While standard drywall itself is often the cheapest material by the square foot (averaging $ 0.50 to $ 1.00 per sq. ft.), it requires expensive tape, mud, and labor. The following materials are cheaper to install or offer superior long-term value depending on your project type:
Plywood for Drywall Alternatives
Plywood emerges as a versatile alternative to drywall that adds both practical value and visual appeal to walls. This engineered wood product combines thin wood sheets (veneers) glued together.
The absolute cheapest wall coverings are standard drywall (for unfinished walls) and peel-and-stick wallpaper or paint (for existing walls). These options minimize material waste and labor costs, typically ranging from $0.30 to $1.50 per square foot depending on the brand and volume.
Drywall alternatives offer unique aesthetics, enhanced durability, or easier installation. Popular options include plywood or OSB for durable utility spaces, PVC panels for waterproof garages, shiplap for rustic charm, and veneer plaster or paintable wallpaper for high-end, textured finishes.
Drywall alternatives like plywood, PVC wall panels, and wood planks provide distinct advantages over traditional drywall. Depending on your needs, you can choose materials that offer higher impact resistance, better moisture control, or a rustic visual appeal without the messy taping, mudding, and sanding.
If you want to skip the traditional drywall finishing—like mudding, taping, and sanding—the top alternative is PVC wall panels (such as Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard). They are lightweight, 100% waterproof, snap together, and don't require painting.
Cover bad walls cheaply by using textured peel-and-stick wallpaper, hanging tapestries or fabric, or applying lightweight PVC wall panels. These options hide dents, cracks, and uneven textures without the high cost of drywall repairs.
Fiber Cement Boards. Fiber cement boards are a strong drywall alternative that offers both durability and design flexibility. These boards blend cement, sand, and cellulose fibers to create a tough building product that works better than regular gypsum boards in many ways.
PVC wall panels are highly practical, budget-friendly, and moisture-resistant, making them an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. While they are easy to install and require minimal maintenance, they can look less premium than tile or wood and may crack under heavy physical impact.
Before the widespread adoption of drywall in the 1940s and 1950s, older houses used a method called lath and plaster. This technique consisted of nailing thin wooden strips (lath) horizontally across wall studs and coating them in thick layers of plaster.
Transforming your walls doesn't have to break the bank. The cheapest, most impactful options include peel-and-stick vinyl wallpaper, large-format wall tapestries, budget-friendly faux wood paneling, or simply applying a fresh coat of paint.
Particle Board (Chipboard)
Particleboard is widely used to make furniture, as well as the construction industry as a cheaper alternative to plywood. It's commonly used for shelves, cabinets, and tabletops, as well as subfloors and wall panels.
Plastic films
Films are the most common and lowest-cost type of covering material. The types of film available are polythene (polyethylene), EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) and PVC (poly-vinyl chloride). With the constant improvements in plastics, these covering materials offer a lot of flexibility and performance options.
The absolute cheapest wall coverings are standard drywall (for unfinished walls) and peel-and-stick wallpaper or paint (for existing walls). These options minimize material waste and labor costs, typically ranging from $0.30 to $1.50 per square foot depending on the brand and volume.
Plywood. Plywood is a great option for unfinished walls, as it's easy to install and doesn't require finishing like drywall. Seriously—you just screw it to the studs and you're done.
Fill in holes and cracks
A joint compound or filler can work here. Fill them in to sit flush with your wall. Don't worry about putting too much filler on; you'll be sanding it down once dried. You can also purchase skim repair fillers which you roll on with a roller, which could work for larger areas.
While PVC wall panels are inexpensive, lightweight, and moisture-resistant, they have significant drawbacks. Their main disadvantages include poor heat resistance, an artificial appearance, low structural durability, and environmental concerns.
Tools & Materials
Material costs for drywall are significantly cheaper upfront (often costing under $200 for a room). However, when you factor in professional labor—such as hanging, taping, mudding, and painting—the total installed cost of PVC wall panels is often cheaper, saving up to 40% to 57% on labor expenses.
Excellent drywall alternatives range from rugged, utilitarian boards to high-end architectural finishes, depending on your space and aesthetic. Top choices include Plywood or OSB for garages/workshops, PVC/Trusscore for fast, waterproof installs, Shiplap/Wood Planks for rustic warmth, and Veneer Plaster for premium luxury.
Quartz. Quartz is a highly water-resistant material, widely preferred by Vanico-Maronyx clients. Its non-porous surface makes it highly resistant to stains and bacterial growth. It does not require sealing and is easy to maintain.
Cover bad walls cheaply by using textured peel-and-stick wallpaper, hanging tapestries or fabric, or applying lightweight PVC wall panels. These options hide dents, cracks, and uneven textures without the high cost of drywall repairs.
Some of the popular ones include:
9 Cheapest Ways to Cover Exterior Walls
Whether you want to add texture, warmth, or a splash of color without the mess of traditional wet paint, there are several stylish ways to transform your space.