The "best" drywall depends on the room and function. Generally, 1/2-inch lightweight gypsum board (e.g., UltraLight) is the standard for most walls. For areas like ceilings, bathrooms, or garages, you should use specialized boards.
How to Choose a Drywall Thickness
Homes predominantly use 1/2-inch regular drywall (also known as whiteboard or Sheetrock) for standard interior walls, while 5/8-inch drywall is used for ceilings to prevent sagging.
Whether 5/8" drywall is "better" depends on your project goals, but generally, 5/8" offers superior fire resistance, better soundproofing, and higher durability. Standard 1/2" is more common, lightweight, and affordable, making it ideal for standard walls and standard builder-grade projects.
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.
The standard drywall thickness for most interior walls in standard residential homes is 12one-half12 inch. However, the ideal thickness depends on your specific application, fire codes, and framing structure.
To achieve a 2-hour fire rating, you typically need two layers of 58five-eighths𝟓𝟖 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.
Yes, purple drywall (often called PURPLE®) is generally better than green drywall (greenboard) for high-moisture areas. Purple board offers superior moisture, mold, and mildew resistance, plus enhanced durability (dents/scratches), making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Among these levels, Level 5 drywall finish stands out as the pinnacle of perfection, boasting an immaculate, ultra-smooth surface. We recommend a level 5 finish to all our clients, as it is always worth the extra steps to have all surfaces match the quality of the rest of your luxury residence.
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.
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.
Mold-resistant drywall is typically purple or green.
There is no functional difference. Drywall is the generic term for the building material used to make interior walls and ceilings. Sheetrock is a highly popular, trademarked brand of drywall manufactured by the USG Corporation.
Advantages of Working with a Contractor
For a small-scale installation, hanging drywall yourself might be more cost-effective. But as your project grows, you will benefit more from hiring a contractor.
Common Signs of a Bad Drywall Job
The lighter-colored, smooth, and often off-white or light-gray paper side faces out toward the room. The darker side, which is typically brown, rougher, or textured with printed grid lines, faces inward toward the wall studs.
Blue drywall, commonly known as "blue board," is specifically designed as a base for veneer plaster rather than traditional joint taping. Its specially treated, highly absorbent surface paper creates a strong bond with plaster. It provides excellent mold and moisture resistance, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
Greenboard drywall isn't designed to line the inside of showers or for use in environments exposed to outdoor weather. It's the type of material that you want to use down in your basement or another part of your home that's exposed to more humidity and moisture in the air.
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).
Waiting times between drywall coats depend entirely on the type of joint compound you are using. To determine your dry times, check the bucket or bag for your specific product type:
Installing double drywall involves adding a second layer of drywall (or Sheetrock) over an existing layer or directly onto studs. Builders and contractors use this technique primarily to achieve superior soundproofing, enhance fire safety, and improve structural stability in specific construction areas.
Thicker drywall makes almost no difference for temperature insulation. Standard 1/2-inch drywall has a thermal resistance of roughly 𝑅−0.45, while thicker 5/8-inch drywall only bumps this up slightly to about 𝑅−0.55. By comparison, a standard fiberglass wall batt is typically 𝑅−13 or higher.
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.
The total cost to drywall a 12x12 ceiling (144 square feet) ranges from $350 to $800 when professionally installed. For a strict DIY project with basic materials, expect to spend between $70 and $150.