Standard, moisture-resistant, fire-rated and sound-rated board: which goes where, and how it should be finished.
Drywall looks simple, but there are several types and several levels of finish. The right board in the right place prevents mold, meets fire requirements and holds up. The right finish decides whether walls look smooth or show every seam.
Standard half-inch board suits most walls. Moisture-resistant board belongs around baths and laundry rooms, while cement board goes behind tile in showers. Garages and shared walls may need fire-rated board. Finishing runs from basic taped seams to a full skim coat for glossy paint.
Most walls and ceilings.
Baths and laundry rooms.
Garage and shared walls.
Quieter rooms.
From basic to skim coat.
Smooth, orange peel or knockdown.
Calculate paint, plan a floor or ballpark the cost.
Paint CalculatorEnter room sizes, doors and windows and see gallons of paint and primer to plan for.Try it 
Flooring CalculatorEnter your room size and flooring type and see boxes to order with a waste allowance.Try it 
Handyman Cost EstimatorPick a project and a size and get a ballpark planning range.Try it Thicker board is stiffer and more sound-resistant, and is required for some fire ratings. Half-inch is common for walls.
Walls with flat paint need less than walls with gloss or strong side light. We recommend by room.
In showers, use cement board or a waterproof system, not standard drywall.
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