or fasteners.
Drywall Tools
As a do-it-yourself project, drywall installation isn’t extremely difficult, but it might help to look at How to Hang Drywall for helpful suggestions. There are some essential tools you’ll need for the job, including drywall knives to spread joint compound and carriers to help you move drywall panels with ease.
Drywall Tape Reel
The drywall reel holds and dispenses the drywall tape, making installation quicker, easier and more precise.
Drywall Roll Lifter
The drywall roll lifter lifts a sheet of drywall off the floor and holds it in place while you attach the drywall to the stud, freeing up your hands and letting you work without a helper.
Drywall Panel Carrier
The drywall panel carrier makes it easier to carry a sheet of drywall and prevents it from slipping, which can lead to damage.
Circle Cutter
The circle cutter is used to score and cut circular holes in drywall to accommodate lighting fixtures or speakers.
Drywall Knives
A taping knife, also known as a joint knife, is a wide-blade tool used for applying, spreading and smoothing joint compound. A knockdown knife is a wide, squeegee-type blade used to create wall texture.
Hawk
A hawk is a flat metal surface with a handle on the underside that holds the joint compound while you transfer the compound to the drywall.
Mud Pan
The mud pan is used to hold joint compound before transferring it to a hawk or trowel.
Trowel
The drywall trowel is a flat blade with a handle on the underside used to spread joint compound on the drywall.
Drywall Fasteners
Drywall fasteners attach gypsum board to studs or ceiling joists. The two most popular types are nails and screws.
Drywall Nails
Drywall nails have either a smooth or ring shank. A ring shank helps reduce the risk of the nail popping from the drywall, creating circular bumps.
Screws
Drywall screws are the preferred fastener for installing drywall and provide better holding power than other fasteners. They have large, flat heads that help hold the weight of the panels and won’t pop out of the wall. When securing drywall to wood studs, a coarse-thread screw works well, while a fine screw works best with steel studs. Drywall screws have a phosphate or vinyl coating, making them corrosion-resistant.
Drywall Thickness
Drywall thicknesses range from 1/4 inch to 5/8 inch. Building codes may specify a thickness for a specific type of application, but here are some common uses.
- 1/4-inch drywall isn’t strong enough to provide good support alone, but you can install it over a surface that’s already in place, such as for a repair. It’s thin enough to bend so it works in arches or curved walls. Double it up to create a 1/2-inch-thick surface.
- 3/8-inch drywall was common in interior walls at one time but is no longer the standard. Like 1/4-inch panels, it can be used over existing panels for repair and in some curved applications, but it doesn’t offer the strength of 1/2-inch panels.
- 1/2-inch drywall is the most versatile board and the most common thickness for the 16-inch on-center interior walls in most homes. It offers a good balance between strength and weight.
- 5/8-inch drywall is a heavier product that resists sagging in ceilings and in 24-inch on-center interior walls. The added thickness also improves soundproofing. You’ll often find fire-rated drywall in 5/8-inch panels. Because of its excellent soundproofing qualities, 5/8-inch drywall works well in bedrooms and living areas. However, it’s costlier than drywall that’s 1/2-inch thick or smaller.
Drywall Sizes
The standard size for drywall panels is 4 feet wide by 8 feet long. You can also find panels that are 4 feet by 12 feet, which can save time in rooms that will have long or tall walls.
How Much Drywall Do You Need?
This chart will help you estimate how many drywall panels you need for a range of area sizes and drywall sheet sizes.
You can also quickly estimate how many panels you need for a specific area.
Multiply the length of the area by the height to determine the square footage.
Divide the square footage by:
32 for 4-ft-by-8-ft panels
48 for 4-ft-by-12-ft panels
Whether you use the chart or calculation, add 10 percent to your estimate to account for waste.
Drywall Types by Room
There are several different types of drywall and some are suited for specific rooms and applications. Here are some general tips for different rooms and space. Building codes for your area may require specific drywall types for some spaces. Always follow the codes for your area.
Regular Drywall for Bedrooms and Living Spaces
Regular drywall works well for standard living spaces and hallways. Use this more economical type in these spaces if there aren’t any specific concerns about moisture or fire. Since it has no special color like some other types, you may see this type of drywall labeled as white board.
Mold-Resistant Drywall for Bathrooms, Kitchens and Laundry Rooms
Use mold-resistant and moisture-resistant drywall in moisture-prone areas. Also known as purple board, these panels have a special coating that deters moisture and helps prevent the growth of mold.
While not waterproof, they can handle limited exposure to water and are an excellent choice for humid environments such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. For example, you can use this type around toilets and sinks.
You can also use these panels for tile backerboard in some dry spaces.
If you’re installing drywall in a kitchen or laundry room, make sure it’s also fire-resistant.
Type X Drywall for Garages
Use Type X fire-resistant drywall for garages, as well as stairwells and areas near furnaces. While not totally impervious to fire, Type X drywall is designed to provide enhanced resistance to fire compared to basic fire-resistant drywall.
Type X drywall tends to be thicker than other types. This property makes it more difficult to work with, but it provides better sound blocking.
A level of fire resistance is also a good property for drywall in kitchens and laundry rooms — anywhere fire can be a particular concern.
Mold-Resistant Drywall for Basements
Since below-grade areas tend to have more potential for moisture issues, mold- and moisture-resistant drywall, sometimes known as purple board, is a good choice for basements. In some situations, where fire-resistance may be the primary requirement, Type X drywall is the right choice.
Backer Board
Similar to drywall, backer board, also known as cement board, is a thin layer of concrete with fiberglass mesh. Because it’s moisture-resistant, it’s ideal for use in high-moisture areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Backer board is usually installed under tile, but it’s also used under floors and counters.
Drywall Patch and Repair
Here’s what you’ll need to repair drywall as a DIY project.
Drywall Patches and Repair Kits
These kits make it easy to repair holes, dents and dings in ceilings and walls. For small mends, repair kits are an all-in-one solution that typically include a patch, spackling compound, a putty knife and everything else you need to make a repair — except the primer and paint. If you already have spackling compound, a putty knife, etc., you can opt to use single-sheet patches.
Check out your drywall repair how to for instructions on patching drywall.
Joint and Spackling Compound
While joint compound works to patch holes in drywall, spackling compound is a better choice because it doesn’t shrink and dries faster.
Sandpaper
Use sandpaper to smooth out the spackling compound when doing drywall repair on holes in ceilings and walls.
Choosing Plaster Walls as a Drywall Alternative
Although drywall is more common, there are many benefits to having traditional plaster walls, plaster ceilings and plaster moulding. Plaster of Paris creates an exceptionally hard surface, which offers great durability. It’s also fire-resistant and not as likely to succumb to water damage.
When in its wet state, plaster is a very moldable material and can be used to create beautiful architectural detailing, especially in older homes or newer ones with a vintage theme. Casting plaster into shapes and designs is typically a job for skilled artisans.
Plaster can also help soundproof a room in buildings with thin walls by causing sound waves to deflect off walls rather than being absorbed. This prevents the sound waves from traveling from room to room.
Plaster Variations:
- Gypsum Plaster: This type contains a dry plaster of Paris powder fortified with the mineral gypsum.
- Lime Plaster: This type consists of a mixture of lime, water and sand.
Plaster is applied using designated plastering tools.
Tips for Installing Drywall
- Begin a project by installing ceiling drywall first. Then start at the top of the walls and work your way down.
- The best way to cut through drywall is with a utility knife. Cut a guide line through the paper on the panel face, snap the panel with your hands, then slice through the paper with the knife if it doesn’t detach on its own.
- Leaving a 1/2-inch gap between the bottom of the drywall panels and the floor to guard against mold growth.
- When attaching drywall with screws, don’t drive them more than 16 inches apart. For nails, space them no more than 8 inches apart.
Summary: Key Takeaways
Drywall Terminology: Drywall is also known as gypsum board, plasterboard or wallboard. Sheetrock is a specific brand of drywall products.
Common Drywall Materials:
- Corner bead: protects and finishes outside corners.
- Joint compound ("mud"): seals joints and fills cracks and holes.
- Drywall tape: seals seams (comes in paper or mesh).
- Framing with wood or metal studs provides support.
Common Drywall Tools:
- Knives, hawk, mud pan, trowel for applying and smoothing compound.
- Fasteners: nails (smooth/ring shank) or screws (preferred for their holding power).
- Special tools: panel carrier, roll lifter, circle cutter, tape reel.
Types of Drywall by Room:
- Regular drywall: for bedrooms, living spaces.
- Mold-resistant (purple board): for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements.
- Type X fire-resistant: for garages, stairwells, near furnaces.
- Backer board (cement board): used under tile in moisture-prone areas.
Patch & Repair:
- Repair kits include patches, spackling compound, putty knife.
- Spackling compound dries faster and doesn’t shrink.
- Sandpaper smooths repairs before painting.
Plaster as a Drywall Alternative:
- Durable, fire-resistant, moldable for designs, good soundproofing.
- Types of plaster: gypsum plaster, lime plaster.
Ready to Take on a Drywall Project?
If you’re ready to tackle a drywall upgrade or even a new construction of your own, here are some products Lowe’s customers trust for the job.
