What Is Drywall?
By: Herbert Romaro
Drywall (also called wallboard, gypsum
board, and plasterboard) is an economical building material usually used to face
walls and ceiling inside structures. Composed primarily of gypsum rock stretched
out in a flat sheet between two pieces of thin board (or heavy paper, as some
say), drywall is low-budget and easy to install—two reasons why it’s the most
commonly used interior building material throughout the world!
Forms of Drywall
White board—regular. This form of drywall looks appealing, is the cheapest,
and is used for those who need either a quick-fix or wish for a nice appearance
at a very cheap price.
Fire-resistive ("Type X") – A bit more expensive,
for obvious reasons. This form of drywall holds up better, although it
has its drawbacks as well.
Green Board—washrooms and other high-humidity
areas. This form of drywall presumably absorbs moisture well.
Drywall Specifications and Types
The standard cut for drywall in the United States and Canada is 4 feet (1220
mm) wide and eight feet (2440 mm) long, although these sheets can be custom
cut to exact-fit the specifications and dimensions of any home. Some industrial
sheets are cut at 16 feet (4880 mm). The standard measurements for drywall in
other countries are slightly different: 1200 mm wide and 2400 long, although that
varies.
Thickness varies, too. Typically, drywall is from one-half
inch (12mm, 12.5 mm, or 12.7 mm) to one inch (25 mm), but it slightly differs
in every country, depending on that country’s building regulations and system
of measurement.
The United States and Canada together possess the
greatest number of gypsum board users in the world. The gypsum board (drywall)
market is booming and continues to rise. This is probably due to increased real
estate and the fact that “an average American home contains seven metric tons
of gypsum” (U.S. Geological Survey), which offers the possibility that drywall
might contribute to the increase in home value.
Drywall is the material
for all seasons. This material provides protection and lightweight support
and adds an attractive appeal to the home.
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