Many construction businesses and contractors regularly renovate or structure buildings. Many building tools are part of the entire process, and this is where the difference between Sheetrock and Drywall should be noted.
The 2 are not similar, and considerable differences must be figured out.
Comparing these two is comparing James Bond and a spy. This is one of the aptest analogies to describe the difference between these 2.
Drywall is used in the construction businesses when building a roof or walls of buildings and is pretty good at that.
Key Takeaways
- Sheetrock is a brand name for drywall, a panel made of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two sheets of heavy paper or fiberglass.
- Drywall is commonly used for interior walls and ceilings in residential and commercial buildings and can be easily cut, installed, and finished.
- Sheetrock is a popular drywall brand widely available in the United States and offers a range of sizes and types for different applications.
Sheetrock vs Drywall
Sheetrock and drywall are both types of gypsum wallboard, but Sheetrock is a brand name for gypsum wallboard made by the US Gypsum Company, while drywall is a generic term for any gypsum wallboard. Sheetrock is known for its quality and durability, while drywall is more commonly used due to its lower cost. Both materials are used for interior walls and ceilings and can be painted or wallpapered.
Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Sheetrock | Drywall |
|---|---|---|
| Name | This is a brand name, i.e., Sheetrock, a company that builds the material ‘Drywall’ and other products. | It is a generic name, i.e., a substance manufactured for construction use. |
| Composition | Sheetrock does not contain sulfur and is trusted by many people. | Many other Drywall brands contain sulfur, which is bad for health and construction purposes. |
| History | The company started the production of Sheetwall in the year 1917. | Sacket board was invented in 1884, and since many types have come up. |
| Types | Regular core panels, sag-resistant, ultra code core, and abuse-resistance are some of the great types of Sheetrock. | Fire-resistant, 1/4″ to 3/4″thickness, cement board, and soundproof drywall are all types of Drywall. |
| Other names | No other names as it is a brand. | Gyprock, gypsum board, interior walls, wallboard |
What is Sheetrock?
Sheetrock is one of the very trusted drywall companies, and the material is a good quality Drywall used in constructing walls and ceilings.
Because of the material’s popularity, it is now commonly mistaken as Drywall nowadays, but the 2 are very different which is quite visible.
The thing is that only the US Gypsum Company has got the right to market its Drywall product as Sheetrock.
This is because the material used by the company in the manufacture of Sheetrock makes it unique and is therefore patented in the company’s name.
But there are many other companies like Sheetrock too. Sheetrock is more of a substitute for the obsolete and ineffective lath and plaster used in the construction of walls; hence, it is considered quite good for construction.
What is Drywall?
Drywall is a generic name. This means that it is the name of the material used in constructing walls and ceilings.
In short, it can be said that Drywall is a panel that is a gypsum plaster that can be seen sandwiched between thick paper.
This is how it is used in the construction of walls and ceilings.
Many companies worldwide make products related to Drywall, such as the US mentioned above, Gypsum Company. National Gypsum Company, Allied Manufacturing, etc.
There are many names that this product comes with. One can also call it a wallboard, gypsum board, etc.
While the chemical composition remains the same for all Drywall products, the game changes regarding the quantity of sulfur; sulfur is an additive that damages the quality of Drywall.
It is also bad for health, and such products are not considered during construction.
Main Differences Between Sheetrock and Drywall
- Sheetrock is the name of the brand under which the US Gypsum Company sells its Drywall product, and it is so used that it is commonly misplaced with Drywall. This is one of the reasons why there is so much confusion. Drywall is a generic name, i.e., the chemical product used to manufacture walls and ceilings, and Sheetrock is just a brand.
- Sheetrock’s chemical composition is similar to all other types of Drywall. There are many other Drywall manufacturers in the market too. But Sheetrock stands out because there is no sulfur in the entire product. This means sulfur is harmful when considering people’s health and construction quality. Since Sheetrock has no sulfur, it is trusted.
- The US Gypsum Company started the manufacture of Sheetrock in 1917, and since then, the product has been in circulation. The material Drywall goes way back to the 19th century, in 1884, when the first sacket board was developed. After that, the gypsum board evolved in 1910-1930 with the popularity of Sheetrock.
- Regular core panels, sag-resistant, ultra code core, and abuse-resistance are some of the great types of Sheetrock. Since it is a brand, its varieties are limited. All the varieties Sheetrock or any other brand produces are included in any Drywall, like fire-resistant, 1/4″ to 3/4″thickness, cement board, and soundproof drywall.
- Sheetrock has no other name as it is patented and has only one unique name. Drywall, conversely, can be called Gyprock, gypsum board, interior walls, or wallboard.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119337022
- https://www.osti.gov/biblio/7007945
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Thank you for explaining the difference between Sheetrock and Drywall in such an informative manner.
Absolutely! I was also glad to find such a well-written and insightful article about this topic.
I appreciate the comparison made between Sheetrock and Drywall, it makes it easier to understand the distinctions.
Yes, the James Bond analogy was quite clever, it really helped put things into perspective.
I applaud the comprehensive explanation of the history and composition of Sheetrock and Drywall.
It’s quite refreshing to see such a well-researched and intellectual piece about construction materials.
The article truly does justice to the technical aspects of the construction materials.
The comparison table is quite helpful in highlighting the key differences between Sheetrock and Drywall, making it easier to understand.
It’s refreshing to see such a meticulously constructed comparison table.
Indeed, the comparison table offers a clear and concise summary of the main points.
I’m quite surprised that the differences between Sheetrock and Drywall are so significant. Distinguishing the two is crucial for anyone in the construction industry.
The detailed explanation of Sheetrock and Drywall is impressive and showcases the author’s expertise in the field.
I wholeheartedly agree, the depth of knowledge reflected in this article is truly commendable.
It’s rare to come across such an intellectually stimulating discussion on construction materials.
It was intriguing to learn about the historical background and chemical composition of Sheetrock and Drywall. I appreciate the depth of information provided.
Agreed, the insights into their history and chemical makeup were fascinating and insightful.
While this article provides useful information about Sheetrock and Drywall, it would have been even better if it included a more in-depth explanation of their applications.
I agree, more detailed practical applications would have been beneficial.
I think the focus is on the differences in construction and material rather than the practical application.
A well-researched and articulate comparison between Sheetrock and Drywall, providing valuable information for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The comparison between Sheetrock and Drywall is substantial, and it offers clarity to individuals looking to understand these materials better.