Drywall
Definition
Drywall (also called gypsum board, sheetrock, or plasterboard) is the standard interior wall and ceiling finish material in US construction. Standard sheet size is 4 ร 8 feet (also available in 4ร10 and 4ร12). Common thicknesses: 1/2" (standard walls and ceilings), 5/8" (fire-rated and soundproofing), 1/4" (curved walls). Specialty types include moisture-resistant (green board), mold-resistant (purple board), and fire-resistant (Type X). One 4ร8 sheet covers 32 sq ft. Account for 10โ15% waste when estimating. Drywall weighs approximately 1.6โ2.2 lbs per square foot depending on thickness.
Why is Drywall Important?
For homeowners, contractors, and DIY builders across the United States, understanding Drywall is essential to accurate material estimation and cost planning. Whether you are pouring a concrete driveway, framing a deck, or calculating roofing materials, mastering this concept helps prevent costly over-ordering or project delays from material shortages.
Our free construction calculators leverage this concept to provide instant, accurate estimates โ saving hours of manual measurement and arithmetic while ensuring your project stays on budget.
What is Drywall?
Drywall (also called gypsum board, plasterboard, or by the brand name Sheetrockยฎ) is the standard interior wall and ceiling finish material in North American construction. It consists of a gypsum plaster core sandwiched between two sheets of heavy paper. Drywall replaced traditional lath-and-plaster construction in the mid-20th century because it's much faster and cheaper to install.
Drywall Types and Sizes
| Type | Color | Thickness | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | White/Gray | ยฝ" | Standard walls and ceilings |
| Fire-Resistant (Type X) | White/Gray | โ " | Garage walls, furnace rooms, code-required fire ratings |
| Moisture-Resistant | Green | ยฝ", โ " | Bathrooms, kitchens (not direct water contact) |
| Mold-Resistant | Purple | ยฝ", โ " | Bathrooms, basements, high-humidity areas |
| Soundproof | Blue/varies | โ " | Home theaters, bedrooms, noise reduction |
| Flexible | White | ยผ" | Curved walls and arches |
Standard Sheet Sizes
| Size | Area | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4' ร 8' | 32 sq ft | Standard walls, easiest to handle |
| 4' ร 10' | 40 sq ft | Taller walls, fewer seams |
| 4' ร 12' | 48 sq ft | Professional use, 9-ft + ceilings, fewer joints |
| 4' ร 14' | 56 sq ft | Commercial, two-story walls |
| 2' ร 2' (patch) | 4 sq ft | Repair patches |
Drywall Cost Breakdown (2024)
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard ยฝ" sheet (4ร8) | $10โ$18 per sheet |
| Type X โ " sheet (4ร8) | $14โ$22 |
| Moisture-resistant (4ร8) | $14โ$20 |
| Mold-resistant (4ร8) | $16โ$25 |
| Installation (hang, tape, finish) | $1.50โ$3.50 per sq ft |
| Installation (hang only) | $0.75โ$1.50 per sq ft |
Drywall Finishing Levels
| Level | Description | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Level 0 | No finishing at all | Temporary construction, plenum areas |
| Level 1 | Tape set in joint compound | Above ceilings, garage interiors, concealed areas |
| Level 2 | One coat over tape + screws | Substrate for tile, garage walls (if not seen) |
| Level 3 | Two coats, ready for texture | Areas to receive heavy texture |
| Level 4 | Three coats, sanded smooth | Standard for most painted walls |
| Level 5 | Skim coat over entire surface | Critical lighting, gloss/semi-gloss paint, smooth finish |