Today, there are quite numerous materials you can pick for your walls. Some homeowners prefer paneling, while others prefer drywall. While drywall is more common due to its attractiveness and resistance to fires, on the other hand opting for plywood means a more robust and durable wall surface.
It is always confusing to choose one over the other. Let’s look at a comparison of drywall versus plywood and determine which one is the better option.
Definition
Drywall is also called gypsum, plasterboard, or sheetrock. It is a board made from gypsum sandwiched between thick paper. It is commonly used as a modern alternative for plaster.
Plywood is a panel-like material made from plies of wood glued together in layers.
Structure
Plywood makes a robust structure, unlike drywall which requires you to locate studs before fixing anything onto the wall. Thus drywall is relatively weaker compared to plywood. The extra strength on plywood makes it resistant to damages.
Installation
Drywall weighs much more than the similar size of plywood. The additional weight means that the installation requires more than one person to do the job due to the turning. Installing drywall is also more time-consuming as you will need to apply a joint compound then sand the surface. On the other hand, plywood simply requires caulking the seams, and the installation is complete.
Safety
Drywall offers superior resistance to fires compared to plywood, making it the best option for your finishing. Drywall does not burn fast, nor does it spread fires easily. Plywood burns quickly when faced with fires since it’s just wood.
Fixing
If you are using drywall, cracks or holes do not mean the end of the world. For drywall, it is much easier to fix these problems while still small, unlike plywood which may require you to repair the entire wall for good results.
Cost
Wood materials are always very costly, and plywood is no exception. Although it is not as expensive as regular wood, it costs much more compared to drywall. Repairing drywall is also cheaper compared to fixing plywood.
Which material is the best for your walls?
Based on the above differences, whether you choose drywall or plywood for your walls will depend on your preferences. However, a little limelight, drywall is considered a better option by most homeowners today since it is fire resistant.
Once you choose, contact Skyway Drywall Repair Services in St Petersburg, Fl, for more detailed information and help concerning drywall. We are your go-to drywall pro.
Please read our next article“Drywall to Use in the Bathroom?“
