What are the Four Main Types of Drywalls?

Prepping for some new construction or wanting to patch up some unsightly home drywall? According to Home Depot, drywall comes in four main types. Let's explore the four main types of home drywall and their different strengths and weaknesses so you can make an informed decision.

Standard Drywall



Most common drywall is the standard variety. It has one white side and a brown side with gypsum in between. While not fire-resistant, most are fire-retardant. It comes in a variety of thicknesses.

Fire-Resistant Home Drywall

Fire-resistant drywall is gaining more usage with some building codes making it mandatory for garages and bedrooms. While all drywall varieties have a fire-retardant design, fire-resistant drywall has a denser core and can help extend the time you have before the fire spreads. This lowering of spread time can give you crucial minutes to get out of the home before it is engulfed.

Sound-Proof Drywall

If you value privacy or just want to keep the outside noise outside, this sound-proof home drywall has wood fiber layers along with gypsum and polymers. These layers help reduce the sound that can pass through. Great for a home office, home media room, or even a home music studio, sound-proof drywall reduces the sound transmission.

Moisture-Resistant Drywall

This type of drywall does very well in bathrooms and kitchens and other areas where there is steam or water. There is a surface coating that lowers the water damage when it comes in contact with water. Using moisture-resistant drywall along with a finishing tape made from fiberglass mesh will increase the lifespan of the drywall.

Choosing a drywall type may come down to budget but it should come down to application and requirements. If you need more soundproofing, of course the sound-proof drywall may help damper the noise. If you live in a damp area or a fire zone, those choices are the better option, although your building codes may enforce you having a fire-resistant drywall in certain rooms of your home. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the standard is perfect. Picking a drywall type can be something that you discuss with our contractor. For more information or to get started with drywall installation, please give Flores Drywall and Paint a call today!