Drywall

Drywall is a panel made of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum), which can include additives for different functionality, typically extruded between thick sheets of facer and backer paper, used in the construction of interior walls and ceilings. Since the invention of drywall in the 19th century, drywall has become the prevalent construction material in North America as it is considered to be a time and labor saving alternative to lath and plaster. The most common size of drywall is 4 feet wide by 8 feet long, but is available at 4 feet by 10 feet and 4 feet by 12 feet for taller or longer walls.

Drywall is considered quick and easy to install, is durable, and can be repaired more simply than other types of interior wall construction. Drywall is also used to create design features, such as eaves, arches, or to conceal steel beams or masonry in commercial buildings. Drywall can also be used to add fire resistance to a building. The materials used in the construction of drywall include plywood and wood pulp, asbestos-cement board, and gypsum. Wood fibre and pulp boards are made by compressing layers or particles of wood with adhesives and are manufactured with wood grain.

There are also specialized types of drywall panels, including fire-resistant drywall panels that can withstand more heat than standard drywall panels; mold-resistant drywall panels that are coated to resist mold and help it from developing, often used in humid environments; moisture-resistant drywall panels, which are used for high-moisture environments; and sound reduction drywall, which includes a layer of gypsum and paper to reduce sound. There is also the standard drywall, which can be used for interior walls or ceilings. The standard drywall does not have any features added to the design and is the most common type of drywall used.

There are also types eco-friendly drywall, usually made from recycled material and often offering a drywall that looks like concrete. There is green board drywall, which is a moisture-resistant drywall with a green covering that makes it more resistant to moisture than regular drywall. Or blue board drywall, also known as plaster baseboard, which is used for veneer plastering and the surface paper has special absorption qualities. And there is a paperless drywall, which is covered with fiberglass instead of paper to protect the drywall from rot and offers resistance to mold and mildew.