What drywall to buy?

In Winnipeg, most modern homes have interior walls and ceilings made from drywall. Composed of a gypsum core wrapped in thick paper, drywall panels are cut to size and fastened to wall studs or ceiling joists to define living spaces and provide additional structural integrity to buildings of all shapes and sizes.

Whether you're working on a new build, completing a renovation project, or tackling repairs, selecting the right drywall for the job is vital. Below, we've put together a brief overview of the most common types of drywall to help you choose the best one for your project.

If you still have questions about which drywall to purchase after reading this post, come down to our store, where a friendly and knowledgeable STAR representative will be happy to assist you in person.

Types of Drywall

Drywall (so named because, unlike plaster, it's not applied wet) is also referred to by many other names: Wallboard, plasterboard, gypsum board, and Sheetrock (a popular brand name), to list a few. It typically comes in 4 x 8 ft., 4 x 10 ft. or 4 x 12 ft. panels and can be enhanced with special coatings or additives that increase its function and durability in various ways.

Specialized drywall products are often referred to by the colour of their panels. Let's take a closer look:

Greenboard Drywall

Greenboard drywall is similar to regular drywall but has a wax coating on its paper facing that makes it moisture resistant. While not entirely waterproof, moisture-resistant drywall is ideal for settings such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and utility rooms, where it can effectively prevent moisture from building up and causing damage over time.

Blueboard Drywall

Blue Board drywall is typically used as a backing for veneer plastering. The surface of its paper has specialized absorption properties that give it the appearance of traditional plaster when finished.

Paperless Drywall

Instead of being covered with paper, paperless drywall sheets are coated with fibreglass. This provides superior water and mould resistance as well as durability and longevity. Paperless drywall is more expensive than standard drywall and may need to be finished with joint compound to overcome slight textural irregularities.

Purple Drywall

If you expect your drywall to be in sustained contact with water, then PURPLE drywall will be the right choice. Mould-resistant and durable, PURPLE drywall is coated with recycled paper and is ideal for high-moisture areas such as basements.

Type X Drywall

Type X drywall includes fibreglass inside its gypsum core for increased fire resistance. Often used in commercial or residential settings to meet compliance standards for building codes, fire-resistant drywall can be applied in multiple layers for additional protection. Type X drywall is considered to be more challenging to cut and work with than standard drywall.

Soundproof Drywall

Soundproof drywall is laminated drywall that falls into an increased sound transmission class (STC). Pricier and more dense than many other drywall products, it offers specialized properties ideal for creating quiet spaces.

Regular Drywall or Whiteboard

Regular drywall, also known as whiteboard, is the most common and economical type of drywall used in spaces where no specific moisture concerns exist. It's usually white on one side and brown on the other and is standard in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.

Choosing Drywall

At STAR Building Materials in Winnipeg, our selection of drywall products offers something for everyone. No matter the scope or type of project you're working on, we've got you covered. Visit us to learn more and purchase the right drywall today!