Exploring Your Drywall Options

Did you know that there is more than one type of drywall? It is perhaps not something you have thought about unless you are remodeling or building a house, but it is good to know there are different options. For now, let’s consider the difference between 2 types of drywall, standard and paperless.

Standard drywall is probably the one most people are familiar with as it is generally used in most homes. It is constructed with a gypsum core surrounded by very thick paper. The good thing about this type of drywall is that it is easily available, relatively easy to work with, and produces a nice smooth finish on the wall. The downside is that its composition makes it susceptible to moisture damage that can lead to problems like mold.

Now let’s compare paperless drywall. It too has a gypsum core, but it is water-resistant and, instead of a paper covering, it is wrapped in fiberglass. It is not hard to see why this is a much stronger type of drywall and is much better at resisting water damage. Its strength, however, means that it is harder to work with and will take more effort to obtain a smooth finish.

So, which drywall should you choose? From this short review, it is clear that both have strengths and weaknesses, so you may want to use different drywall for different areas in the house. Paperless drywall would be good in areas of high humidity like a bathroom and basement. Whereas, standard drywall can be used in large spaces and areas not prone to moisture.