How to Choose the Right Type of Drywall (2023)

Home Improvement

Interior Remodel

Drywall

• 01 of 07

  Regular Drywall or White Board

  

  • Best for: Walls and ceilings in most rooms

  Regular drywall (also called white board) is normally white on one side and brown on the other, and as the most common type of drywall used in homes, it's suitable for most rooms. It is made of gypsum, but it does not feature special mold and mildew resistance like other types that are durable in moist areas.

  While regular drywall isn't made for the bathroom or kitchen, it's very common to use in bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and even some basements. This type of drywall is the most affordable option and comes in different sizes ranging in thickness from 3/8 inches to 1inch. Most drywall sizes in homes are 1/2-inch thick. This costs about $12 to $18 per each 4- by 8-foot panel.

  (Video) 5/8" Sheetrock vs 1/2" Sheetrock (Drywall)

• 02 of 07

  Green Board Drywall

  

  • Best for: Bathrooms and kitchens

  Green board drywall, also known as moisture-resistant drywall, has a green covering that makes it more resistant to water than regular drywall. Green board is made of the same materials as regular drywall, but its paper covering is coated in wax. It is also often used as a tile backer in limited wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and utility rooms.

  This type of drywall is not completely waterproof, but rather, it's made to prevent moisture from building up over time in rooms that are exposed to humidity (so don’t use it if it’s going to be in direct contact with water). Thanks to its wax coating, green board is more durable than regular drywall. It's also slightly more expensive, costing about$14 to $18 for 4- by 8-foot panels.

  What Is Greenboard Drywall?

• 03 of 07

  Blue Board Drywall

  

  • Best for: Plaster backing

  Blue board drywall is also known as plaster baseboard, and it's used as a backing for veneer plastering that must be installed on top. The surface paper of blue board has special absorption qualities atop its gypsum interior to look like actual plaster once finished. Blue board drywall is not made for mud, tape, or paint, and veneer plastering requires fewer steps than mudding and taping.

  This type of drywall has high water and mold resistance, and it's especially durable in bathrooms or places with a lot of moisture and helps reduce noise. Blue board costs similar to green board at about $12 to $15 for 4- by 8-foot panels, so it's typically chosen for cosmetic purposes.

• 04 of 07

  Paperless Drywall

  

  • Best for: Long-lasting durability and water resistance

  Paperless drywall is covered with fiberglass instead of paper, which protects the gypsum board from rot and offers even greater resistance to mold and mildew. It's becoming more popular as an alternative to regular drywall, although it does cost significantly more at about $25 to $35 for a 4- by 8-foot panel.

  The quality of paperless drywall board is a little tougher than regular drywall, but some construction pros find it easier to cut. This board has some slight textures that require installers to apply joint compound, which helps achieve a smooth, clean finish.

  Continue to 5 of 7 below.

• 05 of 07

  Purple Drywall

  

  • Best for: Mold and mildew resistance in wet areas

  Purple drywalloffers the same advantages asgreen drywall, but with superior mold and mildew resistance. This type of drywall has a gypsum interior that's coated with 100 percent recycled paper for better durability against water than green drywall.

  It can be used with all wall and ceiling applications and is ideally suited where enhanced moisture and mold resistance are desired. Purple is the best option to use if your drywall is going to be in contact with water. Depending on which type of purple drywall you choose, a 4- by 8-foot panel typically costs between $15 and $60 (high-impact and sound-breaking options are available).

  (Video) How to pick Moisture Resistant Drywall For Bathroom

• 06 of 07

  Type X Drywall

  

  • Best for: Fire resistance

  Type X drywall is a fire-resistant option that contains fiberglass inside its gypsum core. This type of drywall can be installed in several layers to further slow the progression of a fire. Its extra thickness can also improve its soundproofing characteristics.

  To receive the "Type X" designation, a gypsum board must achieve at least a one-hour fire-resistance rating for 5/8-inch board or a 3/4-hour rating for 1/2-inch board in a single layer, nailed on each face of load-bearing wood framing members.

  This drywall is harder to cut and work than regular drywall, and it's normally used in garages and apartment buildings when it is required by building codes. Prices for fire-resistant drywall typically range from $20 to $20 for a 4- by 8-foot panel.
  

  Basics of Fire-Rated Type X or C Drywall

• 07 of 07

  Soundproof Drywall

  

  • Best for: Soundproofing rooms

  Soundproof drywall is composed of laminated drywall made with a mix of wood fibers, gypsum, and polymers increasing the STC (sound transmission class).

  This drywall is denser than regular drywall, so it might be a little harder to cut than other popular options. Due to its soundproofing characteristics, it is used in areas where noise is a problem or when silence is required in a room.

  Tip

  Some soundproof drywall is made with a thin layer of metal sandwiched inside that can further improve sound deadening.

  Soundproof drywall might be used in your family room walls, or if you're a musician, it makes a great option for music rooms. It's typically expensive, costing about $40 to $55 for a 4- by 8-foot panel.