subject: Drywall Basics: Choosing the right material for the job [print this page] Drywall Basics: Choosing the right material for the job
Before beginning any job, it is important to be informed about the materials you will be using, as well as to be knowledgeable enough to obtain the appropriate materials to do the job properly. The following information will help you to decide what type of panels to purchase now that you have decided to try your hand at being a do-it-yourselfer.
Drywall is made from gypsum, a material found naturally in the earth. This gypsum is made into a powder and then pressed between two thick sheets of paper. It is then dried in a kiln. Drywall is known by several different names including gypsum board, plasterboard, wall board, and Sheetrock. Before you begin, you will need to decide which drywall to purchase depending upon where you will be installing it.
Not only does drywall come in various types, but it also comes in various widths and thicknesses. The "thickness is the most common; however, it can also come in ", and 3/8". The " option is mainly used for curved surfaces. The 3/8" option is used for applying drywall over existing surfaces.
After you decide on the thickness of the panels you will be using, you will need to decide on the length of the panels. Because the "thickness is the most common, it has the most assortment of lengths. It comes in 8, 9, 10, 12, and 14 foot panels. The " sheets only come in 8 and 10 foot panels. Keep in mind that using bigger sheets of drywall will reduce the amount of joints that will need to be finished. However, you need to know that the bigger the sheet, the more difficult it will be to move around and install.
Drywall sheets also come in a variety of specialty panels. There is moisture resistant, which comes in green, blue, or blue-green, and is normally used in bathrooms and kitchens. Abuse resistant drywall is used for increased dent resistance. It is commonly used in recreation rooms, garages, and play rooms. Sag resistant panels are used to help alleviate sagging which is caused by the weight of insulation or by the application of texturing. Foil backed panels are useful in cold climates. For these panels, aluminum foil is laminated to the back, which creates a vapor barrier and prevents moisture from entering into the wall or ceiling spaces. Sound control panels can be used for thermal insulation as well as sound reduction.
As explained above, there is a variety of lengths and widths, as well as a variety of types, when choosing drywall panels. It is up to you to decide which will work best for you. This will be dependent upon what effect you are looking to achieve and where you will be installing these panels. Remember; choose the right materials for the job. Not only will you achieve the results you are looking for, but by choosing the right length and width, it will alleviate any unnecessary extra labor.
Need to find a local and trusted home improvement contractor for your project?
Mylaborjob.com operates a network of home improvement services websites matching homeowner requests for services
etc with quality local contractors and businesses. Always FREE to the customer. Proudly serving the following metropolitan areas: Atlanta | Los Angeles | Chicago
