What is cheaper, plywood or sheetrock?

Author: Dr. Lexus O'Conner  |  Last update: Friday, January 23, 2026

Price​: Drywall Drywall costs $15 for a 4-by-8 sheet, compared to $20 to $50 for a plywood sheet of the same size, making it more cost-effective. For both materials, you'll also have to account for other costs, like tape, joint compound, and paint for drywall and paint or stain for plywood.

Is plywood cheaper than sheetrock?

The choice between drywall and plywood for walls depends on factors like cost, structural requirements, and aesthetics. Drywall is cheaper and easier to install but less durable than plywood. Plywood offers better strength and resistance to moisture but is costlier.

What is the cheapest way to finish interior walls?

Sure, drywall is the gold standard for walls because it's fairly inexpensive, easy to repair, fire-resistant, and more. However, depending on your space's needs, drywall alternatives like plywood, plaster, shiplap, and more can be a better solution.

What is the cheapest material to cover walls with?

But when it comes to inexpensive materials, plywood is a great choice. Installation is super easy, especially if you have a licensed contractor by your side to help you with all the nuances of the process. Because it is a lighter material than others, Plywood requires fewer screws which means less work.

What is the cheapest alternative to drywall?

Cost-Effectiveness: Plywood and OSB are often more affordable than other wall materials like fiber cement board or metal panels, making them a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to upgrade their garage walls without breaking the bank.

60 Year Old Mason Was Stunned by This Method! Repair Hole in Drywall in 5 Minutes

What is the cheapest thing to use for walls?

Bamboo is the cheapest wall paneling option.

Is wood paneling cheaper than drywall?

Is Drywall Or Paneling More Expensive? While it primarily depends on lumber costs, presently, wood paneling costs more than drywall. There is wood paneling “that is plastic” that is much cheaper than drywall. While it is cheaper in price, it is cheaper in value and quality.

What is the new product instead of drywall?

Trusscore is changing residential and commercial construction with products that combine sustainable materials with nanotechnology. Our PVC-based wall and ceiling panels are easy-to-install and high-performance replacements for traditional drywall and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) panels.

How to panel walls cheaply?

The best way to panel the walls in your home on a budget is to invest in an mdf wall panel kit. This clever product makes the process quicker and easier. Plus it's not harsh on the purse strings either.

What is the most versatile and inexpensive wall finish?

  • Paint Finishes. Paint is one of the most common and versatile wall finishes. ...
  • Plaster Finishes. Plaster adds texture and character to walls. ...
  • Wallpaper and Wall Coverings. Wallpaper adds patterns, colors, or textures that paint can't achieve. ...
  • Wood Paneling. ...
  • Tiles. ...
  • Stone and Brick Finishes. ...
  • Concrete Finish. ...
  • Fabric Panels.

Is shiplap cheaper than drywall?

Is it cheaper to shiplap or drywall? Drywall is generally cheaper than shiplapping walls, with an average cost of around $1.50 - $2 per sq foot. However, shiplapped walls bring a unique aesthetic to rooms that drywall can't match. For this reason, many homeowners find that the higher price point is justified.

What's the difference between drywall and sheetrock?

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.

What is cheaper, OSB or sheetrock?

Price: Drywall

OSB is more expensive than drywall, costing about $32 to $58 per sheet. Because drywall is less durable than OSB, that's often reflected in the price, which is $15 to $23 per sheet.

Can you sheetrock over plywood?

Yes you can put sheetrock over plywood. While plywood will hold nails/screws better than sheetrock it's still not as good as going into a stud. Plywood is thin layers of wood glued together. It's very easy for nails to pull out.

Why is drywall so expensive now?

USG appears to have triggered the price hike with its memo on Nov. 3. "Over the past three years, USG's wallboard business has sustained large financial losses as wallboard market opportunity has declined by more than 50%," USG wrote in its announcement to customers.

What is the best filler for wood paneling?

Spackle or joint compound dries hard, while caulk can expand and contract slightly over time. That's why spackling compound is better for filling grooves, and caulk is the better option for seams.

Is wall paneling in style in 2024?

As we look towards the new year, there is no better time to consider refreshing your interiors and wall panelling can be a cost effective solution. In recent years, there have been some exciting trends emerging in the world of slat walls - The acoustic slat wall panel has been one of the most popular looks of 2024.

Do wall panels increase home value?

While these are undoubtedly impactful, one overlooked strategy that can significantly increase home value is the application of wall paneling. A subtle yet profound design element, wall paneling infuses style, charm, and character into any home, making it an appealing prospect for potential buyers.

Is anything cheaper than drywall?

Plywood is cost-effective and easy to work with. MDF is cheap but less sturdy. Cement board costs more but lasts longer in damp areas. Beadboard and veneer plaster are stylish options.

Are PVC wall panels any good?

PVC wall panels are quick and easy to install, requiring no specialist tools or skills to do so. They are ideal for rough surfaces and can even be fitted directly on top on existing tiles, making them ideal for any room renovation.

What is the cheapest way to build an interior wall?

The cheapest way to build an interior wall is with light structural timber and drywall. Heavy timber or metal beams cost more but may be necessary for load-bearing or exterior walls.

Why would you use plywood instead of drywall?

Plywood is more durable due to its stacked layers of veneers. These layers make it resistant to dents and scratches.

What are the disadvantages of wood paneling?

Disadvantages of Wood Wall Panelling
  • Splits and splinters – by its nature, wood will split and splinter, which can make wood panels unsightly and unsafe over time.
  • Requires ongoing maintenance – wood wall panels will require regular maintenance to keep them stylish and safe, which can be both time consuming and costly .

Which is cheaper shiplap or paneling?

Compare price points for shiplap or tongue and groove paneling and you'll quickly find that shiplap is the more cost-effective of the two. This is due to the wider boards of shiplap and the fact that its simple design makes it easier and quicker to install.

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