What is cheaper than drywall?

Author: Julie Gusikowski  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 1, 2026

However, depending on your space's needs, drywall alternatives like plywood, plaster, shiplap, and more can be a better solution. Whether you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, an easier installation, or you're simply after a unique aesthetic, we've got 21 drywall alternatives to try for unfinished walls.

Is there something cheaper than drywall?

The only thing possibly cheaper than drywall would be MDF panelling. It's available in faux v-groove or faux beadboard.

What is the cheapest way to do interior walls?

Drywalls are relatively easy to install which is always a good thing in a major renovation or remodeling project. It's also fire resistant which means that it is hard to damage with heat. It is also one of the more inexpensive options for interior walls.

What is the cheapest thing to use for walls?

Bamboo is the cheapest wall paneling option.

What can I use instead of drywall?

Gypsum board, with moisture-resistant options, remains a practical alternative. Metal panels, concrete panels, and even unconventional materials like straw bales are embraced for their durability, fire resistance, and distinct visual impact.

The Cost of Wood Walls vs Drywall - $$$

What is the new alternative to drywall?

PVC panels are impact-resistant, whereas drywall is prone to damage. Drywall contributes to landfill waste, decomposing into a pungent-smelling hydrogen sulfide gas. On the other hand, PVC panels are eco-friendly, have a low carbon footprint and can be recycled several times.

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 is the cheapest option to cover a wall?

Opt for Laminate Panels

For a more sleek aesthetic, laminate wall panels may be a better option for you. These panels come in a variety of styles from natural wood to solid colors. They are known for being cost-effective, lightweight, and easy to clean.

Is it cheaper to do paneling or drywall?

While it primarily depends on lumber costs, presently, wood paneling costs more than drywall.

Is plywood cheaper than 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.

Are PVC panels cheaper than drywall?

PVC panels cost more up front than sheets of drywall, but drywall installation costs are higher because it's a more labor-intensive process.

What did they use before drywall?

Before drywall existed, walls were constructed with a time-consuming process referred to as lath and plaster. This usually involved nailing up many thin strips of wood to the wooden structure of a house, to make up walls and ceilings.

What is a fireproof alternative to drywall?

While drywall remains a widely used fire protection material, DC315 fire-retardant paint offers several advantages, particularly when applied over spray foam insulation. Its cost-effectiveness, seamless application, lighter weight, and superior performance in irregular spaces make it a better alternative to drywall.

What do old houses have instead of drywall?

Age of the home: Houses built before 1950 are more likely to have plaster walls. Wall thickness: Plaster walls are typically thicker than drywall. Hardness: Plaster is harder than drywall when you press on it.

What is the cheapest way to build interior walls?

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.

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.

What are Wahoo walls?

Wahoo Walls are made of non-organic materials that are unharmed by water and do not support the growth of mold. Made of JetBoard brand Magnesium Oxide adhered to an Integrity EPS by Atlas R-13 panel that is rated R-15/16 when used continuously without studs. These durable solid walls are fast and easy to install.

Is it cheaper to do a drop ceiling or drywall?

In terms of drop ceiling versus drywall costs, drywall costs less overall. On average, drywall installation costs between $1.50 and $3.00 per square foot, while a drop ceiling costs $2.00 to $5.00 per square foot. Prices can vary based on factors like location, complexity of installation, and materials used.

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.

Is there a substitute for drywall?

Plaster & Lath

If you are looking for a more traditional alternative to drywall, this might be your choice. Plaster and lath installation is much more labor and time-intensive than drywall, but it does have its many upsides.

What is the new trend instead of shiplap?

Faux-brick paneling may be a great shiplap alternative for you. It is better for renters as it is easy to install (just peel and stick) and easy to take down without damaging the wall underneath. Faux-brick paneling can be an easy DIY, saving you the costs of installation.

Is beadboard cheaper than drywall?

Beadboard and veneer plaster are stylish options. They cost more than basic drywall but add visual appeal.

What looks like shiplap but is cheaper?

5 Alternative Materials for Shiplap Ceilings
  • Beadboard. Beadboard is a type of paneling made from narrow boards or panels with a series of evenly spaced, convex-shaped beads or grooves along one edge of each board. ...
  • PVC Panels. ...
  • Tongue and Groove Paneling. ...
  • Wood Look-Alike Panels. ...
  • Painted Plywood or MDF Panels.

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