What is the highest grade of drywall?

Author: Amira Dach  |  Last update: Sunday, August 24, 2025

Level 5. At a Level 5 finish, the drywall has a smooth, uniform surface that looks great under any intense lighting, harsh shadows or high-gloss paint, and your fasteners have essentially no chance of showing through the paint. It's the ultimate in drywall finishing.

What is the strongest drywall?

Type X or Fire Code drywall has tiny fiber glass strands in it making it stronger and better to withstand fires. It is also just plain stronger. Regular drywall is just the old standard stuff with the unreinforced gypsum core.

What's the difference between level 4 and level 5?

Level 4 A standard 3 coat tape job for painted surfaces that are not to be coated with gloss, semi-loss or enamel or where shinny wall covering will not be used. Level 5 is a level 4 tape job with one thin coat of compound spread over the surface to minimize texture and even out the surface for shinier finishes.

What is a Level 4 drywall finish?

A Level 4 drywall finish is characterized by tape embedded in joint compound over all flat joints and interior angles, followed by two more coats of joint compound on flat joints and one separate coat over interior angles.

How much does Level 5 drywall cost?

Level 5. Level 5 drywall finish consists of two coats of joint compound on tape, a fine coat over the walls, and three coats on screw fittings. This costs between $1.75 and $3.50 per square foot.

18 Types of Drywall Explained | DIY For Beginners

Is level 5 drywall worth it?

While a Level 5 finish is not an absolute requirement, it serves as an excellent choice for those aiming to achieve a professional and refined look in their residential or commercial space. This finish is particularly well-suited for areas where drywall will remain exposed, such as in luxury homes or upscale offices.

What is the most expensive drywall finish?

Drywall Finish Level 5. The highest drywall finish level is the most expensive and only recommended for specific areas with angled or low lighting that highlight bumps and depressions in gloss, enamel, or non-textured flat paints.

How many coats for level 5?

How Many Coats for Level 5 Finish? For a Level 5 finish, two to three coats of joint compound are typically applied and sanded between each coat. This process helps to ensure a smooth, seamless surface that is free of blemishes or imperfections.

What are the 5 levels of drywall?

The Levels of Finish are:
  • Level 0: No taping, finishing, or accessories required. ...
  • Level 1: Joint tape exposed, bare fasteners. ...
  • Level 2: Joint tape embedded, one coat on fasteners. ...
  • Level 3: One coat atop embedded joint tape, two coats on fasteners. ...
  • Level 4: Two coats atop embedded joint tape, three coats on fasteners.

What is a level 5 plaster finish?

A level 5 plastering finish involves all the same processes as Level 4 but with a layer of joint compound is applied to the entire wall or ceiling. This is then sanded and, if required, another application may be applied.

What is level 4 equivalent to?

Level 4 is the equivalent to the first year of a Bachelor's Degree programme. The Level 4 course is made up of 10 modules and 8 assignments, which are equivalent to 120 university credits.

Is a level 5 good?

Level 5 certificate

They're widely accepted by employers or admissions officers for further education courses as they display a broad knowledge of a particular area.

What is level 4 plastering?

Level 4 is the generally accepted level of finish for domestic construction. Joints are to follow a three coat system, consisting of; a tape coat plus two subsequent coats applied over the tape coat and fastener heads. All joint compounds should be sanded to a smooth finish free of tool marks and ridges.

What is the highest drywall finish?

Level 5. At a Level 5 finish, the drywall has a smooth, uniform surface that looks great under any intense lighting, harsh shadows or high-gloss paint, and your fasteners have essentially no chance of showing through the paint. It's the ultimate in drywall finishing.

What is better than drywall?

PVC has so many advantages compared to drywall or other wall coverings. Vinyl panels have a 100-year shelf life, whereas drywall lasts approximately 30-40 years. Duramax Panels are ASTM-certified, CFIA-certified and FDA-compliant. PVC panels are impact-resistant, whereas drywall is prone to damage.

How can I make my drywall stronger?

  1. Add another layer to the existing drywall. ...
  2. On a new wall Use 5/8″ or even 3/4″ drywall. ...
  3. Build the wall with the studs closer together, maybe 12"oc.
  4. Use standard 16″oc spacing for the studs but add horizontal blocks between the studs.

Are there grades of drywall?

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).

Can I paint over level 2 drywall?

As mentioned, the drywall in your garage likely has a Level 2 finish. Painting directly over that will expose the taping and screws in the wall. Most customers find this acceptable since it's the garage and they are just looking to clean up the look by making everything the same color.

Does drywall need to be taped for fire rated?

But there's actually no requirement that the drywall be taped. However, I agree with your inspector that it should be done as good practice. But there's no such thing as “fire tape”, at least not that I'm aware of. Just use ordinary drywall tape and mud at all the drywall joints.

What is a Level 5 jacket?

The level 5 is a water resistant jacket that's breathable and designed for intense activity.

What is the most commonly used drywall?

Regular drywall, often called white board, is the most common type used in ceilings and walls in homes and commercial projects. The most common thickness for residential use is ½ inch. The most common drywall sheet size is 4' x 8', but it's also available in lengths up to 16' for high ceilings.

How much does it cost to drywall a 12x12 room?

The average cost to install drywall is between $1.60 and $2.35 per square foot. For a typical 12′ x 12′ room with a wall height of 8′, the average price is around $815 for just the walls, or a total of $903 if including the ceiling drywall.

Is a glass wall cheaper than drywall?

As well as offering a sleek and modern aesthetic, glass walls are costly in terms of materials, installation, and maintenance. Compared to drywall partitions, drywall partitions provide better insulation, require less maintenance, and have lower repair costs.

Previous article
How to clean clothes without washing?
Next article
Where should butter be stored in the fridge?