Drywall offers a smooth wall surface.
To the untrained eye, drywall is just large panels that install over the wall studs and ceiling joists to provide a smooth interior surface. However, different types of drywall contain special properties that are beneficial in certain circumstances. In some cases, local building codes require the installation of a specific type of drywall panel.
Standard Drywall
Standard drywall comes in 4-foot wide sheets that are 8-, 10-, 12-, or 14-feet long. Standard drywall thicknesses ranges from 1/4-inch up to 5/8-inch. Because some newer homes are building taller, 9-foot walls, as opposed to the traditional 8-foot high walls, drywall manufacturers now make standard drywall panels in 54-inch width. When installed horizontally, two 54-inch panels cover a 9-foot wall.
Fire-Rated Drywall
Regular drywall is fire resistant to some extent, due to an approximate 20 percent moisture content and gypsum's natural fire-retardant ability. Two types of fire-rated drywall, Type C and Type X, offer even more fire-resistance, because the panels contain glass fibers and chemicals.
Drywall for Moisture Prone Areas
When regular drywall gets wet, it can crumble or mold can form on the surface. Moisture-resistant "greenboard" is beneficial in areas of high humidity such as bathrooms, basements and kitchens.
When the moisture problems exceed just high humidity, you can install mold-resistant drywall that includes mildew-resistant chemicals.
Special Drywall Effects
You're not out of luck if you want a curved wall. Flexible drywall, commonly called "flex rock," is 1/4-inch thick and forms to curved walls. During installation, you may dampen the drywall for easier bending.
In areas that receive a lot of impact abuse, such as a basketball gymnasium, abuse-resistant drywall panels are available. The panels are available in 1/2- and 5/8-inch thicknesses and standard panel lengths..
Drywall isn't limited to panels. You can purchase decorative drywall corner treatments, vinyl-coated drywall ceiling cove and prefabricated arches to finish out special architectural designs.
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