The quality of paperless drywall board is a little tougher than regular drywall, but some construction pros find it easier to cut. This board has some slight textures that require installers to apply joint compound, which helps achieve a smooth, clean finish.
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.
For the ones used most commonly (by far) the only significant difference in strength is due to their thickness. In the US the most common thicknesses are 1/2” (12mm) and 5/8” (15mm). These are sometimes doubled up for fire rating or sound deadening. A double layer of 5/8” is a pretty substantial wall.
Drywall comes in a variety of thicknesses, each used in different applications. Multiple layers of drywall can be installed to increase fire resistance or soundproofing qualities. The thinnest wallboard is ¼ inch, which is used primarily on curved walls. Its thinness allows it to be more flexible, especially when wet.
Why is Drywall so Weak? For something that is so important to your home, it seems that the drywall is very weak. But it's no surprise – drywall is merely two layers of cellulose with gypsum, a hydrated form of calcium sulfate, core smack dab in the middle.
Drywall is easier to puncture as it ages.
One key difference between the two is that sheetrock is a brand name of drywall made by the United States Gypsum Corporation. Another difference lies in their production process; sheetrock has a slightly denser core than drywall due to the addition of a small amount of wood fiber to the gypsum core.
⅝ - inch thick drywall
⅝ – inch are more reliable for ceilings as they do not sag as much between the joints than a ½ – inch drywall panel. ⅝ – inch drywall panels are also great for holding textures since it does not sag compared to lighter drywall panels.
It may, however, be weaker on a square foot basis, which is the anecdotal evidence from installers and contractors. Professionals report that ultralight panels may be more brittle and more prone to edge breakage than standard drywall panels.
In addition to its looks, plywood is tougher than your average drywall, so it's great for high-traffic areas and you can install it using nothing more than nails, screws, or a bit of wall adhesive.
Green Board Drywall – An excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and attics, green board drywall is mold resistant and typically comes in 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch thicknesses. A thick layer of green paper is applied to the surface of the gypsum, and a wax coating is applied over the paper.
Moisture-and-mold resistant drywall is best used for interior walls, especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms or basements. The best drywall boards for these areas have moisture-resistant cores that prevent water and moisture intrusion from seeping into the board itself.
You can use all-purpose compound for all three coats, but if you're doing a bigger job; using taping compound for the first 2 coats, and finishing compound for the last, will make everything go smoother.
Drywall finishing requires a good deal of craftsmanship, and it's this last stage of finishing that can make or break the appearance of the walls or ceiling. Understand the five drywall finishing levels, from level 0 (boards hung only) to level 5 (mirror-smooth surface).
Such a premium level 5 drywall finish can cost around $2.25 – $3.00 per square foot. The cost can rise more depending on the walls and requirements.
Hang the Ceiling First
This makes it much easier to manage and attach the panels since you will not have to fumble around with the screws, measuring tape, and so on. Screws for drywall lids should be placed no closer than 16” from the wall. This allows the drywall to have a bit of flexibility to prevent ceiling cracks.
It's best to start by repairing any cracks or holes in the wall. Sand and wipe the entire wall down. Apply a coat of drywall primer and allow it to dry. Roll and brush on 2-4 coats of paint.
While drywall alone can hold about 1.6 pounds to 2 pounds per square foot, mounting an object to the stud with the proper hardware allows the drywall to support up to 100 pounds.
If you notice a lot of bumps or uneven surfaces, then it's likely due to improper drywall finishing. Keep in mind, some roughness near lower levels of the finish might be acceptable, but be sure to pay close attention to corners and edges as these areas can especially appear to be uneven.
Rough surface
If drywall tape is showing through the paint, or showing a crease, it's a sign of a bad drywall tape job and that not enough drywall compound was used over the tape. If the wall is noticeably bumpy, it's possible the wall wasn't thoroughly sanded after the compound was applied.
Primarily made of gypsum combined with hardening agents and sheathed in paper or other covering, drywall can last 70 years or longer in ideal conditions. Absent ideal conditions, drywall has an average lifespan of 30 to 50 years.