
What is the standard drywall thickness for interior walls?
What Is the Standard Drywall Thickness for Interior Walls?
- Standard Walls. The most common thickness of drywall used in residential interior construction is 1/2 inch. ...
- Curved Walls. Thin drywall, commonly 1/4- or 3/8-inch-thick, can be bent around curved surfaces. ...
- Fire Resistance. Fire-resistant drywall is available in both 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch. ...
- Wall Repair. ...
Which drywall is best for bathrooms?
What’s the Best Drywall to Use in Bathrooms?
- Green Board Drywall. Green board was introduced in the 1960s, with a thicker coating than regular drywall and protected by wax for water resistance.
- Blue Board. ...
- Purple Drywall. ...
- Cement Board for Bathrooms. ...
- Mold-Resistant Drywall Installation. ...
What is the standard size of drywall?
The standard size for drywall panels is 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, and usually you won't find panels that are longer. While standard drywall works well for bedrooms and living rooms, there are other types of drywall that work well for specific parts of the home.
What thickness drywall on ceiling?
Thickness of Ceiling Drywall. The correct thickness for ceiling drywall is ½ inch (12.7mm). ½ inch-thick drywall panels are recommended because they are easy to carry and hang on ceiling rafters during installation. You can also use the much lighter half-inch boards that weigh 54.4lbs as they are more suited for ceilings.

How thick can you get drywall?
Drywall Thickness Panels are available in four drywall thicknesses—5/8-in., 1/2-in., 3/8-in., and 1/4-in. (above are all 5/8-in.). Each drywall thickness has specific applications and framing requirement.
What is the actual thickness of 5/8 drywall?
5/8-inch (15.9mm)
When should you use 5/8 drywall?
If you're in the process of building or remodeling, you should consider installing 5/8″ wall boards on all walls and ceiling in your home. Typically in the last 20 years or so most homes will have 1/2″ sheetrock on the walls and 5/8″ sheetrock on the ceilings.
How much does a 4x8 sheet of 5/8 drywall cost?
5/8 x 4 x 8 Type X Fire-Rated Drywall at MenardsEveryday Low Price$18.8411% Mail-In Rebate Good Through 8/28/22$2.07
What is the difference between drywall and sheetrock?
Drywall is a flat panel made of gypsum plaster sandwiched in between two sheets of thick paper. It adheres to metal or wood studs using nails or screws. Sheetrock is a specific brand of drywall sheet. These terms are often used interchangeably.
Is half inch or 5/8 drywall better?
0:241:465/8" Sheetrock vs 1/2" Sheetrock (Drywall) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHalf inch sheetrock is what you see in most homes on the walls. And probably the last five to tenMoreHalf inch sheetrock is what you see in most homes on the walls. And probably the last five to ten years we've started using 5/8 sheetrock on the ceilings. It gives a much stiffer.
How far can 5/8 drywall span on a ceiling?
What is the maximum joist spacing for ceiling drywall? Does it matter if the panels are oriented parallel or perpendicular to the joists? 1/2- or 5/8-inch drywall is 24 inches on-center. Ceiling drywall should always be installed perpendicular to the joists, even when they are 16 inches on-center.
How thick should drywall be for walls?
The most common thickness of drywall used in residential interior construction is 1/2 inch. This material is recommended for walls with studs placed 16 inches on center. If the wall studs are placed 24 inches on center, a 5/8-inch drywall is recommended.
What is the standard thickness of an interior wall?
Average Wall Width of Interior Walls Most interior walls are constructed with 2-by-4 framing, and each 2-by-4 has a nominal width of 3 1/2 inches. Drywall typically covers both sides, and it's usually 1/2 inch thick, which makes the wall 4 1/2 inches thick.
How do you measure drywall?
0:341:23Drywall Installation: Measuring & Estimating - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 1 figuring out how much drywall will actually need for our project measure the height andMoreStep 1 figuring out how much drywall will actually need for our project measure the height and length of each wall as well as the width and length of your ceiling with your tape measure.
Which direction should you hang drywall?
0:041:20Drywall: Horizontal vs. Vertical Installation : Wall Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow most the time people in residential homes like to put their drywall horizontal why personally IMoreNow most the time people in residential homes like to put their drywall horizontal why personally I don't know I like to put mine in the vertical.
What are the different sizes of drywall?
Drywall is sold in several standard thicknesses: 1/4-inch (6.35mm) 3/8-inch (9.52mm) 1/2-inch (12.7mm)
How thick is drywall?
Drywall is sold in several standard thicknesses: 1/4-inch (6.35mm) 3/8-inch (9.52mm)
What is the best thickness of drywall for curved walls?
1/4 inch. The most economical option. Drywall of this thickness is ideal for curved walls or creating a new surface over plaster. These drywall panels weigh only 38 pounds and are very thin, so they must be handled with care to avoid bending or breaking. 3/8 inch.
How thick is drywall insulation?
Insulated panels are typically 1/2 inch thick and have a high-strength “polyfoam” core to prevent warping. Fire resistant — Available in 5/8-inch panels, fire-retardant drywall is the most expensive option. Water resistant — Ideal for kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, utility rooms, and other rooms prone to water damage.
What is drywall made of?
Drywall is the go-to material used for interior walls and ceilings in all types of buildings. It’s only made of gypsum covered with paper, but this amazing material can be found nearly every building in the country. Most people have never given it a second thought, but there is an art and a science to selecting the right drywall for different ...
What is 5/8 drywall?
These drywall panels can be used with both steel and wood frames. 5/8 inch. The thickest option available, 5/8-inch drywall is ideal for commercial construction applications. 5/8-inch thick drywall is also referred to as firewall ...
What to consider before purchasing drywall?
The second most important thing to consider before purchasing drywall is what size sheets you’ll need. Getting the correct size will minimize the number of joints created and make the installation process easier. You’ll also need to consider the logistics of handling and installing larger drywall sheets.
Does drywall come in different sizes?
Drywall comes in varying thicknesses a n d sizes for different projects. Fortunately, most manufacturers carry standard sizes to make the job of selecting the right drywall easier. However, it’s important to understand the variances in drywall sizes and thickness to get the best results for different applications.
Why do you need to double drywall thickness?
In ordinary residential construction, doubling up drywall thickness can reduce sound transmission and make for sturdier walls. Thicker drywall may be required by code for any wall or ceiling covered with a texture or skim coat where studs or joists are spaced 24 inches on-center rather than 16 inches.
What is layered drywall?
Layered Drywall. Some applications call for or allow multiple layers of drywall. In townhouses, for example, the shared walls between units may require double layers of 1/2-inch wallboard to create a very fire-resistant and sound-resistant wall.
What is a 4 1/2 foot drywall panel?
When wall panels come in lengths and widths other than these multiples of 4 feet, they are usually not drywall panels but are instead cement board or a drywall alternative, such as DRIcor Smartwall. While not common on the consumer market, 4-1/2-foot-wide drywall sheets can be special-ordered.
How did drywall change the building industry?
Drywall changed the building industry when it came on the scene about a century ago. While it took a few decades for drywall to fully take root in home construction, this pre-sized wallboard eventually meant no more nailing of hundreds of lath boards and troweling of wet plaster.
What size sheet is 2' by 2'?
The 2-foot by 2-foot square of drywall is not a stock sheet size. However, cut-down pieces of drywall are often available at most home centers and especially at smaller local hardware stores. These small sheets can be useful for patching jobs or wall-boarding small nooks and alcoves.
How long is a drywall sheet?
The length and width of drywall sheets are usually in multiples of 4 feet—most commonly, 4-foot by 8-foot, 4-foot by 12-foot, or 4-foot by 16-foot sheets. Building codes have no specific requirements for the width and length of drywall sheets. These are determined by the needs of the architect, builder, and client.
What is fire resistant drywall?
This thicker drywall is often called fire-resistant drywall. Common walls between residential living spaces and attached garages, for example, require a fire-resistant construction, as do furnace rooms. This fire resistance can also be achieved by installing multiple layers of thinner drywall panels. Read More.
How thick is drywall?
Drywall comes in 3/8″, 1/2″ and 5/8″ thicknesses or in metric 6, 9.5, or 12.7mm. Standard US drywall is 1/2″ (12.7mm) thick, while the other two are called “non-standard.” Building codes also have some requirements when it comes to standard thickness. The building code dictates the thickness of each application.
How long is a good length of drywall?
For long and tall drywall, you can find drywall in lengths of 12 or 16 feet. So, if you have long and tall walls, go for this size of drywall. If you also want an unbroken line from floor to ceiling and prefer a smooth surface when working with a long and high wall, this is the best solution.
What is cement board drywall?
Cement board drywall is durable drywall that’s designed to be installed on plywood or studs. It is available in 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch thicknesses. The cement board is made by sandwiching a cement core between two layers of fiberglass mat. You can use this type of drywall behind ceramic tile and marble for high moisture areas. It’s the hardest material to cut.
Why is it important to be careful when choosing drywall?
As you can see, it’s very important to be careful when choosing drywall because choosing the wrong size and thickness can break your project. You don’t want to spend a lot of money and time on your home improvement project only to end up with losses.
Does drywall prevent mold?
Both mold and moisture-resistant drywall panels are paperless panels with a special coating that blocks moisture and helps prevent mold growth. So, if you’re wondering how to get rid of mold from your home, installing this drywall will be your first solution. This combination is an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. As it reduces mold, it extends the appearance and lifespan of surfaces.
Can you use thin drywall sheets on curved walls?
This is not very common, and it’s used as a skimming material for placing over an existing surface. You can also use these thin drywall sheets to install drywall on the slightly curved surface. If the drywall is not meeting the curve, you need to add a layer of mesh tape and compound before applying another thin sheet.
Do you hang drywall horizontally?
Fire codes require seams to fall on the length of the framing, especially on commercial jobs, so ensure you hang your drywall horizontally. If your walls are 9 feet higher or shorter, hanging your drywall horizontally will leave you with more benefits.
How thick is drywall?
How thick is drywall? Drywall thickness depends on the application. Most interior walls are made of drywall approximately ½ inch thick. This ensures adequate insulation and decent resistance to fire damage, although for another application drywall that is significantly thicker or thinner may be more conducive.
What Are the Standard Thicknesses of Drywall?
Remember that drywall is a fairly rigid material and therefore custom shapes, thicknesses, and compositions are available for less conventional construction purposes.
What Is Drywall?
Most of us have drywall in our homes unless you happen to be privileged enough to have a home constructed from pure brick and mortar (in which case hats off to you). If you happen to form part of the 98% of the US population that is not this fortunate, you are well acquainted with the thin pieces of board that divide our homes into their separate living quarters. If you have ever wondered what these boards are made of, today is your lucky day!
What is a drywall size chart?
Drywall size chart images are a dime a dozen, and they can be used to determine both size and width of drywall with the help of visual aid. These charts can be found on various websites, although it is strongly recommended that you view your drywall in person before making a purchase to avoid purchasing the incorrect board.
How much gypsum do you think was used in the process of meeting their ridiculously large customer bases needs?
They know this too, considering they make 4 billion dollars in sales each year.
What is a type X drywall?
Type X drywall is required by several building codes in the construction of both residential properties, office buildings, and even schools! Besides its ability to stop a fire in its tracks for roughly an hour (if installed on both sides of a wooden beam wall) this whopping 5/8- inch-thick drywall has the added advantage of being able to block out a sound almost completely.
When did sheetrock walling catch on?
Surprisingly sheetrock walling did not catch on until about 20 years later at the end of the second world war, this led to the baby boom and people were looking for cheap and effective ways to insulate their newly bought homes while making them aesthetically pleasing.
What is the most common thickness of drywall?
1/2" Drywall - This is the most popular thickness of drywall. It is likely that the majority of drywall in your home is this thickness. It can be used for walls and ceilings. It comes in regular, moisture resistant and fire rated varieties.
How much does a 4x8 sheet of drywall weigh?
Drywall Sizes: 4' x 8' Sheets - This type of drywall is usually only available in one size. Weight per 4' x 8' Sheet - 29.58 lb.
Why do we have different sizes of drywall?
So why do we have different drywall sizes? One reason is the joints. Drywall joints and seams need to be finished with tape and mud. Using longer drywall can reduce the number of joints. In commercial buildings, drywall is installed vertically. A length is selected that will be long enough to reach the ceiling without any joints.
What is fire code drywall?
Firecode Drywall - This drywall is thicker than the half inch material. It also has a special gypsum core that resists heat and provides fire protection. The heavier fibrous core is harder to cut but still possible.
How many types of drywall are there in a house?
It is possible for you to have four or more types drywall in your home. The different types are used for different purposes. Wet locations like bath rooms and showers need materials that resist moisture. Garages usually need fire code drywall.
What is 1/2" cement board?
1/2" Cement Board - The thickness of the cement board used normally matches the thickness of drywall. Most of the time this will be 1/2" in a residential home.
How thick is rock lath?
Another thickness issue is plaster walls. You may run into walls in your home that have rock lath and plaster on them. Rock lath is a type of drywall that is 3/8" thick. Another 3/8" to 1/2" of plaster is applied over the rock lath. This leaves you with a material that is thicker than most standard drywall.
How thick is drywall panel?
Panels are available in four drywall thicknesses—5/8-in., 1/2-in., 3/8-in., and 1/4-in. (above are all 5/8-in.). Each drywall thickness has specific applications and framing requirement. The 3/8-in. and 1/4-in. panels are only available in shorter lengths. Regular 1/2-in. drywall thickness was the most commonly used drywall in new residential construction and remodeling, but lightweight drywall is rapidly replacing this heavier drywall thickness.
Why Use Lightweight Drywall?
Hanging drywall is hard work, in large part because it is heavy! A sheet of regular 1/2-in. drywall thickness weights about 60 pounds. The new lightweight drywall weighs about 41 pounds. A drywall hanger can hang an average of 60 4×8 sheets a day. If the hanger is installing regular drywall, that adds up to about nine tons a week. Installing lightweight drywall will reduce that amount down to six tons. That’s still a lot, but having to lift three tons less every week will increase production and decrease the risk of injury.
Why Use 54-in. Drywall?
Again, the less seams/joints the better. When hanging drywall on walls that intersect 8-ft. (or lower) ceilings, two 4-ft.-wide panels of drywall hung horizontally results in just one seam running the length of the wall. But more and more homes are being constructed with 9-ft. ceiling heights, which means that 4-ft.-wide drywall creates two horizontal seams on each wall.
How long is a 5/8 panel?
Most 5/8-in. and 1/2-in. panels are available up to 16 feet long. Longer lengths help eliminate or reduce the number of butted seams, or butt joints. A butted seam is created when the ends of the panels are butted together.
What is a 4x8 panel?
There are also “special use” panels, including moisture/mold-resistant, fire-resistant, and impact or abuse-resistant.
How long are light weight panels?
Lightweight panels are available in standard lengths, including 8-ft., 10-ft., 12-ft., 14-ft. and 16-ft. panels, and come in both in 48-in. and 54-in. widths.
Is lightweight drywall harder than older drywall?
And a drywall rep recently told me that because the lightweight drywall has less mass, it’s not as good of a product for sound control as the old version. Not sure what the difference in the STC rating is exactly, but it is something to think about.
What is the thickness of drywall?
It probably is the most economic drywall type and comes in different sizes ranging in thickness from 3/8 inches to one inch. This is the most common type used and is normally available in four by eight foot panels.
What is the advantage of drywall?
One important advantage that drywall offers is the presence of tapered edges on the long edges of drywall sheets that, when joined together, form a shallow recess for drywall tape and joint compound that allows for invisible finished joints. There is also an ECO board made from recycled material to create drywall that looks like concrete.
What is soundproof drywall made of?
Soundproof drywall is composed of laminated drywall made with a mix of wood fibers, gypsum, and polymers increasing the STC (sound transmission class).
What is Type X drywall?
Type X drywall is made with special noncombustible fibers.
What is blue board drywall?
Blue board drywall is also known as plaster baseboard. Blue board is used for veneer plastering, and the surface paper has special absorption qualities.
Is blue board drywall good for mud?
It has a high water and mold resistance and there are fewer steps involved in veneer plastering. Blue board drywall is not made for mud, tape, or paint. It works extremely well in bathrooms or places with a lot of moisture and helps reduce noise.
Is purple drywall the same as regular drywall?
Purple drywall offers the same advantages as regular drywall, but with superior moisture- and mold-resistant characteristics.
What is drywall used for?
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Drywall is a building material used all over the world to create the smooth walls we see in almost every home in the U.S. Drywall replaced the old-fashioned plaster for covering wood framed buildings because it is so quick and easy to install.
What is the thinnest wallboard?
1/4-inch thickness. This is the thinnest type of wallboard. Use it as a base when you are layering wallboard for soundproofing, or to put over existing walls when you are remodeling, and don't want to demolish what's there. It's also good for curved walls.
Is thicker board fire resistant?
You'll see this in some commercial buildings and in high-end homes. The added thickness makes it even more fire-resistant and stronger for impact-resistance. Some builders layer it with thinner board for super impact, fire-proofing and sound-proofing.
Does wallboard block radiation?
Radiation barriers: Some wallboard includes a layer of lead to block radiation, as in a lab or hospital with x-ray machines. The Gypsum Association, a nonprofit trade association representing wallboard manufacturers in the U.S. offers the following guidelines for using the different thicknesses available. Advertisement.
