Drywall
Panels of gypsum plaster encased in paper, used to create smooth interior walls and ceilings in most modern construction.
Drywall (also called gypsum board, wallboard, or Sheetrock®) consists of a gypsum plaster core sandwiched between two layers of paper. It is the dominant interior wall and ceiling material in North American construction because it installs quickly, provides a smooth paintable surface, and provides a degree of fire resistance. Standard thicknesses are 1/2 inch (walls) and 5/8 inch (ceilings and fire-rated assemblies).
Specialty drywall products include moisture-resistant (green board or purple board) for bathrooms and laundry rooms, fire-rated type X for garages and shared walls, and sound-dampening (QuietRock) for home theaters or shared walls. Cement board is used instead of drywall behind tile in wet areas like showers.
Drywall installation and finishing (taping, mudding, sanding) runs $1.50–$3.50 per square foot of wall and ceiling surface installed and finished to a level 4 or 5 finish. Drywall repair patches for holes and cracks run $75–$350 per area depending on size.
Real-World Example
After the plumber completed the rough-in inspection, the drywall crew hung 42 sheets of 1/2-inch drywall and spent two days taping and finishing the new addition.