How thick is drywall?  Instructions for drywall size (length and height included)

How thick is drywall? This article is a guide to the different types of drywall and their thickness.

Drywall was first patented by Augustine Sackett in 1894 and was originally known as the Sackett Board. It was developed to replace plaster as a labor-saving material. The US Gypsum Company acquired the Sackett invention in 1909 and remains the largest manufacturer of drywall panels in North America.

Drywall is economical and easy to install, and its flat, white, clean appearance makes it ideal for ceiling and wall coverings in residential construction. More than 96% of new and modern homes have drywall work, although homeowners rarely think about their interior walls or ceilings.

You get a large selection of drywall sheets and materials also vary in thickness and material quality. If you are installing drywall or want to hire a contractor, you can choose between tapered or square edges, as well as properties such as fire resistance, moisture resistance, etc.

You get different drywall sizes and drywall dimensions and thicknesses, whereby some types are therefore more suitable depending on the intended use. It is therefore important that you understand drywall sizes and their uses.

Types of drywall

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Image source: dSPACE Studio Ltd, AIA

A standard drywall is well suited for the conversion of residential buildings and basements. It does not contain any interesting features and is used for ceilings and interior walls.

Square

Image source: dSPACE Studio Ltd, AIA

Sizes of drywall with a square edge are used for ceilings and walls that will be plastered. It is standard drywall with panels that meet.

Conical

Drywall with tapered edges is used to finish walls with tapered ends that allow compound fillers between the gaps.

Moisture resistant

Moisture-resistant drywall is also known as cement and green panels. These types of drywall prevent moisture absorption because they are treated with a cover and paperless pad that are better than traditional drywall, especially when used in rooms such as bathrooms. It is a breathable wall that is used in the kitchen as well as in utility rooms, basements and washrooms and often also serves as a tile holder in these areas. The best types are GP Green Board, National Gypsum and American Gypsum.

Film backing

Foil-back doesn’t offer as much moisture resistance as discussed above when compared to actual moisture-proof panels. However, it is suitable for areas with less moisture, but more suitable for colder temperatures.

Mold resistant

Board options for mold resistance include American Gypsum (M-Bloc), National Gypsum (XP), and USG, called MoldTough. These types use special coatings and a paperless backing that better prevent mold. It significantly reduces mold and extends the appearance and lifespan of surfaces.

Resistant to abuse

You want drywall in a garage that can withstand abuse, and here you get drywall with a layer of polystyrene bonded to the non-decorative side of the plasterboard.

Fire resistant

If you want fireproof drywall, it is important to know how thick drywall is when you need fire resistance. You get a 5/8 inch thickness known as Type X or Fire Board, and the construction of which is made of glass fibers.

They are ideal for stairwells, corridors and garage ceilings and prevent flames from spreading in the event of a fire. In addition, these walls also generate less smoke and, thanks to the additional thickness, are also well suited for sound control.

When renovating a house, building codes require or require that you use Type X when you are in areas where you have rooms with wood stoves and stoves, as well as garages and utility rooms.

How thick is drywall and how big are they?

The length and width of drywall are available in multiples of feet, typically 4 x 4. The drywall panel sizes are typically 4 x 8 feet, 4 x 12 feet, and 4 x 16 feet. However, the client and the architect can determine the exact size of the drywall based on the needs of a customer.

4 feet x 8 feet:

The drywall size, which is used more often because it is easy to carry, edit, and install, is the 4 x 8 foot drywall size. A drywall panel size with these dimensions and a 1/2 inch thickness would weigh about 57 pounds and would still be manageable.

4 x 12 feet and 4 x 16 feet:

If you have long and high walls, you can choose drywall of twelve feet or sixteen feet. If you want a continuous line from floor to ceiling and prefer a smooth surface when working with a long and high wall, this is the best size.

2 x 2 feet:

This drywall size is ideal if you have small spaces or need to patchwork stairs, niches and corners. It is not a standard size for drywall construction, but you can find it in local hardware stores and hardware stores.

Select sheet size

You need to choose the size of a drywall board as it is delivered in boards. You can buy different lengths, but usually the 4 x 8 is the most popular.

Now you need to determine the required thickness and we will explain how thick drywall is?

Drywall thickness sizes are given in standard drywall sizes. Therefore, it is important that you understand the size deviation in order to achieve excellent results depending on the place of use.

Drywall thickness

Drywall sizes have an important factor to consider, and that’s their thickness. You may want to consider thicker sheetrock sizes for ceilings and walls, as light and weak panels can break.

Standard sizes for drywall:

• 6.35 mm (1/4-inch)
• 9.52 mm (3/8-inch)
• 12.7 mm (1/2-inch)
• 15.9 mm (5/8-inch)

1/4 inch

If you want an economical drywall board, this is the recommended option. Note, however, that these are very thin. You need to handle it with care as it can break, as it usually weighs a maximum of 38 pounds. These are good if you want to create a surface over plaster or a curved wall.

• Good for slightly curved wall coverings
• Is placed as skimming over existing strong walls
• Not your usual thickness

3/8 inch

If you want to repair drywall, or if drywall is damaged or worn, the thickness of the drywall is large. It is the best solution for remodeling.

1/2 inch

You get the drywall thickness of ½ inch in different lengths and are often used for ceilings and walls. Most modern homes have ½ inch thick drywall panels. It is suitable for wooden and steel frames.

5/8 in

This is the thickest drywall you can get and use for commercial construction. The 5/8-inch drywall thickness is also known as a firewall because it has strong noise and fire protection features.

Which side is which?

Drywall colors are usually standard colors with a brown or dark gray on one side and ivory on the other. The side with the darker color usually has the maker’s stamp and visible seams. The lighter side faces the room.

Considerations

If you choose a drywall that is too thin, it will bend and building codes require specific stud spacing for projects. The local communities have codes for your contract. If you’re using 16 ” stud spacing when applying drywall, this should be better. However, a drywall manufacturer can answer your question about the bolt spacing in the middle.

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