Types of Drywall: Fire-Rated, Moisture, Sound and More
Besides standard drywall, homes use several specialized types: fire-rated Type X, moisture- and mold-resistant board, sound-dampening drywall, impact-resistant board and sag-resistant ceiling board. Each one is used where a home needs it, and repairs should use the same type and thickness so the patch sits flush and keeps the wall's rating.
Standard drywall
Standard 1/2-inch drywall covers most interior walls. Ceilings often use 5/8-inch drywall or a sag-resistant ceiling board so they stay flat under insulation. See what drywall is and how it's made.
Fire-resistant drywall (Type X)
Type X drywall has a gypsum core with glass fibers that helps it hold together longer in a fire. It's typically used on the wall and ceiling between an attached garage and the house, and around furnaces and utility rooms. Damaged Type X should be replaced with Type X.
Moisture- and mold-resistant drywall
Often green or purple, this board has a water-resistant face and core for bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens. It handles humidity and splashes, but it isn't waterproof. Inside showers and behind tub surrounds, tile goes over cement board or a waterproofing system instead.
Sound-dampening drywall
Sound-dampening drywall has layers designed to absorb vibration, cutting noise between rooms. It's used in home theaters, bedrooms next to living areas, and shared walls.
Impact-resistant drywall
Impact-resistant, or abuse-resistant, drywall has a denser core and tougher face. It holds up better in hallways, kids' rooms, garages and other places walls get bumped.
Why the type matters for repairs
A patch should match the existing drywall's thickness so it sits flush, and its type so a fire-rated or moisture-resistant wall keeps doing its job. See how to patch a hole in drywall.
Drywall repair in Orlando
New Ceilings repairs and replaces drywall across Orlando and Central Florida, using the right type for each wall and ceiling, then matches the texture and paint. Every job starts with a free written quote. See drywall and ceiling repair.