4 x 8-foot

• Most common drywall size 
• Allows for either vertical or horizontal installation

4 x 10-foot

• For tall or long walls
• Allows you to create a smooth vertical surface to meet higher ceilings

4 x 12-foot

• Longest length available at The Home Depot
• Great for creating smooth surfaces in rooms with high ceilings 

Tip: For small and medium sized projects, most DIYers use the 4 x 8-foot drywall (standard size is the 4 x 8-foot x 1/2-inch) because it offers the best value in per-sheet price and is the easiest to handle, with each sheet weighing just over 50 pounds. 

Drywall can be nailed or screwed to wood or metal studs. When used on ceilings it is also sometimes glued up to help keep it from sagging over time.

Use the information below to learn the differences among drywall thickness options. This will help you determine how much drywall you need for your project.

1/4-inch

• Less common thickness
• Used as a skimming (or double-wall) material for placing over an existing surface
• Valuable when you need to install on slightly curved surfaces

Tip: If the drywall is not quite meeting your curve, slightly dampen the drywall to make it more flexible.

1/2-inch

• Standard thickness for interior walls
• Panels are easy to carry and hang 
• Ultra-light 1/2-inch panels also available – these are 13 pounds lighter than conventional drywall of the same size and thickness

5/8-inch

• Used for ceilings to prevent sagging
• A thicker drywall option
• Often called “fire-resistant drywall”

Standard

• Standard drywall sheets have no special features and are mostly used for residential interior wall and ceiling construction.
• It’s also ideal for basement and other residential remodeling.

Mold Resistant

• Mold-resistant drywall sheets use paperless backing and special coating to prevent mold from growing better than traditional drywall sheets. 
• This can help extend the life and appearance of interior surfaces and reduce the factors favoring mold formation.
• Use in high water areas like bathroom and kitchens.
• Mold-resistant board options include USG (MoldTough), National Gypsum (XP) and American Gypsum (M-Bloc).

Moisture Resistant

• Also known as greenboard or cement board, moisture-resistant drywall sheets use paperless backing and a special coating to prevent moisture from being absorbed better than traditional drywall sheets.
• These are also used as tile backer in limited wet areas, like the bathroom, basement walls, kitchens, laundry rooms and utility rooms.
• Moisture-resistant board options include American Gypsum (M-Bloc), National Gypsum (XP) and GP Green Board.
• Cement board such as PermaBase should be used instead of gypsum board in high-moisture areas like tub and shower surrounds.

Fire Resistant

• Also known as Fire Board, X Board or Type X drywall, fire-resistant drywall sheets are manufactured with glass fibers and are 5/8-inch thick. 
• These properties reduce flame spread and speed and generate less smoke when compared to traditional drywall sheets. 
• The extra thickness can also improve room-to-room sound control.
• Building codes typically require fire-resistant drywall in utility rooms, garages and rooms with furnaces or wood stoves.