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Everything You Need to Know About Sheetrock
When tackling renovation and construction projects, chances are you're going to be doing a fair amount of demolition and you'll need to do some work to your interior walls. Whether that work consists of repairing or replacing the walls themselves, you'll need to know all about what products to use and the assorted tools and materials required.
Here at Ring's End, we pride ourselves on being able to help our customers, no matter what project they're looking to tackle. Learn everything you need to know about Sheetrock in our handy article!
What is Sheetrock?
Though you may think that Sheetrock is a product, it's actually a brand! The Sheetrock brand is well known in the drywall industry for their materials made for residential interior walls. The product you're actually thinking of when you use the term Sheetrock, however, is the gypsum board. Most people in the construction industry, as well as at your local hardware store, will know exactly what you mean when you say Sheetrock.
Gypsum board, also known as drywall, is made of gypsum plaster sandwiched between thick sheets of paper. These drywall sheets are the most common material used for creating interior walls in residential and commercial buildings. These drywall panels are available in a number of thicknesses, designs, and sizes. Some sheetrock is available in a fire resistant construction, and others are made from moisture resistant materials. Depending on where your drywall panels will be placed, you may need to purchase specific resistant materials.
What's Needed When Installing Drywall?
When you're looking to install drywall, there are a number of tools and materials you'll need, all available at Ring's End. Before you start your drywall job, check the list of both tools and materials you'll need, then visit your closest Ring's End location to pick up what you need!
Tools You'll Need
A drywall t-square
Drywall knives in 4-, 6- and 12-inch sizes
A utility knife with extra blades
Cordless drill with appropriate bits
Sanding pole, sandpaper, and (optional) sanding sponges
A jab saw
Drywall Materials You'll Need
Drywall sheets (also known as gypsum panels or Sheetrock)
Drywall screws
Joint compound
Joint tape
When purchasing drywall screws, it is important to mention that these are specifically designed screws that need to be used. Other screws should not be used, and a hammer and nails definitely should not be used.
How Do I Know How Much Drywall I Need?
Knowing how much drywall to purchase is a fairly simple task, and can be done in about five minutes. Measure the height and length of your walls in feet to get the square footage of the wall surface. Then, estimate the number of drywall sheets you'll need by dividing by 32. Most standard drywall sheets come in 4 feet by 8 feet measurements, hence the division of your total number by 32.
For example, if your wall is 15 feet long and 8 feet tall, you'll multiply the two measurements and come up with 120 square feet. Dividing that by 32, you'll get 3.75, so it's safe to say you'll need to purchase 4 drywall sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheetrock
What is sheetrock used for?
Sheetrock panels have a variety of construction uses and they are commonly used to make interior walls and ceilings.
Is there a difference between sheetrock and drywall?
Sheetrock and drywall are essentially the same thing, conversationally. Drywall panel is made from gypsum and is sandwiched between 2 sheets of thick paper. Sheetrock is a brand of drywall, and people use it interchangeably as they do with "Kleenex" to refer to tissues. Sheetrock tends to be more expensive than a "generic brand" that come at a considerably lower price.
What are the different sizes of drywall?
Usually, the length of drywall sheet varies by 4-feet increments. Common sizes are 4 ft x 8 ft, 4 ft x 12 ft, and 4 ft x 16 ft. The thickness of drywall panels can vary depending on different building codes. The three commons sizes are 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch, and 5/8-inch. The thinnest drywall available at Ring's End is 1/4-inch.
Is drywall waterproof?
To make regular drywall waterproof, you usually need to prime and paint it. However, we do sell moisture resistant sheetrock at Ring's End.
What is the best drywall to use in a bathroom?
We recommend using a mold resistant drywall in the bathroom. These types of drywall are also moisture resistant and are usually colored green.
How much is a panel of Sheetrock?
You can usually expect to pay between $12 - $20 for a 4 ft x8 ft Sheetrock panel. However at Ring's End, we have Gypsum Sheetrock available for just $11.95.