What Are the Different Types of Drywalls?

There are several types of drywalls available in the market, depending on the place where they will be installed. One of the essential advantages of installing drywall is its tapered edges that, when joined together, form a shallow recess for joint compound and drywall tape that gives it invisible finished joints. In this article, we are going to list down the different types of drywalls and their common uses in America. Also, we listed here the pros of minimalist living.

White Board or Regular Drywall 

Tiled concrete pavement
Tiled mosaic concrete pavement shot from above

This type of drywall is typically white on one side and brown on the other side. Regular drywall is probably the most common and economic drywall type, and it comes in different sizes and thicknesses. This type of drywall usually is available in four by eight-foot panels. 

White board or regular drywall provides the perfect single-layer application over metal and wood framing on ceilings and walls. Because of the significant thickness of such type of drywalls, they are more resistant to sagging. Regular drywalls also possess better sound control and greater fire resistance. They can complement your ceilings and walls with framing members (ceiling joists and wall studs), that are spaced up to 24 inches on center. 

Blue Board Drywall 

decorating a wall DIY
Close up of decorating a wall DIY

This type of drywall is also known as plaster baseboard, and it is typically used for veneer plastering. The surface paper of the blue board drywall contains unique absorption qualities, and it also has a high resistance to water and mold. This type of drywall works well in bathrooms and in places with a lot of moisture. However, it is not made for paint, mud, or tape. 

Although blue board drywalls are more durable, their durability can easily get threatened when exposed to moisture. They must be installed in places with no moisture or water source. This will significantly improve the longevity of your blue board drywalls. Their most important benefits are listed below. 

  • Significant reduction of noise.
  • Provides a solid foundation. 
  • Dry faster than other drywalls. 
  • Increase your productivity. 
  • Overall even tone of the final product. 
  • Incredibly smooth texture. 

Green Board Drywall

 

Man installing moisture resistant drywall sheets for bathroom
man installing moisture resistant drywall sheets for bathroom bulkhead

This type of drywall is also known as the moisture-resistant drywall because it has a green covering that makes it more resistant to moisture compared to regular drywall. However, it is a little more expensive than the regular type, and it is not also waterproof. That is why you should be mindful not to put it in places where it can come in contact with water. Green board drywalls are often used as a tile backer in limited wet areas such as plus kitchens, basement walls, and utility rooms.  

Paperless Drywall

Interior decoration construction furniture builtin
interior decoration construction furniture builtin.Plasterer in working uniform plastering the wall indoors.

This type of drywall has been replacing paper drywall in the market. Paperless drywalls are covered with fiberglass instead of paper, which protects the gypsum board from rot and is highly resistant to mildew and mold. Paperless drywalls are a bit sturdier than regular drywall, but some construction people find it easier to cut. Keep in mind that this type of drywall has some slight texture which is going to require you to use some applying compound so that you can achieve a smooth and clean finish drywall level.  

Soundproof Drywall

Geeky businessman eavesdropping with cup
Geeky businessman eavesdropping with cup on grey background

This type of drywall is made with laminated drywall mixed with gypsum, wood fibers, and polymers, which increases the sound transmission class or STC. Soundproof drywall is a lot denser than regular drywall, so it may be a little bit harder to cut. Because it has soundproofing characteristics, this type of drywall is commonly used in areas where silence is required in a room or noise is a problem. 

Purple Drywall

Against the background of an unpainted wall
against the background of an unpainted wall, with a white space in the middle, there is a staircase for repair

Purple drywalls have the same advantage as regular drywall, but they offer superior mold and moisture-resistant characteristics. This type of drywall can be used with the ceiling and all wall applications and help prevent water damage. It is also suited for places where you want to have enhanced mold and moisture resistance. If you’re looking for drywall that is perfectly safe to be in contact with water, this is the one that you should use. 

Type X Drywall

Construction building industry drywall taping compound finishing
Construction building industry new home construction interior drywall tape and finish details

This type of drywall is also known as fire-resistant drywall. Several thicknesses of the Type X drywall can be used in layers if you want to achieve a higher fire-resistance rating. Because of its fire-resistance feature, the type X drywall is harder to cut and work with compared to the regular drywall. This type is commonly used in rooms, garages, as well as apartment buildings because several building codes require it. The type X drywall is made with non-combustible fibers, and it typically comes in 5/8-inch thickness that can also be used in soundproofing. Before it can be hailed as the Type X of drywalls, a gypsum board must have at least one-hour fire-resistance rating for the 5/8-inch board or a ¾ hour rating for the 1/2 -inch board while they are placed in a single layer and nailed on each face of wood framing and load-bearing members. 

Benefits of Drywalls 

If you’re having a hard time with considering whether to switch to dry walls or not, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of its benefits, as compared to the traditional walls or construction material. 

  • Provides an additional layer of protection. 
  • Flexible prices. 
  • Advanced safety features. 
  • Endless finishing options. 
  • Easily repairable. 
  • Incredible fire resistance (because of gypsum). 

Drywalls – A Perfect Finishing Touch! 

New house big window structure. white lintel plaster intterior design. Empty room in home.
New house big window structure. white lintel plaster intterior design. Empty room in home.

Drywalls can rightfully be considered as one of the most remarkable inventions in the world of home/construction appliances. If you’re sick and tired of different elements coming in through drafty and thin walls, you can always switch to drywalls, for a more finished and useable space. They are quick and convenient and won’t break your bank. With their great safety/health features and extra layer of protection against temperature and sound transfer, we can assure that it is the best investment that you’ll be making for your home interior. 

If you want more interesting facts about homes, read this post about Theodore Roosevelt’s home.