The most common thickness of drywall used in residential construction is 1/2 inch. Other thicknesses include 1/4 inches, 3/8 inches, and 5/8 inches. The use of drywall depends on its thickness. Some types of drywall are used for fireproofing or soundproofing. But the most common one is 1/2 inch drywall.
Drywall is mainly composed of gypsum plaster so it is safe and easy to use. Drywall is widely used to construct walls and ceilings. But apart from foundational structure, it can also be used to create design features that enhance the overall look of the space.
Pros and Cons of 1/2 inches Thickness of Drywall used in Residential Construction
Pros
Following are some of the perks of using 1/2 inches thickness of drywall in residential construction:
- Most local building and area codes require to use of 1/2 inch of drywall in the home
- It is easy to install so the cost of labor is generally less
- It can be used on every type of wall. It is well suited for interior walls.
- It is an affordable and cost-effective option
- It is versatile
Cons
Following are some of the cons:
- It is vulnerable to damage
- Although it is strong, it cannot withstand very high pressure and stress
- It does not provide resistance to sound
- It is not fireproof
Other Types of Drywall Thickness and Their Uses
The thickness of drywall used in residential construction can vary if there are any special requirements. Let’s take a look at some of the other drywall thickness and their uses.
- 1/4 Inch
1/4 inch is the thinnest option of drywall. It is not strong enough to support the structure. But it is mainly used for skimming. It is installed on an existing layer of drywall to give it a new look. It can hide any spots, stains or signs of minor damage. One can install it easily without removing the wooden trims.
- 3/8 Inch
3/8 inches of drywall is slightly thicker than 1/4 inch of drywall. In the past 3/8 inch drywall was considered the standard instead of 1/2 inch drywall but it was ruled out as it is not strong enough. Nowadays it is also used as a repair plaster over existing layers of drywall or it can be used for curved walls.
- 5/8 Inch
5/8 inch drywall as the size suggests is one of the most beneficial types of drywall as it offers multiple advantages. This thickness of drywall used in residential construction will increase not only its strength but also its longevity. Also, a thicker drywall will be more fire resistant and less damage will incur. A ⅝ inch drywall will add an extra layer of protection in moisture-prone areas as well.
A hired team of experts will know what size of thickness is required in what areas. By acquiring SMA Estimating LLC, you will get accurate and specific Residential construction Estimation Services for drywalls.
Selection of the Right Thickness of Drywall?
Certain regulations must be followed when it comes to the thickness of drywall used in residential construction. Experts mostly use 4 options and each of them has their specific characteristics:
– A ¼ inch or 6.35mm drywall is one of the thinnest drywalls. It is mostly applied for creating curved walls. Another application of this size is used on other surfaces such as plaster or bricks.
– ⅜ inch or 9.52mm thickness of drywall used in residential construction is typically used for partitions or for repairing or patching worn out or damaged areas.
– ½ inch or 12.7mm is the most suitable size for a residential project’s interior as this is considered to be of industrial standard.
– Lastly, ⅝ inch or 15.9mm is mainly used for ceilings or commercial-level projects. Its ideal thickness prevents a ceiling from sagging and is also preferred for soundproofing capabilities.
Here are some other important factors to consider when selecting an appropriate thickness of drywall in construction:
- Budget
A hired expert must ensure that the right type and size of drywall is selected and installed in a construction project. He must ensure to carry out precise Drywall Estimate with takeoff services as well. A professional estimator is responsible for making sure that there is no shortage of materials and that the budget will not exceed the set limits at any point of construction.
- Uses of Drywall
The thickness of Drywall used in residential construction will determine which part of a house is suitable. Besides that, there are common uses of drywall in construction:
– Insulated drywall is mostly used for cold spaces in a residential project such as attics
– If you want that sound not to pass through the wall, then soundproofing drywall is typically used
– Mold-resistant drywall is a type that is waterproof and often used in bathrooms and kitchens
– Some drywalls are fire resistant and prevent the spread of fire. On top of that, it also generates less smoke as well
Final Thoughts
In the end, selecting the most appropriate thickness of drywall used in residential construction is a hectic task. But by planning this task can be made easy. That is why this article discusses dry walls along with their most widely used sizes in the industry. It also mentions their pros and cons, their uses, and the major factors that help you to make a cost-effective and informed decision.