We used two types of drywall, two different thicknesses and over four different sixes of drywall in our Cottage.Types of Drywall
We used mostly the normal type of drywall throughout the Cottage but used a moisture resistant drywall in both bathrooms. Called Greenboard, this drywall contains an oil-based additive in the green colored paper covering that provides moisture resistance. It is commonly used in washrooms and other areas expected to experience elevated levels of humidity.
There is also a form of cement-based drywall that is also used in bathrooms - mostly where shower enclosures are being tiled. Called cement backerboard, which is more water-resistant than greenboard, for use in showers or sauna rooms, and as a base for ceramic tile. We are using a pre-manufactured shower enclosure so the concrete drywall board is not required.
Thickness of Drywall
The standard, most used thickness of drywall is one-half (1/2) inch. All of the drywall in the Cottage is 1/2-inch except for the ceiling in the main floor.
The ceiling joists in the main floor ceiling are on 24-inch centers, hence, a thicker drywall is required to prevent the sagging of the drywall under the weight of the insulation and assisted by any moisture.
The alternate means to drywall ceilings is to use a 3-inch strapping on 16-inch centers on which the normal 1/2-inch thickness can be used. Truth be told, if I was to do it again, I would likely take this approach.
Width of Drywall
The standard width of a sheet of drywall is 48 inches. This is the width we used everywhere except on the walls in the main floor.
The wall height of the mail floor is nine feet, hence, the normal width of drywall would mean a one-foot piece of drywall would have to be used. The industry has solved this problem by creating a drywall version that is 54-inches wide.
Length of Drywall
The holy grail of drywall is to create a few a seams or joints as possible. Hence if you can use a piece of drywall that spans the entire length of a wall then there are no joins mid-wall. For his reason drywall comes in 8-foot, 10-foot and 12-foot lenghts, and we used all three lengths in the Cottage.
Hanging DrywallGenerally drywall is hung horizontally. This appears to create the fewest joints and creates joints that are not a visible to the eye. In the picture above the drywall is hung horizontally while it is vertical in the picture to the right.
Links to How to Guides:
How to Install and Finish Gypsum Panels
Drywall: Pro Tips for Hanging and Finishing
Drywall How To Manual
Housebuilders Drywall 01
YOUR ONLINE DRYWALL MANUAL
Related Posts:
Heating Tip for Drywalling in the Fall & Winter
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