How to Choose the Right Drywall for Every Room
To choose the right drywall for every room, consider the room's moisture level, fire rating, sound control, and functionality. Consider the purpose and functionality of the room in selecting the appropriate drywall for it. Bathrooms and kitchens require drywall that can withstand high humidity. Living rooms and bedrooms may need soundproof or fire-resistant drywall.
Understanding the different types of drywall will save you time and costs down the line. Homeowners who match the drywall to the space set the foundation for long-lasting results and peace of mind. This guide walks through the most important considerations for each room, so you can make informed decisions in your future drywall projects.
Different Types of Drywall
Drywall comes in several varieties. Each is engineered for specific environments, needs, and building codes. Factors such as moisture, fire risk, sound transmission, and finish greatly influence which type is best for any given space.
Standard Drywall Panels
Standard drywall panels, also called "regular" or "whiteboard" drywall, are the most commonly used option for interior walls and ceilings. They have a gypsum core with a paper facing and are available in several thicknesses: 1/2 inch for residential walls and 5/8 inch for ceilings.
Standard drywall panels are suitable for living rooms, hallways, bedrooms, and other low-humidity rooms. They are not designed to resist moisture or fire. Instead, it's a cost-effective option for those who want a smooth-finished wall. Choose standard panels if you're looking for durability, practicality, and ease of installation.
Moisture-Resistant Drywall
Moisture-resistant drywall, sometimes called MR board or greenboard, features specially treated paper and a core designed to resist water absorption. This formulation reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth compared to standard drywall.
Moisture-resistant drywall is best suited for areas with occasional humidity such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and utility spaces. However, it is not fully waterproof and should not be used for shower enclosures or areas with persistent direct exposure to water. Always install a proper vapor barrier in high-moisture environments for additional protection.
Fire-Resistant Drywall
Fire-resistant drywall, often referred to as Type X or Type C, incorporates glass fibers and other additives in the gypsum to improve its fire performance. Type X drywall typically comes in 5/8-inch thickness, providing a one-hour fire rating when installed properly.
Fire-resistant drywall is required by building codes in certain locations, including attached garages, furnace rooms, stairwells, and between dwelling units in multi-family buildings. Installing this drywall helps slow the spread of flames and offers vital extra time for evacuation. It does not make a room completely fireproof, but it significantly enhances building fire safety.
Soundproof Drywall
Soundproof drywall uses special layers, viscoelastic polymers, or dense materials to minimize sound transmission through walls and ceilings. These panels are designed to improve acoustic privacy between rooms, an important consideration in multi-family housing, offices, home theaters, and bedrooms for light sleepers.
Common construction features may include laminated gypsum panels, extra mass, or damping layers between sheets. While soundproof drywall is more expensive and heavier than standard types, it can make a significant difference in reducing unwanted noise. For best results, it should be paired with proper insulation and acoustic caulking.
Green Board Drywall
Greenboard drywall has a green-tinted, water-resistant paper facing and a core treated to better withstand moisture than regular drywall. Its enhanced resistance to damp conditions makes it a traditional choice for areas like bathrooms, utility rooms, and kitchens.
Greenboard is not meant for areas with constant wetness such as shower stalls. It can be used as a tile backer in bathroom spaces that do not come into direct contact with water. When selecting drywall for humid or damp environments, ensure that greenboard meets the minimum requirements for your specific project and local building codes.
Paperless Drywall
Paperless drywall eliminates the traditional paper facing, instead using a fiberglass mat that covers the gypsum core. This makes the panels highly resistant to mold, mildew, and moisture, even in challenging environments.
Paperless drywall is ideal for basements, bathrooms, commercial kitchens, and other areas where mold growth is a concern. The fiberglass surface is more durable but can be slightly rougher to finish, often requiring extra joint compound for a smooth appearance. Its increased resilience makes paperless drywall a preferred choice for long-term protection in moisture-prone locations.
Choosing Drywalls for Specific Rooms
Living Room and Bedroom
Standard drywall, also called whiteboard, meets the needs of most living rooms and bedrooms. It is cost-effective, easy to install, and sufficient for areas with stable humidity and temperature. Thickness options such as 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch are popular since they offer durability without adding unnecessary weight.
Some homeowners choose soundproof drywall in bedrooms to reduce noise transfer, especially for shared walls or in multi-family homes. Sound-dampening options are available, featuring specialized cores or additional layers.
Kitchen and Bathroom Needs
Kitchens and bathrooms face higher moisture levels than other rooms. Moisture-resistant drywall, often called greenboard, is essential for these spaces. This type uses a treated core and paper facing to repel water, lowering the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Behind showers and tubs, cement board or fiberglass-reinforced drywall may be recommended, as they perform better with direct water exposure. Always identify areas receiving direct splashes: use true waterproof options in these cases.
For fire safety, fire-rated, also known as Type X drywall, may be required for certain kitchen walls, especially those adjacent to stoves or ranges. Prioritize products with mildew resistance for longer-lasting installations in humid environments.
Basement and Garage
Basements are prone to moisture and even occasional flooding, while garages present unique fire hazards. Mold- and moisture-resistant drywall is best for most basement installations.
Blue board drywall, often used with veneer plaster, offers added mold resistance and improved finish in damp environments.
Garages connected to living spaces must have fire-resistant drywall, such as 5/8-inch Type X. This is often required by code to help slow fire spread between areas.
Basements can also benefit from soundproof drywall if they double as living or entertainment spaces. For utility areas, durability and impact resistance matter more than finish quality. Evaluate these needs before purchasing.