Finishing phase of standard drywall installation.
The terms "wall board", "wallboard", "drywall", and "gypsum board" all refer to gypsum-based, interior wall coverings with which many homeowners and do-it-yourselfers are familiar. Yet, wall board isn't a one-size-fits-all product; varieties of wall board exist for specific purposes, such as slowing the spread of fire or preventing the growth of mold and mildew. Discover the applications of the different types of wall board, understand their similarities and differences and you can choose the right type for your project.
Standard Gypsum Board
Mined gypsum is crushed, ground to a powder and baked. The baked gypsum combines with water to form a slurry that manufacturers form into paper-covered boards, also called "sheets". The thickness of a sheet's gypsum core determines its application; 1/4-inch- and 1/2-inch-thick gypsum boards are used as standard, general-purpose interior wall coverings. 1/4-inch thick drywall remains less popular than 1/2-inch due to its relative weakness and the code restrictions of many municipalities. Standard sheet dimensions are 4-feet by 8-feet and 4-feet by 12-feet. The smaller size may be handled by a single laborer while the larger generally requires two. Although rarely offered by common building materials vendors, gypsum boards appear in 4 by 10, 4 by 14 and 4 by 16-feet sizes.
Moisture Resistant Gypsum Board
Moisture resistant gypsum board primarily serves as a base for the application of tile in bathrooms, kitchen and washrooms. Moisture resistant gypsum board's paper is green on one side and building industry professionals often refer to it as "green board". The paper of green board is formulated to repel water and the gypsum core to resist water.
Fire Resistant Gypsum Board
Gypsum board 5/8-inches thick is generally referred to as "fire code" wall board. The increased thickness of the board increases the standard gypsum core's inherent fire resistance. A special formula, called "type X" core, provides additional resistance to fire. Some municipalities require fire resistant drywall for garages; the intent being to halt the spread of flame from the garage to the primary place of dwelling. In addition to increased fire resistance, thicker gypsum boards, such as 5/8-inch and 3/4-inch, provide greater impact resistance and durability.
Foil Backed Gypsum Board
Foil backed gypsum wall board creates a vapor barrier between a wall cavity and a structure's interior space. The exposed side of this type of wall board features regular drywall paper while the concealed side has a foil covering that retards the entry of moisture as vapor. Air-conditioned buildings and areas that experience high humidity benefit from foil-backed gypsum board.
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