We talk about drywall and think there’s only one type. But there are actually plenty. Although this is a substantial building material, our mood becomes playful by the colored drywall names. So if you hear someone speak of green or blue drywall, pay attention. On the other hand, if you hear people talk about Sheetrock, gypsum board, wallboard, or plaster board, keep in mind that they are all different names for drywall.

Why is it important to choose the right drywall type?

You might opt for the same drywall finishing no matter which gypsum board you choose but selecting the right type depends on application. What makes drywall types different is their construction and thus resistance. Some are thicker than others and some are more resilient to fire and water. Such things play a big role when you are trying to choose. You don’t want the wrong drywall in your bathroom. And that’s why asking the assistance of a local drywall contractor is always advisable. With that said, let’s take a quick look at the most common drywall types.

• The most commonly used drywall is white & brown. It might be 3/8” to 1” thick and is available in 4×8 panels. This is the simplest and most frugal choice.
• If you want a slightly more resistant drywall, choose green wallboards. They are not water-proof but will do okay in the laundry room or kitchen.
• Blue options are excellent for veneer drywall plastering and have an even higher resilience to moisture and mold as well as sound insulation properties.
• If mold and moisture resistance is your objective, you should also consider purple drywall. Consider purple drywall installation not just for the wall but also the ceiling.
• If you want to avoid paper drywall altogether, you can find fiberglass types. These are excellent choices when rotting and mold are issues. But since the material is slightly different and harder to work on, you need to find a qualified drywall company.
• Some drywall types are made of gypsum, wood fibers, and polymers and hence make the material ideal for sound isolation. So, if you want silence, that’s your option.
• One of the most popular types is the so-called X type. It’s thick and constructed with non-combustible fibers which make it fire resistant.

Why you should focus on drywall fire and water resistance

Although some cracks here and some holes there can be fixed with drywall repair, we wouldn’t say the same with complete damage. In bathrooms, basements, kitchens and all environments where moisture can become an issue, you need to choose resistant drywall to avoid damage or mold infestations.

One of the biggest concerns with drywall is fire damage. Tests have shown that regular drywall will be ashes within 10 to 12 minutes. Gypsum boards contain water which turns into steam during a fire and thus control the flames for a few minutes. 5/8” boards can resist fire up to 15 minutes. But X type drywall is reinforced with glass fibers, which increase the time of resistance up to 45 minutes. Lately, a C type drywall is used and has proven to be even more resistant due to its ingredients. So if you are about to install drywall, don’t take the project lightheartedly. Consult with a drywall service company to get the right type for each room.