Types of Gypsum Board
Using ever-developing new technologies, gypsum producers offer a variety of gypsum board products for many specific applications, including: the surface layer of interior walls and ceilings; a base for ceramic, plastic and metal tile; exterior sheathing and soffits; elevator and other shaft enclosures; area separation fire walls between occupancies; and the fire-resistant layer over structural elements.
Regular and Type X gypsum board (described below) are available in several thicknesses. Different thicknesses are typically used in the specific following applications:
¼ -inch – A low cost gypsum board used as a base in a multilayer application for improving sound control, used to cover existing walls and ceilings in remodeling and for curved surfaces.
5/16 -inch – A specialty product primarily used in the production of manufactured housing and in laminated double thickness for special sound control panels.
3/8-inch – A gypsum board principally applied in a double-layer system over wood framing and as a face layer in repair or remodeling.
½-inch – Generally used as a single layer wall and ceiling material in residential work and in double-layer systems for greater sound and fire ratings.
5/8-inch – Used in quality single-layer and double-layer wall systems. The greater thickness provides additional fire resistance, higher rigidity, and better impact resistance.
¾-inch & 1 inch – Used in interior partitions, shaft walls, stairwells, chaseways, area separation firewalls and corridor ceilings. Special edged panels are used in some interior partitions.
Standard size gypsum boards are 48 inches wide and 8, 10, 12 or 14 feet long. The 48 inch width is compatible with standard framing methods in which studs or joists are spaced 16 inches and 24 inches o.c. (Other lengths and widths of gypsum board are available from the manufacturer on special order.)
