Home Improvement Interior Remodel Walls & Ceilings Drywall

7 Different Types of Drywall and How to Choose One

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Drywall is a popular building material made from gypsum that is used to form the flat surfaces of walls and ceilings in most modern homes. Also known as wallboard, plasterboard, gypsum board, or Sheetrock (a popular brand name by U.S. Gypsum Corporation), drywall is a convenient alternative to plaster. Depending on the place it will be installed, there are several different types of drywall that you can choose from. There is also an ECO board made from recycled material to create drywall that looks like concrete.

Different types of drywall boards stacked on each other

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

One important advantage that drywall offers is the presence of tapered edges on the long sides of drywall sheets. When joined together, these edges form a shallow recess for drywall tape and joint compound that allows for invisible finished joints. The different drywall options are often known by their color, and it's important to choose the right type for your project.

Below, learn about seven different types of drywall and their uses for projects at home.

What Is Drywall Made Of?

Most types of drywall are constructed out of gypsum, which is then sandwiched between two sheets of thick paper. Special coatings and additives can be included to make the drywall soundproof, fireproof, rot-resistant, moisture-resistant, or mold-resistant.

Types of Drywall

  • 01 of 07

    Regular Drywall or White Board

    Regular drywall board corner

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    • 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 1 inch. Most drywall sizes in homes are 1/2-inch thick. This costs about $12 to $18 per each 4- by 8-foot panel.

  • 02 of 07

    Greenboard Drywall

    Green board drywall corner

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    • Best for: Bathrooms and kitchens 

    Greenboard drywall, also known as moisture-resistant drywall, has a green covering that makes it more resistant to water than regular drywall. Greenboard 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, greenboard is more durable than regular drywall. It's also slightly more expensive, costing about $14 to $18 for 4- by 8-foot panels.

  • 03 of 07

    Blue Board Drywall

    Blue board drywall corner

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    • 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 greenboard at about $12 to $15 for 4- by 8-foot panels, so it's typically chosen for cosmetic purposes.

  • 04 of 07

    Paperless Drywall

    Paperless drywall board corner

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    • 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

    Purple drywall board corner

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    • Best for: Mold and mildew resistance in wet areas

    Purple drywall offers the same advantages as green 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).

  • 06 of 07

    Type X Drywall

    Type X drywall board corner

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    • 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 a 5/8-inch board or a 3/4-hour rating for a 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 with 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 $30 for a 4- by 8-foot panel.

  • 07 of 07

    Soundproof Drywall

    Soundproof drywall board corner

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    • 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 have 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.

Choosing Drywall

When it comes to choosing the right type of drywall for your home, consider its use and the room it will be installed in. For example, most living rooms and bedrooms are suitable for regular drywall, but bathrooms and kitchens should have moisture-resistant options like greenboard. Purple drywall may be necessary in bathrooms that see considerable amounts of water around the shower walls.

Additionally, most building codes require Type X drywall to be used in garages and walls that separate two living spaces (such as shared walls in apartments, condos, and townhouses). This is an important step to help slow the spread of potential fires.

If you're still unsure which type of drywall you need, it's best to consult a professional contractor. Hiring a drywaller in your area is a great way to determine the best option for your home's specific needs.

FAQ
  • What is the difference between drywall and sheetrock?

    Drywall is the generic name of a material made of gypsum. Sheetrock is the name of a popular drywall brand made by U.S. Gypsum Corporation and also made of gypsum.

  • Why is it called drywall?

    Drywall is installed without using water. This is unlike plaster, which requires installers to wait for it to dry between adding on layers.

  • Can you paint over drywall?

    Yes, but do not paint directly over drywall. New, previously unpainted drywall needs to be primed before it is painted. Unprimed drywall will soak up an excessive amount of paint.

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  1. Drywall Price Chart for 12 Types of Drywall. HomeAdvisor.

  2. Mold Course Chapter 1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.