Drywall vs Plasterboard | Are They The Same?

Wall & Surface Solutions

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Author: Travis Wilson

What Are Drywall and Plasterboard?

Drywall

Drywall is a basic construction material; people also call it plasterboard, gypsum board, or Sheetrock. It has a gypsum plaster core, all wrapped between two strong paper sheets. This design makes it light, simple to put up, and good for saving energy. Builders use drywall a lot for inside walls and ceilings in homes and businesses. In North America, it really caught on from the mid-1900s. It was quicker and took less work than the old lath and plaster method.

So, why choose drywall? It’s cheap, easy to install, and resists fire. Plus, it helps keep indoor temperatures steady, which can cut down on energy use. To install it, workers

Are Drywall and Plasterboard the Same Material?

They are, in fact, the same material. “Plasterboard” is just another common name for drywall. Other terms include dry lining, sheet rock, gib board, buster board, turtles board, slap board, custard board, and gyprock. Sheetrock, for example, is a specific brand from USG Corporation. Many people use “Sheetrock” as a stand-in for drywall because it’s so well-known.

While the names are interchangeable, the quality itself can differ. Bad drywall, like those versions made in China during the mid-2000s, actually caused health problems and damaged buildings – mainly from sulfur fumes.

What Is Drywall?

Drywall

Workers cut drywall panels, then screw them onto wall frames. This goes much faster than old plaster work, saving time and money on a job. Drywall comes in a few types: standard, moisture-resistant (called greenboard), mold-resistant, and fire-resistant (Type X and Type C). You can also get soundproof panels like QuietRock. The panel’s thickness changes its strength and how well it blocks sound.

What Is Plasterboard?

Plasterboard, also known as drywall, is a construction panel made from calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) pressed between two sheets of paper. It serves as a primary material for interior walls and ceilings. Plasterboard is highly susceptible to moisture damage; gypsum softens into a paste when exposed to water, and its paper facings are vulnerable to termites.

Drywall vs. Plasterboard: Differences

Drywall and plasterboard are essentially the same product. Both consist of a central core of gypsum encased in heavy paper or fiberglass. The term “drywall” refers to the dry installation method of these factory-made panels, whereas “plasterboard” is simply the regional name for the boards themselves.

Travis Wilson
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Travis Wilson