Drywall vs. Sheetrock

Main Difference

The main difference between drywall and sheetrock is that drywall is the commonly known material that is used in the construction of homes to produce flat walls and other surfaces whereas sheetrock is a brand name for drywall.

Difference Between Drywall and Sheetrock

Comparison Chart

Drywall vs. Sheetrock

Sheetrock and drywall are made of gypsum plates that are flattened and sandwiched between two heavy papers. Both Sheetrock and drywall are construction materials. There is a slight difference between drywall and sheetrock concerning their labels. Drywall is the commonly known material that is used in the construction of homes to produce flat walls and other surfaces. Sheetrock is a brand name for drywall. This brand has a variety of different pieces of drywall which come in different thicknesses. Drywall consists of gypsum that is flattened to a sheet. It is then sandwiched between two pieces of heavy paper. Sheetrock is become synonymous with the drywall because of its popularity, like Kleenex and facial tissue. Drywall board panels were introduced in the late 1800s. Drywalls became popular after the US Gypsum Company first introduced the “Sheetrock” board panels. The difference is in the trademark. Drywall is sheetrock for the common man as the trademark is well established. Sheetrock is a company that provides customers with the products the same as generic drywall and drywall. So drywall is the same product (without a brand name), and sheetrock is a brand name for drywall. Drywall is known by many names, e.g., wallboards, gypsum boards, and plasterboards. All Sheetrock can be called drywall, but all drywall cannot be called Sheetrock. Many contractors find it advantageous to use generic brand drywall, whereas others find it advantageous to purchase products from Sheetrock. Drywall and sheetrock are the same products, but sheetrock is the trademark for the drywall product.

What is Drywall?

Drywall is the commonly known material that is used in the construction of homes to produce flat walls and other surfaces. Drywall consists of gypsum that is essentially a type of rock. Gypsum is flattened to a sheet and then sandwiched between two pieces of heavy paper. You will install the drywall by using screws or nails to attach it to the studs of the room. You will then fill the seams between the pieces of drywall with a joint compound. Drywall board panels were introduced in the late 1800s. Drywalls became popular after the US Gypsum Company first introduced the “Sheetrock” board panels. Drywall is easier to install and to perform drywall repair in comparison to other traditional methods such as plaster. Drywall is sheetrock for the common man as the trademark is well established. Drywall is known by many names, e.g., wallboards, gypsum boards, and plasterboards. Drywall has different names in different places.

Types

• Regular Drywall. Standard gypsum board wall with cellulose paper, least expensive drywall, available in multiple different sizes and thicknesses
• Mold Resistant Drywall. Covered with fiberglass instead of paper, gives it resistance to mold and mildew
• Moisture Resistant. Pricey, a green covering that makes it waterproof, a good choice for bathrooms, basements, kitchens, etc.
• Fire-resistant, or Type X. often used in layers to get a higher fire rating, made with non-combustible fibers, have to pass strict tests to achieve a Type X Rating

Names

• Gibraltar Board
• GIB wall
• Ceiling linings
• Winstone Wallboards
• Rigips
• Knauf
• Regips
• Placoplatre
• Pladur

What is Sheetrock?

Sheetrock is a brand name for drywall. This brand has a variety of different pieces of drywall which come in different thicknesses. Sheetrock is become synonymous with the drywall because of its popularity, like Kleenex and facial tissue. Sheetrock is a company that provides customers with the products the same as generic drywall and drywall. Sheetrock consists of a core of gypsum plaster that is pressed between two thick sheets of paper. The wet gypsum core gets sandwiched between heavy paper or fiberglass mats. Sheetrock products include specialty products such as fire-resistant walls or panels which help to prevent the build-up of moisture. Sheetrock refers to a trading name of construction material. The term has come to be used interchangeably with drywall because of its popularity. Also, sheetrock is used as a replacement for lath and plaster in the construction of interior ceilings and walls. Only the U.S. Gypsum Company name their drywall as Sheetrock. Some other companies that make drywall are Titan Commercial Products, National Gypsum Company, and Allied Manufacturing. The manufacturing of sheetrock is the same as drywall. It consists of gypsum as a primary product. The only difference is in the extra chemicals that are added to make the brand’s sands special products. Sheetrock comes in different thicknesses and a few different varieties.

Varieties

• Regular core panels. in 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch thicknesses
• Fire-resistant panels, including one with a 3/4-inch Ultracode core
• Foil-back variety
• Mold and moisture-resistant
• Fiberock panel
• Sag-resistant Sheetrock. light-weight, resist sagging
• Exterior ceiling board. weather-resistant used outdoors
• Stronger panels. resistant to abuse such as abrasion, indentations, and even penetration

Conclusion

Drywall and sheetrock are the same with a slight difference.