Sheetrock vs. Drywall — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 2, 2023
Sheetrock is a brand name for drywall, panels made of gypsum plaster pressed between thick sheets of paper.
Difference Between Sheetrock and Drywall
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sheetrock and drywall refer to the same building material; Sheetrock is simply a trademarked brand name of drywall panels. Both are made from gypsum plaster, which is pressed between two thick sheets of paper to form panels.
Drywall is a general term for the construction material used to create walls and ceilings. Sheetrock, while synonymous with drywall, is a brand that has become so well-known that it is often used interchangeably with the term “drywall.”
Installation of Sheetrock and drywall follows the same process. They come in various sizes and thicknesses for different applications and are chosen based on the requirements of the construction project.
The terms Sheetrock and drywall can both refer to the panels themselves or the process of installing these panels. Despite the common misuse of the term Sheetrock, it should technically only be used when referring to products manufactured by the U.S. Gypsum Company.
The main difference lies in the branding. All Sheetrock is drywall, but not all drywall is Sheetrock. When purchasing these products, Sheetrock may come with the assurance of a brand's quality, whereas drywall is a generic product that can be made by various manufacturers.
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Comparison Chart
Brand
Trademark of U.S. Gypsum Company
Generic term for the product
Recognition
Brand-specific recognition
No brand association
Availability
Specific retailers, subject to brand
Widely available at various outlets
Varieties
May have unique brand-specific options
Includes all manufacturers and types
Marketing
Advertised under the Sheetrock brand
Advertised generically
Compare with Definitions
Sheetrock
A brand of drywall.
The contractor recommended Sheetrock for our home renovation.
Drywall
Comes in sheets for easy application.
We need ten more sheets of drywall to finish the job.
Sheetrock
Manufactured by U.S. Gypsum Company.
Sheetrock is a leading product of the U.S. Gypsum Company.
Drywall
A construction material for walls and ceilings.
They put up drywall in the new apartment complex.
Sheetrock
Comes in panels for construction.
We installed Sheetrock panels for the office's interior walls.
Drywall
Known for quick and easy installation.
The appeal of drywall lies in its cost-effective installation process.
Sheetrock
Used for creating smooth walls.
The Sheetrock created a perfect smooth surface for painting.
Drywall
Fire-resistant due to gypsum content.
Fire-resistant drywall is standard in modern home construction.
Sheetrock
Can refer to the entire wall system.
Our building code specifies the use of fire-rated Sheetrock.
Drywall
Drywall (also known as plasterboard, wallboard, sheet rock, gypsum board, buster board, custard board, or gypsum panel) is a panel made of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum), with or without additives, typically extruded between thick sheets of facer and backer paper, used in the construction of interior walls and ceilings. The plaster is mixed with fiber (typically paper, glass wool, or a combination of these materials), plasticizer, foaming agent, and various additives that can reduce mildew, flammability, and water absorption.
Sheetrock
A plasterboard made of gypsum layered between sheets of heavy paper.
Drywall
Plasterboard
Drywall partitions
Sheetrock
(uncountable) A building material comprising a sheet of gypsum sandwiched between two pieces of heavy paper, used mainly for interior walls and ceilings; drywall
Drywall
A building material consisting of rectangular sections usually made of a gypsum plaster core bonded between layers of heavy paper, used especially in the construction of interior walls and ceilings. Also called gypsum board, plasterboard, wallboard.
Sheetrock
To install and finish sheetrock.
Drywall
Also dry wall A wall constructed from rocks that are not cemented together.
Sheetrock
A kind of plasterboard
Drywall
To construct (a wall or ceiling) using drywall.
Drywall
To construct a wall or ceiling in (a room or building) using drywall.
Drywall
A building material comprising a sheet of gypsum sandwiched between two pieces of heavy paper, used mainly for interior walls and ceilings.
Drywall
A wall made of this.
Drywall
A stone wall constructed without mortar or cement.
Drywall
(ambitransitive) To install and finish drywall.
Drywall
Made of gypsum board.
Drywall is preferred for its quick installation compared to traditional lath and plaster.
Common Curiosities
Are the installation methods for Sheetrock and drywall different?
No, the installation methods are the same.
Is Sheetrock different from drywall?
No, Sheetrock is a brand name of drywall.
Can all drywall be called Sheetrock?
No, only drywall made by the U.S. Gypsum Company can be called Sheetrock.
Is there a difference in quality between Sheetrock and other drywall brands?
Quality can vary by manufacturer; Sheetrock is known for its consistent quality.
Are there eco-friendly options for Sheetrock and drywall?
Yes, both come in eco-friendly varieties.
Is Sheetrock more expensive than generic drywall?
It can be, due to brand recognition and perceived quality.
Can I patch Sheetrock the same way as drywall?
Yes, the patching process is the same.
Can I use the terms interchangeably?
While commonly done, technically, "Sheetrock" should only refer to products from the U.S. Gypsum Company.
Does Sheetrock come in different types?
Yes, like drywall, it comes in various types for different applications.
What sizes does drywall come in?
Drywall panels typically come in 4x8 feet but can vary.
Are there different thicknesses for Sheetrock and drywall?
Yes, both come in multiple thicknesses for different uses.
Is Sheetrock fireproof?
Sheetrock has fire-resistant types, but no gypsum board is entirely fireproof.
Is drywall good for sound insulation?
Drywall has some sound-insulating properties, and special sound-dampening types are available.
Can I use Sheetrock in a bathroom?
Yes, but moisture-resistant types are recommended.
A: What tools are needed for Sheetrock or drywall installation?
Basic tools include a drywall saw, utility knife, tape measure, and sanding tools.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
