What Size Drywall Do You Use For Walls?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most measures

1/2-inch thick

. It's the most common choice for interior walls because they are easy to carry and hang. If weight is a concern, consider ultra-light half-inch drywall. It's 13 pounds lighter than other varieties for the same size and thickness.

When should I use 3/8 drywall?

Just slightly thicker than 1/4-inch drywall, 3/8-inch drywall is also a good choice for curved walls. This thickness is most often

used to repair existing drywall that needs patching

. 1/2-Inch Drywall: Most drywall measures 1/2-inch thick.

Can you use 3/8 drywall wall?

If there is no building code requirement for ceilings in your area, you have a choice to make. The most common size used is 1⁄2 inch, although other sizes may be used for particular purposes. Yes,

you can use a 3/8′′ drywall for a ceiling

. To prevent sagging ensure ceiling frames supporting the drywall are 16′′ apart.

What is the difference between 1 2 and 3/8 drywall?

3/8′′ Drywall – Several decades ago, 3/8′′ drywall was the standard thickness. Now it is used where the particular thickness is needed. It can also be used to laminate over existing walls and ceilings. It is proportionally lighter than its 1/2′′ and

5/8′′ cousins

, but also not as strong.

What sizes can you get drywall in?

  • 4 x 8-Foot Drywall: The most common and versatile of all drywall sizes. …
  • 4 x 10-Foot Drywall: Provides a smoother surface on tall walls and expansive ceilings.
  • 4 x 12-Foot Drywall: The longest length available.

Can you use 3/8 drywall wall?

If there is no building code requirement for ceilings in your area, you have a choice to make. The most common size used is 1⁄2 inch, although other sizes may be used for particular purposes. Yes,

you can use a 3/8′′ drywall for a ceiling

. To prevent sagging ensure ceiling frames supporting the drywall are 16′′ apart.

Is it better to hang drywall vertical or horizontal?

On commercial jobs, fire codes often require seams to fall on the entire length of the framing, so the

drywall must be hung vertically

. … For walls 9 feet high or shorter, hanging the drywall horizontally has a number of benefits. Fewer seams. Horizontal hanging reduces the lineal footage of seams by about 25%.

Should I sheetrock walls or ceiling first?

When hanging drywall,

always hang the ceiling first

. This is the hardest drywall to hang, so get a partner and go slow. Large cracks due to misaligned sheets are hard to repair because the extra mud required to fill them will constantly fall out and drop to the floor (or worse, down the back of your neck!).

Which is cheaper plaster or drywall?


Drywall

is the less expensive and labor intensive option. … Because drywall panels are thinner than plaster walls, drywall is not as effective of a sound barrier. But, drywall does provide a variety of options as far as insulation goes, making it a more energy efficient wall option.

Can 1/4 drywall be used on walls?

Quarter-inch drywall is

often used to cover damaged plaster walls and also for curved areas

because it bends easier than thicker drywall. Then the 1/4-inch-thick drywall can be double layered to get to the conventional 1/2 inch thickness to match the rest of the wall.

Can you hang drywall on 24 centers?


Always use 5/8 on 24′′ centers

. You can rent a drywall lift from “The Big Boxes” for about $30 a day so you won't kill your back trying to lift & shift the rock. If you use 1/2 it will sag eventually. When it sags you will get the “Amphitheater look” between each joist.

What is the recommended stud spacing for drywall?

They're always spaced either

16 or 24 inches on-center

(measured from center to center) along the wall and run between the floor and ceiling. Drywall or lath (for plaster walls) attaches to the edge of the studs.

How long should drywall screws be for 1/2 inch drywall?

When working with 1/2-inch drywall panels, use

1-1/4 or 1-3/8-inch nails or screws

. When working with 5/8-inch drywall panels, use 1-3/8-inch or 1-5/8-inch screws. To properly secure drywall, the right number of drywall fasteners should be used.

What is the weight of 3/8 drywall?

Drywall that is 3/8 inch thick weighs

44.8, 56 and 67.2 pounds

for a length of eight, 10 or 12 feet, respectively. One-half-inch board weighs 54.4, 68 or 81.6 pounds for sheets of eight, 10 or 12 feet.

Is ceiling drywall different from Wall drywall?

Drywall and

sheetrock

are really the same thing. Drywall is a panel made of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper. Sheetrock is a brand of drywall patented by the US Gypsum Company. Both are used to make walls and ceilings.

What is the standard thickness of an interior wall?

A two-by-four wall stud is 3 1⁄2 inches wide, and an interior wall typically has 1⁄2-inch drywall installed on both sides, bringing the wall thickness to

4 1⁄2 inches

. Walls that contain plumbing, such as walls behind sinks, however, should be thicker than standard walls.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.