A COMPLETE GUIDE TO DRYWALL PANEL TYPES — WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOUR PROJECT?
Not all drywall is created equal. From standard ½” panels to specialty drywall sheets designed for moisture, fire, sound, or durability—choosing the right material is key to building a safe, comfortable, and long-lasting interior.
At LA Drywall Inc., we work with a wide variety of drywall types to suit the specific needs of each space—whether you're remodeling a bathroom, soundproofing a home office, or finishing a custom luxury build.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common (and most useful) drywall types available today:
🧱 1. STANDARD DRYWALL (WHITE BOARD)
Thicknesses: 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8"
Panel Sizes: 4’x8’, 4’x10’, 4’x12’
Use: Interior walls and ceilings in dry areas
Best For: Living rooms, hallways, bedrooms
This is your classic gypsum board—affordable, easy to install, and great for non-specialized interior walls. ½-inch drywall is standard for residential walls, while ⅝-inch drywall is often used for ceilings to prevent sagging and improve sound dampening. Ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways.
🔥 2. FIRE-RATED DRYWALL (TYPE X)
Thickness: 5/8"
Use: Areas requiring fire protection (garage walls, between units)
Core Feature: Reinforced with glass fibers for increased fire resistance
Fire Rating: Typically 1 hour
Required by code in many builds, Type X drywall helps slow down fire spread and adds structural integrity under heat. It’s standard in commercial buildings and multi-family residences, especially around furnaces, garages, and shared walls.
💧 3. MOISTURE-RESISTANT DRYWALL (GREEN BOARD)
Color: Green or blue face paper
Use: Damp locations, NOT wet areas
Resistant To: Humidity and mildew
Best For: Laundry rooms, powder rooms, basement walls
While not waterproof, green board resists moisture better than standard drywall. It’s a great choice where humidity is a concern—but don’t confuse it with cement board or waterproof panels.
🚿 4. CEMENT BOARD (DUROCK, HARDIEBACKER)
Made From: Cement and reinforcing fibers
Use: Wet zones (showers, backsplashes, tub surrounds)
Highly Durable: Does not deteriorate with water
Requires: Specialized screws and waterproofing membrane
Cement board is essential for tile installations in wet zones. It holds up under direct water exposure and provides a rock-solid base that won’t mold or rot.
🔇 5. SOUNDPROOF DRYWALL (QUIETROCK & SIMILAR PRODUCTS)
Type: Multi-layer, laminated drywall with sound-dampening core
Thickness: Typically 5/8" or more
STC Rating: Up to 80 (compared to 30-34 with standard drywall)
Best For: Bedrooms, shared walls, home theaters, offices
QuietRock is one of the leading soundproofing drywall solutions on the market. It’s engineered to block noise without the need for extra layers or resilient channels. We often install it in luxury condos, executive offices, and entertainment rooms.
🦠 6. MOLD-RESISTANT DRYWALL (PURPLE BOARD / GOLD BOARD)
Use: High-humidity areas
Face Material: Fiberglass or treated paper
Core: Mold- and mildew-resistant additives
Best For: Bathrooms, kitchens, basements
For health-conscious homeowners, mold-resistant drywall is a must. Unlike green board, purple and gold boards go further with mold prevention technologies, making them suitable for wet-prone rooms where indoor air quality matters.
🛠️ 7. ABUSE-RESISTANT DRYWALL
Use: High-traffic areas or commercial settings
Resists: Dents, scratches, and impact
Application: Schools, hospitals, stairwells, garages
These panels have reinforced cores and harder surfaces—ideal where drywall takes abuse. We install these often in garage finishes or luxury basements with gym or workshop spaces.
🔥💧 8. FIRE + MOISTURE RESISTANT DRYWALL (TYPE C / TYPE X MR)
Dual Performance: Combines fire resistance with moisture protection
Use: Kitchens, utility rooms, and shared walls that face bathrooms
Special Note: Often required in code-compliant multi-unit homes
Need both fire safety and moisture protection in one panel? These hybrid boards offer multifunctional performancewith a single install.
🌍 9. ECO-FRIENDLY DRYWALL (LOW-VOC OR RECYCLED CONTENT)
Made With: Recycled materials and low-emission binders
LEED Credits: May qualify for green building certifications
Use: Sustainable homes and commercial projects
For clients focused on green building, we offer drywall products that help reduce your environmental footprint—without compromising quality or appearance.
📏 COMMON DRYWALL PANEL SIZES
4' x 8' – Standard residential use
4' x 10' or 4' x 12' – Fewer seams in tall walls or ceilings
Thicknesses:
1/4" – For curves or layering over old walls
3/8" – Rare, but sometimes used in repairs
1/2" – Standard wall thickness
5/8" – Used for fire rating, ceilings, and soundproofing
NEED HELP CHOOSING THE RIGHT DRYWALL?
Every project is unique. At LA Drywall Inc., we don’t just hang drywall—we help you choose the right product for each space. Whether it’s upgrading your home with soundproof QuietRock, remodeling a bathroom with cement board, or building a luxury home that demands Level 5 finishes, we’re here to deliver the right solution.
✅ LICENSED. EXPERIENCED. TRUSTED SINCE 2004.
📍 Serving Snohomish & King County
📞 Call now or 📩 Request a free estimate today
