Sheetrock vs Drywall: Understanding the Differences

For those who are familiar with the construction industry, the debate between sheetrock and drywall is a common one. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are differences between the two materials that should be noted. For those who are new to the world of home renovation, this article will provide a clear explanation of the differences between sheetrock and drywall.

To fully understand the differences between these two materials, it is important to first understand their history. Both Sheetrock and drywall have a fascinating past, and learning about their origins can provide insight into the unique properties of each material.

What Separates Sheetrock from Drywall?

Drywall and Sheetrock are two words that are frequently used interchangeably, but they are not identical. Sheetrock is a brand name for drywall produced by the United States Gypsum Company (USG), while drywall is a generic term for wallboard that is manufactured by various companies worldwide. In essence, Sheetrock and drywall are nearly the same thing, with the former being a well-known brand name.

What is Drywall?

Drywall is a type of wallboard panel that is commonly used to finish interior walls in construction projects. It is made by processing gypsum rock into powdered gypsum, which is then combined with gypsum plaster. The plaster is then pressed between two thick sheets of paper. Depending on the type of drywall, the gypsum core may have additives like fiberglass mats. The paper sheets help to hold the gypsum material together and make the panels more resistant to moisture or fire.

Who Developed Drywall?

The first generation of drywall was invented by Augustine Sackett in 1894. Sackett Board was created by layering plaster inside four thick wool pieces of heavy paper. As a result, Sackett is considered the “Godfather of Drywall” and a prolific inventor.

What is Sackett Board?

The Birth of Drywall

In 1890, Augustine Sackett filed for a U.S. Patent for Sackett Board, which was later issued in 1894 as “Inside-Wall Covering.” Sackett not only invented drywall panels but also developed machines and equipment to manufacture his gypsum wallboard panels. Due to his contribution to the gypsum drywall industry, Augustine Sackett was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame in 2017.

Before the invention of Sackett Board, plaster was applied to wood lath on interior walls, which was a labor-intensive process requiring long dry times for the multiple coats of wet materials and plaster over the wood lath. The Sackett Board, made of gypsum wallboard panels, eliminated the lath and plaster process, allowing for faster installation. The Sackett Board was already “DRY,” and the term “Dry-Wall” was born.

What is Sheetrock?

Easy to Install Building Materials

Sheetrock is a brand name of drywall that was created in 1917 by the United States Gypsum Corporation. During World War II, there was a severe labor shortage, and easy-to-install, inexpensive building materials were needed. Sheetrock and drywall were the obvious choices for homeowners and home builders. After the war, the housing boom drove sheetrock and drywall demand through the roof as suburban sprawl began. Drywall was the standard building material for interior finishes. Quick to install the wallboard sheets, a few coats of mud, quick sanding, and you had paintable walls and ceilings. Ready to hang pictures!

Affordable and Easy to Use

Drywall and Sheetrock are both easy-to-use and relatively cheap products to finish on interior walls and ceilings. The gypsum wallboard panels attach to interior studs and fastened with screws or nails. Apply joint compound to the joints with taping tools, and you’re ready to sand and paint. It’s the preferred method of interior finishing for many different building types of construction around the world. Sheetrock’s popularity endures much like how the terms “Xerox,” “Kleenex,” “Band-Aid,” and “Velcro” endure. All of the above are brand names and registered trademarks for products that have become commonplace. The brand association has dwarfed the actual name of the product.

Believe it or not, this is where the Sheetrock Vs drywall question originated. Gypsum is mined in 19 different states in the U.S. Oklahoma, Iowa, Nevada, and Texas mine the most gypsum. The largest gypsum mine in the world is Milford, Nova Scotia, Canada. Over 21 billion square feet of drywall is shipped every year throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Types of Gypsum – Sheetrock Vs Drywall

There are different types of drywall available with varying thicknesses and sizes.

Standard Drywall Thickness

Drywall thickness is an important factor in meeting building code requirements for fire resistance. Different thicknesses provide varying levels of fire resistance. Common drywall sheets range from 1/4″ to 5/8″ in thickness.

¼ Inch Drywall

¼ inch drywall is the thinnest and lightest type of drywall available. It is also the most affordable option by weight. However, it can be challenging to install as it tends to break easily. This type of drywall is commonly used for re-finishing surfaces, placing over existing plaster, or for walls or ceilings with slight curves. It is not as typical as other thicknesses of drywall.

3/8 Inch Drywall

3/8 inch drywall is a popular choice for patching or laminating over existing finishes. It offers more durability than 1/4 inch drywall and is suitable for curved surfaces.

1/2 Inch Drywall

Half-inch drywall is a common thickness used for interior walls in most single-family homes. In the US, the USG Sheetrock Brand UltraLight Drywall is a popular 1/2″ thick drywall option. Building codes in many localities require 1/2″ drywall for residential walls, while 5/8″ drywall is typically used for ceilings.

⅝ Inch Drywall

5/8 inch drywall is commonly used in fire-rated wall and ceiling assemblies in both commercial and residential buildings. While fire-resistant drywall is typically 5/8 inches thick, not all 5/8 inch thick drywall is fire-resistant. It is important to ensure that the drywall is “Type-X” if fire-resistant drywall is required by the local municipality.

In commercial construction, 5/8 inch thick drywall is the standard thickness. This is because the extra thickness provides strength and is much more sag-resistant than 1/2 inch drywall. In residential buildings, 5/8 inch thick drywall is typically used for ceiling assemblies, fire-rated wall assemblies, and garages.

In some cases, multiple layers of 5/8 inch sheetrock may be needed in shared walls between different units in townhomes, apartment buildings, or other multi-family structures to improve fire resistance and dampen sound transmission.

USG Brand Sheetrock “Firecode Type C” drywall is a specific type of 5/8 inch thick drywall that is fire-resistant.

What Thickness Drywall to Use on a Ceiling?

The appropriate thickness of drywall for a ceiling installation varies depending on the specific project requirements and local building codes. For fire-rated ceiling assemblies, multiple layers of 5/8” Type X sheetrock may be required. However, for ceiling assemblies without a fire rating, a single layer of half-inch drywall may suffice. It is crucial to adhere to the recommended specifications and codes for each project. A drywall lift is also a necessary tool when installing ceilings.

Different Types of Drywall

Drywall is a versatile building material that can be customized to meet specific needs. Below are some of the different types of drywall available on the market:

Fire-resistant drywall is designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire.
Greenboard and moisture-resistant drywall are ideal for areas that are exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Ceiling-specific drywall, also known as “sag-resistant” drywall, is designed to prevent sagging when installed on ceilings.
Acoustic and soundproof drywall is used to reduce noise transmission between rooms.
Ballistic drywall is used in high-security areas to provide protection against bullets.
Lead-lined drywall is used in medical facilities and laboratories to shield against radiation.
Paperless drywall is made without paper facing, which makes it resistant to mold and moisture.

Fire-Resistant Drywall

Fire-resistant drywall is typically ⅝” thick and contains specific flame-retardant properties. Type X is a widely used fire-resistant drywall that includes special additives to slow fire spread. It is frequently used in commercial buildings as well as separation walls in apartments and residential buildings.

Greenboard and Moisture Resistant Drywall

Greenboard and moisture-resistant drywall are two types of drywall that are commonly used in areas where moisture is a concern. Greenboard is a type of drywall that is moisture and mold-resistant. It is not waterproof, but the green-tinted panels help inhibit mold growth and prevent water damage in high-humidity areas. Greenboard is typically used in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and near plumbing pipes. However, it should not be used in wet areas or as a tile backer in shower areas, steam rooms, or saunas.

Another moisture and mold-resistant drywall product is DensShield, which is produced with fiberglass mats and manufactured by Georgia Pacific. USG Brand also produces a 5/8″ mold and moisture-resistant sheetrock that uses fiberglass in its construction. Fiberglass provides extra structure and helps inhibit mold growth.

Cement board is another type of drywall that is typically used in bathrooms and wet areas. It is resistant to mold and mildew because it is made with cement and fiberglass mesh instead of paper. Many architects specify cement board for use as a tile backer board.

Ceiling-Specific Drywall

Ceiling-specific drywall is a type of Sheetrock that is almost identical to typical Sheetrock. The only difference is that it has added structure to prevent sagging. It is a great option for DIY projects where a strong and durable ceiling is desired.

Acoustic Drywall

Acoustic drywall, also known as soundproof drywall or QuietRock, is specifically designed for soundproofing. It has a high-density gypsum core with damping polymers that absorb sound.

Sheetrock vs Drywall Board Sizes

Drywall has become the preferred material for interior walls and ceilings due to its ease of installation. Drywall sheets come in different sizes, with the most common being 4′ x 8′, 4′ x 10′, and 4′ x 12′. These sizes are standard across the United States, and sheets can be purchased in bulk or cut to fit the dimensions of a room with minimal effort. Some residential projects may require special options, such as 54″ wide drywall board.

Drywall Brands

Several large companies manufacture and produce drywall worldwide. Some of the most prominent brands include National Gypsum Company, US Gypsum Company (USG), CertainTeed, and American Gypsum. The drywall industry is continually evolving due to mergers, acquisitions, and branding changes as new wallboard products develop. Drywall manufacturers are always looking for ways to be more efficient in a highly competitive business landscape.

Sheetrock vs Drywall, and Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes to avoid when using drywall.
Sheetrock and drywall are interchangeable terms.

Using the Incorrect Type of Drywall

It is crucial to always adhere to project specifications and local building codes when selecting drywall. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences, especially if a building has specific fire codes. It is essential to use the correct fire-resistant drywall rather than standard sheets to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants.

Installing and Finishing Drywall

After determining the type and thickness of drywall needed for the construction project, the next step is to purchase it from a local outlet such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, or a drywall supply yard. It is recommended to find a drywall supply yard that delivers and stocks to the project location as the small delivery charge is worth having the Sheetrock or drywall stocked directly in the building.

To install drywall, fasten the sheets to wooden or steel studs with drywall screws and use a drywall lift to move the panels into place. A utility knife for cutting and joint compound to seal the seams between sheets are also useful to have.

After all gypsum panels have been fixed to the walls and ceilings and sealed with joint compound, the next step is to finish the smooth wall with joint tape on the seams and apply veneer plaster or paint as desired.

Overall, installing and finishing drywall is a straightforward process that requires careful planning, proper tools, and attention to detail. With the right approach, anyone can achieve a professional-looking finish for their walls and ceilings.