Purchasing drywall for your home renovation projects involves several factors, including sheet size, drywall type, and compliance considerations, as well as drywall thickness. In this blog, we will look at the key differences between ½” drywall and ⅝” drywall with a few tips on selecting the best drywall, tools, and materials for your space.
Why does drywall come in different thicknesses?
Drywall thickness helps determine drywall strength, soundproofing capabilities, fire resistance, and building code compliance. There are also installation considerations. For example, the thicker the drywall, the more difficult it is to work with as the thickness increases the weight. Understanding how thickness impacts your project, application, and building code standards ensures you choose the right drywall for your space and project.
What is ⅝” drywall?
Drywall with a ⅝” thickness is commonly referred to as Type X drywall due to its enhanced fire rating. Its denseness increases its strength compared to ½” drywall, while also improving soundproofing capabilities, fire resistance, and durability. Characteristics of ⅝” drywall include:
- Fire resistance: Type X drywall is designed for walls and ceilings that require increased fire resistance. ⅝” drywall has 60 minutes of fire resistance, while standard drywall thickness only lasts for up to 30 minutes.
- Core: ⅝” drywall contains noncombustible glass fibre that improves strength, stability, and fire resistance.
When is ⅝” drywall thickness recommended?
There are several applications where ⅝” drywall thickness is recommended for residential drywall installation, including the following:
- Larger span ceilings: The extra strength of ⅝” drywall makes it the best choice for ceilings with wider spans and stud spacing to avoid sagging.
- Humid environments: Humid rooms such as laundry rooms and full bathrooms require the added stability of ⅝” drywall.
- High-traffic areas: Areas such as staircases, hallways, and kitchens benefit from the extra strength of ⅝” drywall.
- Noise reduction: ⅝” drywall works well to help reduce noise reduction between rooms and floors.
- Attached garages: If you have an attached garage, the fire code requires fire-rated Type X drywall for walls and ceilings.
- Walls with wood stoves/fireplaces: Walls surrounding fireplaces and wood stoves require Type X drywall to slow the spread of fire.
- Basement apartments: If you have a basement apartment, you should install ⅝” drywall in the walls and ceiling to both reduce noise transference and to slow the spread of fire.
- Utility/furnace rooms: Rooms with HVAC systems or laundry equipment have higher fire risks and therefore require Type X drywall.
What is ½” drywall?
Half-inch drywall thickness is the standard drywall used for residential walls. It is also used in ceilings, although ⅝” drywall is a better choice to prevent sagging. It is a preferred choice for DIY projects, as it is strong enough for basic walls while offering a material that is easier to lift, cut, and handle. Thickness aside, ½” drywall contains a gypsum core that is less fire-resistant than the glass fibre used in fire-rated ⅝” drywall.
When is ½” drywall thickness recommended?
You can use ½” drywall thickness for standard 16” on-centre interior walls in rooms such as living rooms and bedrooms. A 16” on-centre wall has standard framing spaced 16 inches apart to accommodate standard 8-foot drywall sheets.
When do I need other drywall thicknesses?
Residential drywall installation projects tend to rely on ½” and ⅝” panels. The only time you might consider a thinner thickness would be for curved walls or arches, where you need more flexibility. Choose ¼” or ⅜” drywall when you’re trying to reduce noise transference on existing walls or ceilings to save time and make your installation easier.
How do I know what size panels to use?
Using 4 x 8 panels is best for DIY projects, as they are lighter and less cumbersome than 4 x 12 panels. However, you can choose 4 x 12 panels for longer or taller walls to save time.
How do I know how much drywall to purchase?
You can calculate the square footage of your walls and ceilings to determine how many panels you will need. Multiply the length by the height for walls, and the length by the width for ceilings. Then, divide the square footage by the panel size. For example, if your room is 320 square feet and you are using standard 4 x 8 panels, you would first multiply 4 x 8 for the square footage of each panel, which is 32. You would then divide 320 by 32 to get the number of panels, which is 10.
Can I use the same drywall type throughout my home?
No. Choosing the right drywall type is just as important as choosing the right drywall thickness. The right drywall both ensures you meet building codes and improves the performance of your drywall. Some general tips when purchasing drywall include:
- Regular ½” drywall for bedrooms and living spaces.
- ½” mould-resistant drywall (also known as purple board) for walls in laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- ⅝” purple board for ceilings in laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Type X ⅝” drywall for garages, utility/furnace rooms, garages, and rooms such as workshops where you wish to reduce noise transference.
- ⅝” backer board/cement board for wall tile applications such as bathrooms or backsplashes.
What other materials are needed for drywall installation?
You will require several materials for your drywall installation project, including the following:
- Joint compound/mud to seal your joints and cover screw holes.
- Drywall tape to seal seams.
- Corner beads to protect outside corners.
- Drywall screws.
What tools are needed for drywall installation?
The right tools for the job will maintain the integrity of your materials while helping to save time, including:
- Mud pan
- Trowel
- T-square
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Cordless drill
- Taping knives
- Sandpaper
- Hand sander
Is safety equipment required for drywall installation?
Yes. Safety glasses protect your eyes from debris when sawing and sanding. A dust mask is a must to prevent you from inhaling drywall dust during the sanding process. Work gloves are highly recommended when handling drywall and using utility knives and saws when cutting panels to size.
Contact the Professionals at Ontario Drywall And Taping (ODT)
Drywall installation can be a challenging project for first-time DIYers. While these tips can help you choose the right drywall thickness, tools, and equipment, achieving a professional finish requires skill and experience.
Whether you are looking for answers to your questions, a trusted quote free of hidden costs, or a partner to complete your commercial and residential projects, you can trust ODT to meet your needs. Feel free to reach out to us any time by calling 647-878-4466, emailing info@ontariodrywallandtaping.ca, or completing our online request form here.
