An increase in the awareness of drywall has been caused by the media around Chinese Drywall.

This brought us to think about all the different kinds of drywall that go into a finished project that we rarely consider.  In this blog post we will begin discussing:

  • Types of different wallboard products
  • Description of Product

This post is part of a series on drywall or gypsum board.  In this series, we may include the following:

  • Reviews of drywall tools and supplies – drywall tape, drywall mud
  • Video tour of a drywall manufacturing facility and experience how drywall is made
  • What to expect for different levels of drywall finishes
  • Project examples highlighting drywall repair, drywall ceiling, knock-down ceiling

We hope that this drywall series is informative, educational, and helps you understand drywall better.

Gypsum Wallboard Products

Product Type Description
Wallboard This is the most common type of drywall used on walls of residential homes; comes in ½” or 5/8” sheets in various widths and lengths.  LaFarge drywall is the only totally recycled drywall in the local marketplace.
Ceiling Board (Hi-Stength) This product is used for ceilings that have 24” on center joists.  As the name suggests this drywall is higher strength and can span larger areas without sagging.
Hi-Abuse, Hi-Flex Hi-Abuse drywall is for areas that will take above average wear and tear.  Hi-Flex drywall is for curved walls and is typically ¼” thick.
Fire-rated Wallboard To achieve fire-ratings the drywall is combined with other elements (framing, insulation, sealing, etc.) in a system.  No drywall is fire-rated unto itself.  *see below disclaimer
Mold & Mildew-resistant Wallboard This product is replacing the popular moisture-resistant products.
Concrete or Dens Shield Backer Board Typically used for tile applications as an underlayment.  The Dens Shield Backer is lighter weight and considered easier to cut and attach to underlayment.

*Disclaimer: Always check with local codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations as they may differ in acceptance or use of these products.