If you are on this page right now, we know that you are planning to construct your dream home or undertake some sort of renovation work. If not, why else would you be searching for construction materials on Google? While undertaking construction work, it is common to hear phrases like ‘we are going to sheetrock this place’ or ‘let us drywall this room’. People that are not affiliated with construction have no idea what the workers are trying to say. But do not worry because this article will let you know everything there is to know about sheetrock and drywall.
What is Drywall?
It is essentially the material that ensures structural soundness in any construction. It is what holds the walls together and widely used in construction throughout the world. Drywall is gypsum plaster covered with heavy paper. Depending on where you live, it may have other names, including wallboard, greenboard, or plasterboard.
Types of Drywalls
There are various types:
- Standard
It is the cheapest drywall. You can find it easily in all sizes and thicknesses.
- Mold Resistant
It is a little bit expensive than standard drywall. Other than this, instead of paper, it is covered with fiberglass. It helps protect against mold.
- Moisture Resistant
It is ideal for humid places. You can even use it in bathrooms and laundry places.
- Fire Resistant
It is made up of non-combustible fibers to offer protection against fire. Some areas require homes and commercial buildings to be made up of this material.
History of Drywalls
When talking about its history, we must discuss plaster walls vs drywall. Before the invention of drywall, plaster was used in construction. It was frustrating and time-consuming to use plaster. Frankly, not everyone could do it successfully. Resultantly, people started growing tired of plaster walls. In 1894, Augustine Sackett introduced the drywall, and the world has never looked back since. The drywalls were easy to fit, requiring no prior expense. Unlike plaster, they did not take time to dry, and construction work could proceed quickly. On top of everything, drywall was cheaper to manufacture and buy. So, the next time someone asks you about plaster walls vs. drywall, you will know the answer.
Difference between Drywell Vs Sheetrock
Now, you might be thinking that we have so far only discussed drywall, and there is no information on Sheetrock. The reason we are not talking about Sheetrock is that it is the same as drywall. The only difference is that Sheetrock® is a trademarked brand of drywall. It is manufactured by the United States Gypsum Corporation, commonly known as USG Corporation.
Therefore, the difference between Sheetrock and drywall is that the former is trademarked, while the latter is a generic name. Only the USG Corporation is allowed to call drywall Sheetrock. Therefore, the next time someone asks is there a difference between Sheetrock and drywall; you know the answer.
Sheetrock vs Drywall Price
As we said earlier, sheetrock and drywall are effectively the same things, and there is no difference. Therefore, they are priced similarly. A standard sheetrock or drywall board will cost around $12-$15. Obviously, you will require a lot more than a single sheet. In some areas, you will need to consider the building bylaws and other conditions. In other words, you might need to purchase fire-resistant or mold-resistant sheets, which are expensive than the standard ones.
Irrespective of where you plan to use it, you would need to measure the area’s dimensions. Once you calculate the dimensions, it will help you know how much drywall you require. If you are confused, you can consult with people affiliated with construction or the place from where you are buying the Sheetrock.
You can buy drywall at Home Depot or other similar stores. We recommend that you only buy them from reliable shops to avoid fraud. There have been instances where people opted for cheaper alternatives only to find that the drywall is no use. That’s everything there is to know about Sheetrock vs drywall price. Let us move ahead.
Drywall vs Sheetrock – Pros & Cons
If you are planning to use drywall, you need to understand the pros and cons.
The biggest benefit of using drywall is efficiency. You can install it in a matter of days, whereas plaster walls would take weeks or even months. The second benefit is their fire resistance because of the water crystallization in gypsum. Thirdly, they provide insulation which can save you considerable money.
The downside is that drywalls are susceptible to water damage. If water or moisture finds its way into the drywall, you will end up with a mold problem. It is costly and frustrating to fix it. In some cases, you will need to replace the drywall entirely. Some drywalls emit sulfur which is smelly and impacts overall health.
However, the sulfur problem is only seen in drywalls made with low-quality material. Therefore, only buy drywalls from reliable sellers. Sheetrock is one of the most widely recognized names in this industry. Therefore, you may opt for it as it is not pricey and offers a warranty.
Drywall Thickness
We have discussed all aspects of drywall except thickness. Drywall comes in varying thicknesses.
¼ inch is ideal for basements. You can also use it in walls that do not require thick reinforcement.
¾ inch is perfect for bathrooms. Other than bathrooms, you might not need to use them elsewhere in the building.
½ inch is used everywhere in the house. It is durable, offers resistance against fire, mold, and various other things.
The standard drywall board is also ½ inch, measuring 4 feet by 8 feet wide. Many stores allow custom-built drywalls. However, you will have to pay more for them. If budget is not an issue, you can opt for custom-built instead of playing around with the standard drywalls.
Drywall Alternatives
If you do not want to opt for drywall in your home or building, alternatives are also available.
Wood Planks
They are the most widely used alternative to drywalls. They add to the beauty and require little to no maintenance at all. The best thing is that they are cheap, offering a cost-effective solution. If you are looking for a modern interior, wood planks are not the best option. Wood planks are ideal for a classic or country-style look.
Plastic Panels
They are easy to install and remove. Secondly, they are easy to clean and resistant to mold. The downside is that the worth-buying plastic panels are the same price as drywalls.
Veneer Plaster
It is a better alternative for drywalls. They are harder and durable. The downside is that it is challenging to find people that have the skills to apply veneer plaster.
Stone or Brick
It is an expensive option but the most durable. Depending on your style sense, you can use stone or brick walls to bring the best out of your place.
Wrap Up
I hope you’ve understood the drywall vs sheetrock difference. If you have any questions in mind regarding drywalls, let us know. Our professionals will get back to you with a detailed answer. If you are facing issues installing drywalls, we recommend that you contact a construction company. Although it will increase your cost, you can rest assured that the work will be done satisfactorily. Thank You.
