Types of Drywall

Types of Drywall

If you’re looking to have some drywall work done on your property, it’s important to understand what type of drywall best meets your needs. This article is going to highlight seven types of drywall that could go to work for you, as well as give you some applications and uses for each one. 

Here we go! 

1. Regular Drywall / White Board 

Regular drywall, also commonly referred to as whiteboard, is white on the out-facing side and brown on the in-facing side. Usually the most economic option, it’s available from ⅜ inches to one inch thick. This is the most common type of drywall and can be used to complete most general projects. 

2. Green Board Drywall 

Green board drywall has a green covering that makes it resistant to moisture. It’s often used as a tile backer in wet areas, as well as projects in the bathroom, basement, kitchen, and laundry room. It’s important to remember that green board drywall is not waterproof but water-resistant, so don’t use it in areas that will come in direct contact with water. 

3. Blue Board Drywall 

Also referred to as plaster baseboard, blue board drywall is best used for veneer plastering, as the surface paper has special absorption qualities. Blue board is highly water and mold resistant and can help to reduce noise in areas like the bathroom that are wet and loud with showers, etc. 

4. Paperless Drywall 

Paperless drywall is covered with fiberglass rather than paper. This protects from rot and offers even greater resistance to mold and mildew. The quality of the board is tougher than regular drywall, but many construction experts actually find it easier to cut. 

5. Purple Drywall 

Offering many of the same advantages as regular drywall, purple drywall steps it up with superior resistance to moisture and mold. Most commonly used for ceiling applications, purple drywall is ideal for direct contact with water (ex: the area above your shower). 

6. Type X Drywall 

Type X drywall offers several different thicknesses to achieve a high fire rating. Made with noncombustible fibers, Type X drywall is extremely common in garages, bedrooms, and apartment buildings. Many building codes require Type X drywall due to its fire-resistant properties, and can also improve soundproofing in multifamily housing units. 

7. Soundproof Drywall 

Composed of laminated drywall and made with wood fibers, gypsum, and polymers, soundproof drywall is denser than regular drywall and is most often used where noise is a potential problem. It can also be a great solution for rooms where silence is required, such as office spaces. Musicians know all about soundproof drywall as the foundational method for soundproofing the music room. 

Conclusions 

We hope that this article was helpful for you in distinguishing between the most common types of drywall that might be of use to you for your projects. If you need additional consultation in selecting the right drywall for you, feel free to reach out to us here at Carlton Building Services. 

We love being a resource for Virginians, so please don’t hesitate to call! And best of luck with your upcoming project. 

JP Carlton

J.P. Carlton

J.P. Carlton is the founder of Carlton Building Services, a Hampton Roads-based construction company.