DrywallEdit

Drywall, also known as gypsum board or plasterboard, is the dominant interior wall and ceiling material in many modern buildings. It is made by sandwiching a gypsum core between two sheets of paper or fiber facing, then cutting the panels to size and fastening them to a structural frame. The technology transformed construction by enabling faster completion, cleaner finishes, and predictable performance compared with traditional plaster on lath. One well-known brand that popularized the product is Sheetrock. Standard interior drywall is typically 4 by 8 feet and about 1/2 inch thick, though variations exist for fire resistance, moisture exposure, and noise control. For specialized applications, other compositions and thicknesses are used, such as fire-rated panels (Type X) and moisture-resistant alternatives.

Drywall is part of a broader system that combines the panel, framing, fasteners, and finishing treatments to create durable interior surfaces. The surface is prepared with joint compound and paper tape to conceal seams, after which it is primed and painted. In damp areas, moisture-resistant panels—often referred to as green board—or cement boards are used instead of standard gypsum board to inhibit deterioration. The modern drywall system also works alongside insulation and vapor barriers to improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort. See gypsum board, insulation, and vapor barrier for related concepts.

Construction and materials

Core and facing

The core is made from gypsum, a naturally occurring mineral that provides fire resistance and dimensional stability. The facing is usually a paper layer, though some products use reinforced fibers or different coatings to improve handling or moisture performance. See gypsum and sheet for background on these materials.
Special formulations aim to meet building-code requirements for fire resistance (notably Type X drywall) and for moisture resistance in kitchens and bathrooms. See Type X drywall and moisture-resistant drywall.

Types and varieties

Regular drywall: the standard choice for most interior walls and ceilings.
Type X drywall: designed to provide higher fire resistance by incorporating glass fibers or other additives.
Moisture-resistant drywall: used in damp environments; not necessarily waterproof, but more resistant to mold and degradation.
Cement boards or other boards: employed in wet areas such as showers or exterior soffits when water exposure is extreme.
Acoustic or sound-dillution variants: include thicker panels or engineered cores to improve sound transmission class (STC) performance. See sound insulation and drywall types for more detail.

Manufacturing and supply

Drywall panels are produced in large formats and transported to sites where they are cut to fit and fastened to framing with screws or nails. The screws are typically spaced to hold the panel firmly and align with the framing members. See construction materials and building codes for context on how these decisions fit into broader standards.
Market dynamics matter: material costs, freight, and tariffs can affect the price and availability of drywall, influencing home-building costs and renovation decisions. See discussions of construction economics and tariffs for related topics.

Installation and finishing

Preparation and fastening

Panels are measured, cut, and attached to the structural frame using drywall screws or nails, with fasteners placed to avoid tearing the paper facing and to resist typical loads and vibrations. Edges may be lined up to create a clean surface for joint treatment.

Taping and finishing

Seams are covered with paper or mesh tape and multiple coats of joint compound to create a flat, seamless surface. The finish is then sanded to a smooth texture in preparation for priming and painting.
In some cases, skim coats or specialty finishes are applied to achieve particular textures or to conceal flaws, but the goal remains a durable, easy-to-maintain surface. See joint compound and finishing for related topics.

Finishes and maintenance

After finishing, drywall surfaces can be painted, wallpapered, or textured to meet design preferences. Over time, joints and fasteners may require touch-ups or repainting, especially in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas. See paint and wall finishing for related ideas.

Uses, performance, and considerations

Fire safety

Drywall contributes to building fire resistance when used in appropriate assemblies, particularly Type X panels in rated walls and ceilings. Fire-resistance ratings are defined in building codes and tested per industry standards, helping determine what compositions are suitable for a given occupancy or risk profile. See fire resistance rating and NFPA for more.

Energy efficiency and moisture

Proper installation, including the use of insulation and vapor barriers, helps manage heat transfer and moisture migration. In humid climates or spaces with potential water exposure, moisture-resistant or cementitious boards may be preferred to prolong life and reduce mold risk. See insulation and mold for related considerations.

Durability and maintenance

Drywall is relatively inexpensive to repair compared with plaster repairs and can be refinished to restore appearance after nicks, dents, or moisture events. In some cases, damaged panels are replaced rather than repaired, which can simplify long-term maintenance. See home improvement and repair (materials) for context.

Controversies and debates

Chinese drywall and supply-chain issues

In the mid-to-late 2000s, allegations about drywall imports from certain regions, notably materials sourced from China, created widespread consumer concerns due to odors, corrosion of metal components, and potential health effects. The episode highlighted how supply-chain choices, labeling, and liability claims interact with consumer protection and market regulation. Debates at the time touched on the balance between free-market imports, enforcement of product-safety standards, and the role of government in safeguarding homeowners. See Chinese drywall and consumer protection.

Regulation vs. market-led standards

Critics of heavy regulation argue that overreach can raise costs for homeowners and builders, potentially slowing housing supply and affordability. Proponents counter that strong, transparent standards protect property rights and long-term value by reducing defects and litigation. The drywall sector often sits at the intersection of these debates, with codes and standards shaping choices about fire rating, moisture resistance, and installation practices. See building codes and consumer protection.

Energy compliance and green-building rhetoric

Some markets increasingly emphasize energy efficiency and indoor air quality, which can push for higher-performance systems and more stringent testing. Supporters say this improves comfort and long-term operating costs, while critics argue the added cost and complexity may not always yield proportional benefits for homeowners. See green building and energy efficiency for broader connections.