When choosing a construction material for their walls, most homeowners come across the discussion of Sheetrock vs drywall. However, is there a significant difference between them?
Sheetrock is a drywall brand, so they are practically the same material and solve the same problem. The real question is whether there’s a significant difference between Sheetrock vs drywall generic brands.
Continue reading this blog to find out what’s unique about Sheetrock. Likewise, why do some people typically confuse this term as a construction material apart from drywall?
Is There a Real Difference Between Drywall and Sheetrock?
Sheetrock is a brand of drywall patented by the United States Gypsum Company (USG). However, people started using the term as synonymous, such as wallboard, because of its high popularity. In some cases, some can even think of it as it was a different type of building material.
Some contractors even mention Sheetrock installation services apart from drywall installation, which has contributed to the confusion.
Natural Gypsum and CertainTeed have also recognized drywall brands. However, most DIY homeowners often mention Sheetrock as one of their top DIY choices.
Before understanding why Sheetrock is so popular, let’s dive into the benefits of the drywall and the different types available. Following, we will address what makes Sheetrock a popular choice compared to any generic drywall brands.
Benefits Of Drywall
The drywall came as an alternative to lath and plaster. This construction material and method was still a popular choice for interior wall construction until the 1940s.
The installation of lath and plaster consisted of a panel made of narrow wood strips. To achieve a smooth surface, people usually had to apply a lot of plaster. Lath and plaster required a lot of work and time to install, and drywall solved this problem.
The main advantage of drywall is its time efficiency. Thanks to drywall panels, you can have your home walls practically in days.
Other benefits of using drywall:
- It is more stable than plaster
- Easy, fast, and low-cost installation
- Easy to repair
- You can cut it in all sizes
- Cost-effectiveness
However, it also has some drawbacks compared to other materials. For instance, it’s less resistant to water and scratches than cement boards or reinforced fiberglass, or gypsum boards.
Types Of Drywall Available
Drywall comes in several types and sizes to solve different issues and meet the requirements of several house areas:
- Regular or standard drywall is the most popular type for interior walls and ceilings. It is more affordable and doesn’t come modified to resist moisture or heat.
- Moisture-resistant drywall: this type is also typically known as greenboard. It performs well in areas exposed to humidity, such as laundry rooms and kitchens.
Mold-resistant drywall won’t perform well in areas with direct contact with water, like in showers, as it’s not water-resistant.
It is better to choose a cement board for an area directly exposed to water, such as the shower because this option serves as an underlayment for countertops and tiles.
- Fire-resistant drywall: Another common name for this is type X drywall. Their design allows this drywall to resist fire longer than regular drywall. Nevertheless, it is not fireproof. It’s a good option for garages, basements, kitchens, or other areas exposed to fire.
- Soundproof drywall: There are different soundproofing options depending on the noise level you want to prevent from being transmitted to the other room or house.
Whether you are worried about annoying your neighbor or vice versa, type X drywall is also good. However, you’ll probably need to combine it with fiberglass insulation or another material for more soundproofing.
Regarding the sizes and thickness, 4 feet wide and 8 feet long panels and ½ inch thick drywall are the most common standard options in the market. However, there are several sizes and thicknesses available.
There are even more drywall types from different brands and manufacturers with combined characteristics.
Why Is Sheetrock So Popular?
The following reasons make Sheetrock a popular choice. The main explanation for Sheetrock’s popularity is the wide use of drywall in general in the construction industry in the United States. From residential homes to large-scale buildings.
USG’s products under the Sheetrock brand are innovative and technologically advanced. It is known for being the first to develop an ultralight option, lighter than the standard sheets of drywall that weigh around 50 pounds.
The USG company has a line of drywall panels under the Sheetrock brand that resist heat and mold. The company also has a sustainable line.
Sheetrock Or Drywall. Which One to Choose for A DIY Drywall Installation Project?
As we already stated, all the Sheetrock is drywall, which means the same construction material. Nonetheless, not every drywall is Sheetrock.
You can easily choose Sheetrock, as this brand won’t be an issue for a DIY drywall installation project because it performs well. Nonetheless, we recommend you research various brands, materials, types, and sizes to pick the drywall that best fits your needs.
Consider researching the specific qualities of each type and brand line of several drywall manufacturers. Read the particular company instructions if you decide to install it as a DIY project.
Likewise, consider buying other drywall supplies from the same brand, such as the joint compound, for a better finish.
Consult a Professional for All Your Drywall Needs
Now you know that the only difference between Sheetrock vs drywall is that the first one is the name of the construction material, and the second is only a brand name on the list of drywall brands available.
By knowing this, you could now make a well-informed decision when taking on a new home improvement project.
If you are making the installation yourself, ensure you read the specifications of each brand carefully. In case you decide to hire a drywall contractor, find out all the things you should know before hiring one.
At Enrique Hernandez Construction, we count on specialists that will clear all your doubts regarding materials. We offer a wide range of construction services to enhance your residence or business.
Call our construction specialists to obtain an estimate!