Use 12 ππ-inch moisture- and mold-resistant drywall (often called green board or purple board) for bathroom walls and ceilings. For areas directly exposed to water, like inside a shower or tub surround, use a waterproof cement backer board instead.
You want cement board for wet areas. Greenboard for areas with moisture. Regular drywall for any other areas in the house. 1/2" and 5/8" are the only thickness really available.
Two common mistakes made during drywalling are improper joint compound application (such as applying it too thickly or not feathering the edges), and failing to stagger the seams across different studs, which weakens the wall and increases the risk of cracking.
For most standard interior walls, 1/2-inch is the industry standard and the most common choice. However, 5/8-inch drywall is used where enhanced fire resistance, durability, or noise reduction is required.
How to Choose a Drywall Thickness
To achieve a 2-hour fire rating, you typically need two layers of 58five-eighthsππ inch Type X (or Type C) fire-rated drywall on each side of the wall, for a total of four layers. The exact configuration depends on the specific, tested assembly you are building.
Drywall Thickness
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.
For bathroom walls and ceilings that will be painted, the best option is moisture and mold-resistant drywall (often called "purple board" or "green board"). For areas inside the shower or tub surround, cement backer board is the industry standard for durability and tile adhesion.
3/8-inch drywall is primarily used for remodeling and repair. It is commonly used as a skimming material to cover damaged or uneven plaster, to cover up outdated wall paneling, and to create curved architectural features like arches.
Mold-resistant drywall is typically purple or green.
Some people add a small amount of dish soap to drywall mud to reduce surface tension, which helps release air bubbles and create a smoother, more even finish, especially when applying the final "skim coat"; however, this practice is not recommended by professionals as it can potentially weaken the adhesion of the mud ...
Hanging drywall horizontally (often called "hanging the board") is the industry standard for walls, while hanging vertically is generally discouraged. Horizontal installation provides superior structural integrity and wall strength, creates significantly flatter and less visible seams, and is much easier for the taper to mud and finish.
If you are looking for an alternative to traditional drywall, PVC wall panels (like Trusscore or Duramax) are a leading modern replacement. They install up to four times faster than gypsum boards because they eliminate the need to mud, tape, sand, or paint.
Vapor barrier is only required on exterior walls - this is a rule for all exterior walls, not just those in a bathroom. Do you mean moisture barrier? Yes, you need a moisture barrier in the shower.
Generally, drywall is cheaper for materials and simple installations, but drop ceilings can save money if you have a lot of low-hanging pipes and ductwork.
For a bathroom, purple drywall is the superior choice over green drywall. While both resist moisture, purple board offers premium mold, mildew, and often scratch resistance, making it ideal for the high-humidity environment of a bathroom at only a slightly higher cost.
1/2-inch drywall is the standard for general interior walls and ceilings. It is lighter, cheaper, and easier to handle. 5/8-inch drywall is denser, provides significantly better fire and sound resistance, and is primarily used for ceilings and in spaces that require fire-rated assemblies (like garages).
Yes, you can use plywood instead of drywall. It is a highly durable alternative, especially popular for garages, workshops, and accent walls. However, it is more expensive and generally does not meet standard fire-safety codes for primary living spaces.
The best nails for drywall are 1-3/8" or 1-1/2" ring-shank drywall nails (also known as gypsum board nails). They feature a cupped/dimpled head to prevent tearing the paper face and a thin ringed shaft designed to grip securely into wood studs.
Yes, installing mold and moisture-resistant drywall is highly recommended for bathrooms. While building codes may not strictly require it for every wall, it provides critical protection against humidity, steam, and potential mold growth in the most moisture-prone room in your house.
Replace bathroom drywall with waterproof, mold-resistant materials to prevent moisture damage. The best alternatives include PVC panels (like Trusscore PVC), fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), or cement backer board (like HardieBacker) for tiled areas. These options eliminate water absorption and reduce long-term maintenance.
Yes, using green board (moisture-resistant drywall) is code-compliant for bathroom walls and ceilings, but it is not allowed as a tile backer inside shower or tub enclosures. It is designed for high-humidity areas, not direct water exposure, requiring cement board or specialized foam boards in wet zones.
1/4-inch drywall is primarily used for curved walls, arches, and updating existing walls. Because it is too thin to provide structural support on its own, its applications are highly specialized.
Drywall Anchor Types for Lighter Items
Plastic ribbed anchors are the most commonly used anchors for lighter items and can hold up to 10 pounds per pair. Threaded drywall anchors are suitable for objects weighing up to 25 pounds and are ideal for use on drywall.
The thinnest standard drywall available is 14one-fourthππ-inch thick. It is primarily used for creating curved walls, patching, or as a cover layer over an existing damaged wall (such as cracked plaster) to avoid demolition.