And you thought drywall was drywall. Here’s a look at the good ol’ standby and some of the less common types you may need at some point.
Regular drywall comes in thicknesses from 1/4″ to 1/2″ and ranges in length from 8′ to 16′. It’s 4′ wide, and while you might not believe it after hauling a couple sheets of 8′ up some stairs, this is the lightest drywall. It is not moisture resistant, though it is fire resistant. In some cases you may actually need “fire rated board.”
Fire rated board In cases where the building code requires it, you need to install fire-rated board. Usually, it’s heavier and thicker (5/8″) than conventional drywall, although a thinner version is also available. Some fire-rated board is also moisture resistant, and since the material is quite dense, it resists impact.
Moisture resistant This board is covered in green, water-resistant paper (which provides most of the water resistance), and is perfect for areas around bathtubs and sinks. Often, it’s used as the base for tile in tub surrounds and shower enclosures. It is heavier than regular drywall, and you’ll need to strap the ceiling joists 12″ o.c. to prevent sagging. You can treat cut edges with a water repellent sealant to prevent moisture from wicking in on edges.
Sound resistant A layer of lead on the inside surface helps baffle sound. By installing insulation in the walls, you can really keep things quiet. This drywall is heavy and comes in 1/4″ and 1/2″ thicknesses.
More specialized drywall next time.