Introduction
Walk through almost any building constructed in the last century, and chances are the walls and ceilings around you are made of drywall. It’s a core material in both residential and commercial construction, and for good reason. Drywall is cost-effective, easy to install, and creates a clean, smooth finish that’s ideal for interior spaces.
But if you’ve ever wondered what drywall is or what drywall is made of, you’re not alone. While drywall is a household name in the construction world, few people understand what goes into making it and why it has become such a staple in modern building practices. In this blog, we’ll break down what drywall actually is, the materials that make it up, and the key reasons it continues to dominate the industry.
What Is Drywall
Drywall—also known as gypsum board, plasterboard, or wallboard—is a panel used to form the interior surfaces of walls and ceilings. It’s a prefabricated product that can be quickly and easily attached to wood or metal framing, making it an efficient alternative to traditional lath-and-plaster walls.
Drywall is typically manufactured in standard-size sheets, commonly 4 feet wide and 8 to 12 feet long, although other sizes are available depending on the project. The panels can be cut to fit, screwed into place, and finished with joint compound to create a seamless surface ready for paint, wallpaper, or other treatments.
The invention of drywall revolutionized the construction industry. Before drywall, interior walls required several layers of plaster applied by hand, a process that was time-consuming and labor-intensive. With the introduction of drywall in the early 20th century, builders could construct walls in a fraction of the time while still maintaining durability and a clean appearance.
What Is Drywall Made Of
At the core of every drywall sheet is gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral also known as calcium sulfate dihydrate. This naturally occurring material is mined, processed, and turned into a fine powder before being rehydrated and pressed between two sheets of heavy paper or fiberglass. The result is a sturdy but lightweight panel that holds its shape, resists cracking, and provides a reliable surface for finishes.
The gypsum used in drywall is not just any mineral. It has a unique ability to regulate moisture and resist fire. When exposed to heat, the water molecules in gypsum evaporate, helping to slow the spread of fire—a feature that makes drywall an important component in fire-rated building assemblies.
The outer layers of drywall are usually made from paper, though fiberglass-reinforced boards are also available for added durability or moisture resistance. The type of facing material used can vary based on the intended use. For example, drywall designed for bathrooms and kitchens often includes a green-colored paper that’s treated to resist mold and mildew.
Some types of drywall are enhanced with additional additives or features:
- Moisture-resistant drywall (often called green board) is designed for humid environments
- Fire-resistant drywall (often labeled Type X) contains glass fibers mixed into the gypsum core to improve fire resistance
- Soundproof drywall includes multiple layers or special cores to block sound transmission
While all drywall starts with the same basic components, the variety of specialized products available makes it incredibly versatile. This flexibility in composition is part of why drywall is the go-to material for such a wide range of construction needs.
Why Is Drywall So Widely Used
Now that we’ve answered what drywall is and what drywall is made of, let’s take a closer look at why it has become the standard for walls and ceilings in modern buildings. Its popularity isn’t just a result of tradition—it’s rooted in the practical benefits it offers builders, contractors, and property owners.
One of the biggest advantages of drywall is how easy it is to work with. Compared to older building methods like plaster, drywall can be installed quickly and with fewer specialized tools or skills. Sheets are pre-formed, making them easy to measure, cut, and screw into framing. Once installed, a bit of taping, mudding, and sanding is all it takes to get the surface ready for finishing.
Drywall is also incredibly cost-effective. The materials themselves are affordable, and because installation is relatively fast, labour costs tend to be lower too. For builders working on tight schedules or budgets, drywall offers an ideal balance between price and performance.
Additionally, drywall offers excellent compatibility with a range of interior finishes. Whether you’re planning to paint, hang wallpaper, apply texture, or even add tile, drywall provides a clean and stable base. Electrical outlets, plumbing access panels, and lighting fixtures can also be easily integrated into drywall without compromising the structure.
Why Drywall Is Ideal for Construction Projects
Fire Resistance
One of drywall’s most important features is its ability to help slow the spread of fire. Gypsum’s naturally fire-resistant properties, especially when enhanced with additives like glass fiber, can help buildings meet fire code requirements and protect lives in an emergency. Fire-rated drywall (Type X or Type C) is often used in shared walls between units or around stairwells and garages.
Fire-Rated Drywall Explained
When safety is a top priority—especially in commercial or multi-unit residential buildings—fire-rated drywall plays a crucial role. This specialized type of drywall is designed to resist heat and delay the structural failure of walls and ceilings in the event of a fire.
There are two main types of fire-rated drywall:
- Type X: Contains glass fibers to improve fire resistance. A standard 5/8-inch Type X drywall panel typically provides a 1-hour fire rating when installed correctly in a fire-rated assembly.
- Type C: Similar to Type X but with additional additives that help prevent shrinkage during intense heat. Type C drywall is typically used when 2-hour fire ratings are required.
It’s important to note that fire ratings apply to full wall or ceiling assemblies—not just the drywall itself. The rating depends on a combination of materials, including framing, insulation, and fasteners, as well as how the drywall is installed.
Here are common fire-rated applications:
- 1-hour rated assemblies: Often used between office spaces, in apartment demising walls, and in utility rooms.
- 2-hour rated assemblies: Typically found in stairwells, elevator shafts, or rooms containing fire-rated equipment or electrical panels.
Fire-rated drywall helps slow fire spread, allowing more time for evacuation and emergency response. It also supports compliance with building codes and insurance standards, especially in commercial projects.
Sound Insulation
In commercial buildings and multi-unit residences, sound control is a major consideration. Specialized soundproof drywall or layered drywall assemblies can reduce noise transfer between rooms, making for quieter, more comfortable spaces.
Moisture and Mold Resistance
While traditional drywall shouldn’t be used in areas with high humidity or frequent water exposure, specialized moisture-resistant products have expanded its usefulness. Green board, purple board, and cement-backed drywall are commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements to resist mold and mildew.
Flexibility and Repairability
Drywall is easy to repair, which is a huge plus in both residential and commercial settings. Small holes and cracks can be patched with joint compound, while larger sections can be cut out and replaced without needing to rebuild an entire wall. This flexibility extends its life cycle and keeps maintenance costs manageable over time.
Sustainability
Many drywall manufacturers now produce panels with recycled content and offer take-back programs for jobsite scraps. In addition, gypsum itself is a naturally occurring mineral that can be reclaimed from manufacturing waste or even recovered from flue gas desulfurization (a process used in power plants). These efforts make drywall a more sustainable choice than it used to be.
Drywall also works seamlessly with modern framing techniques, including commercial construction methods that use steel stud framing, making it a strong fit for both new builds and renovations.
Conclusion
Drywall may not be the flashiest part of a building, but it plays a vital role in shaping how modern spaces are built, finished, and maintained. Its core material—gypsum—offers a powerful combination of strength, fire resistance, and moisture control, all wrapped into an affordable and easy-to-use product.
Understanding what drywall is and what drywall is made of gives you a better appreciation for its role in everyday construction. Whether you’re planning a renovation, managing a commercial build, or just looking to learn more about the materials behind your walls, drywall continues to prove why it’s the go-to choice in the industry.
