Best drywall in 2022

Drywall is a relatively new material, which, however, has managed to establish itself in the working materials market and demonstrate its indispensability in the construction industry. It combines simplicity, practicality, convenience and beauty at the same time. The best drywall in 2022 is a new and high-quality material that never fails. No modern construction can do without this material. Nowadays, plasterboard is used in the decoration of buildings, installation of partitions, and serves as an excellent coating for walls, ceilings, and sometimes even floors in apartments, offices and other residential, work and domestic premises.

Types of drywall

There are several types of drywall, and they are all divided into two categories - official and unofficial.

Official types include those produced in factories with special markings - “moisture-resistant”, “fire-resistant”, and unofficial types - designations of the material in the field of construction work in which it is best used - “ceiling”, “arched”, “decor” , "wall".

Moisture resistant - this type of drywall is designed specifically for installation in wet rooms, such as a bathroom or shower room. Its structure includes not ordinary, but waxed multilayer cardboard interspersed with polyester, which makes the entire board resistant not only to direct contact with water, but also to long-term exposure to various liquids. A little plastic and polyester are also added to the plaster to make the contents of the sheet more moisture-resistant and durable.
Fire-resistant - this type of plasterboard is designed for installation in fireplace rooms, saunas or boiler rooms, in other words - it is excellent for rooms with open sources of flame or for buildings in which high temperatures are constantly maintained and there is a risk of spontaneous combustion. The structure of the cardboard shells of such plasterboard add a little foil, which actively resists the sheet burning. And powdered asbestos is mixed into the plaster itself to create a more durable barrier from fire or high temperatures. This makes the sheet very resistant to prolonged exposure to open flame.
Ceiling. This type of drywall consists of large slabs. Specially adapted for installation of ceilings in spacious rooms.
Arched. Drywall made using a special technology with the addition of plastic, which allows the slab to bend quite strongly and makes it possible to install a plasterboard arch.
Decor. Thin and rough plasterboard, which is used for artistic decoration of the relief of walls and ceilings indoors.

Features of the correct choice of material

In order to choose the best drywall from the proposed material options, it is recommended to follow these rules:

it is recommended to purchase the material from a large store, as this reduces the likelihood that the drywall has been lying on the shelves for quite a long time;
You definitely need to look at the warehouse of the store where you plan to purchase the material; if there are humid conditions there, then you should refuse the purchase;
during loading and unloading operations, it is necessary to monitor the accuracy of the workers’ actions;
Before picking up the goods, you must check each sheet for the presence of defects in the form of stains and scratches.

If there is a need to purchase a large amount of material, it is recommended to make a trial purchase - purchase one sheet. It is cut into strips with a knife, after which it is necessary to evaluate the homogeneity of the core, the evenness of the cut and the absence of foreign inclusions.

And in order to accurately protect yourself from a bad purchase, it is recommended to stick to trusted manufacturers - Knauf, Giprok or Rigips. You can consult the seller.

The best conventional drywall

Regular plasterboard consists of slabs of standard size 2500x1200x12.5mm, and is the most common version of this building material.

There are several plasterboard manufacturers who have been strengthening their authority in the building materials market for many years. These include only three companies - Knauf (Germany), Lafarge (Poland) and JSC Gips (Russia).

JSC "Gips"

The company, founded at the former Volgograd gypsum plant, currently produces a wide variety of gypsum products, including construction plasterboards.

The plant's products are a mixture of the latest European technologies and Soviet quality. Traditionally, the Volma model is chosen by consumers as the best plasterboard for walls due to the excellent ratio of the size of the slab, its strength and wear resistance. The company's products also feel confident as ceiling coverings, as well as interior partitions.

"Knauf"

The oldest company producing drywall. It is Knauf that are the inventors of this type of building material and the first mass producers of plasterboard in the world. This German company has set incredibly high quality standards and still does not lower the bar, producing various models of drywall for a variety of purposes and constantly expanding the scope of this material not only in practical construction, but also in the field of room decoration and interior modeling.

"Knauf 2500x1200x9.5 mm."

The most common model of drywall, used on almost all construction sites in Europe, Russia and the CIS countries. It differs from its moisture-resistant and fire-resistant counterparts in its smaller thickness - 9.5 mm versus 12.5 mm. Ideal for installing ceilings or covering walls. Due to the perfectly flat and smooth front surface, it does not require absolutely any additional coating, excluding priming of joints and painting with regular paint or “KCh”.

Advantages:

Relatively light weight - one slab weighs only 17.5 kg, so problems with transportation, delivery and installation usually do not arise;
Gypsum insulates the room well from possible exposure to water or fire;
It bends very well, which allows you to create smooth ceilings, arched openings and any other types of architectural ideas using plasterboard;
It conducts heat very poorly, due to which it serves as an additional source of thermal insulation for the room, without releasing heat outside and maintaining a constant climate in the building;
It has a very high density - 800 kg/m3;
The package contains 68 sheets at once;
Low price – 190 rub.

Flaws:

The semicircular edge of the sheet requires more careful work on the joints and a large amount of primer;
The stoves practically do not allow steam and smoke to pass through, so you should refrain from installing them in bathrooms, saunas, fireplace rooms, etc.

"Gyproc"

The Scandinavians have always been, are and will be ahead of the rest in terms of rationalizing the construction process. Norwegian plasterboard has long been a reference product for installing smooth walls, ceilings and partitions. The harsh weather conditions of Scandinavia can to some extent be compared with the climatic zones of Russia, therefore those building materials that have proven themselves well in the northern countries are ideal for domestic consumers.

Lafarge

A Polish company producing various building materials, has long been considered one of the best plasterboard manufacturers in Western Europe.

Polish plasterboard differs slightly from its competitors in the size of the slabs - they are smaller, and in color - Lafarge products have a pleasant creamy shade instead of the usual matte.

In terms of technical characteristics, plasterboard is in no way inferior to its Russian and Scandinavian counterparts, being a product of the highest quality.

"Lafarge Standard 2500x1200x12.5mm".

A standard representative of the Lafarge plasterboard line. In terms of their technical characteristics, the slabs are no different from their German counterpart. The only exception is color - the Polish company produces building material in three colors at once - gray, light green and burgundy, which allows you to use coatings of similar colors after installing the slabs, without fear that the bright color of the outer panel of the sheet will show through the wallpaper or a thin layer of paint.

Advantages:

Expanded color palette, allowing for more complex manipulations with the relief of the building;
The flexibility of each slab can reach up to 2000mm, which allows you to mount rather steep arches, ceiling passages, and also simulate the floating relief of walls and ceilings;
The standard package contains 50 sheets;
The weight of one slab is only 10 kg, which makes delivery, transportation and installation quite easy;
Low price - 150 rubles per sheet.

Flaws:

Before installation, the slab requires additional treatment with sandpaper or a rough rag.

"Gyproc"

Gyproc is an English brainchild of a French company that specializes in gypsum materials. Since 2003, it has occupied a leading position in the production of plasterboard products.

Wall plasterboard "Gyproc"

A distinctive feature of the brand is its absolute environmental friendliness, because... Only 100% environmentally friendly materials are used in production. In addition, the production of especially light sheets has been launched, which have 20% less weight compared to the standard.

The best moisture-resistant drywall

Moisture-resistant drywall differs from ordinary drywall only in the different composition of the gypsum itself, as well as reinforced cardboard walls, which undergo special treatment and are coated with a special anti-water composition. Such material not only does not interact with water, does not become saturated with it, but also successfully repels liquid from its surface, constantly remaining dry.

"Volma moisture resistant 2500x1200x12.5mm."

One of the best plasterboards for cladding walls in a toilet, bathroom or for making partitions in places of high humidity. The coating of each slab is impregnated with a water-repellent solution. In addition to reliability, the sheets also have a flat, smooth surface, which is enough to be coated with moisture-repellent paint or “KCh”, without the use of primer, putty or other means of leveling the wall surface.

Advantages:

Domestic production, does not require additional costs for purchase or delivery;
Hygienic base without tendency to mold or fungal growths;
Between the two layers of gypsum in the center there is a rather thick layer of fiberglass, which has a positive effect on the strength of the frame and the moisture repellency of the entire sheet as a whole;
Easy to cut even with an ordinary stationery knife;
Convenient for transportation - a standard truck can accommodate 16 packages of 49 sheets each;
Impregnated with special agents that prevent moisture from appearing and penetrating into the sheet;
Smooth surface without rough texture;
Easy to install in winter without additional heating sources;
Low price.

Flaws:

Before actual installation, a little sanding of the slab is required, as well as chamfering at the ends for a more airtight seal of the joints;
The weight of one sheet is 26 kg, which creates great inconvenience for loading, transporting and installing the material.

"Knauf moisture resistant 2500x1200x12.5mm."

Moisture-repellent sheets of material from this company are very popular in the foreign and domestic building materials markets. Ideal for cladding rooms with high humidity. Thanks to special impregnation, it can not only protect the walls of the room from moisture, but also remove moisture from the room, making the climate in the building drier. It perfectly resists even large water flows, holds its shape well and does not deform over time.

Advantages:

High strength of the panels due to the slab thickness of 12.5 cm;
Can be used as a separate independent partition, provided there is a metal frame;
Shockproof;
Resistant to deformation and high pressure;
It has excellent soundproofing properties, almost completely blocks the path of any sounds and different types of noise;
Actively prevents the appearance of moisture;
Resistant to prolonged exposure to water;
Resistant to elevated temperatures and prolonged exposure to flame;
Has increased moisture resistance;
Does not lose its shape and properties even after repeated repetition of the “wet – dry” cycle;
Actively maintains a warm indoor climate;
Sold in huge packs of 52 sheets each.

Flaws:

Each slab has a semicircular edge cut, which is why more finishing materials are required to seal the joints between the slabs;
A large space is required for installation work, since due to their large dimensions the sheets can be damaged when working with them in a cramped room;
The weight of one panel is about 25 kg, which can create certain difficulties when delivering materials, as well as working with them.
High price, from 345 rubles per slab of material.

"Lafarge"

"Lafarge" - this French company has set one of the lowest prices for plasterboard products compared to other brands. This is explained by the fact that it has the largest number of production facilities around the world. Quantity does not harm quality and they produce only high quality products. This company is distinguished by the fact that it pays special attention to the processing of sheet edges, which makes the product perfectly smooth.

See also: Do plumbing fittings vary in durability? Drywall Lafarge

The best fire-resistant drywall

Fire-resistant plasterboard is produced in a similar way to moisture-resistant plasterboard, but the coating used for the walls is slightly different, the composition of the gypsum is changed accordingly, so that there is no contact of fire with the surface covered with slabs. This material actively resists fire, preventing the flame from heating its surface. In the event of an intense fire, the front side of the drywall may become covered with soot or even smoke, but you can be sure that the walls of the room will not receive the slightest damage.

"KnaufGSP - DFH-2 moisture-fire-resistant 2500x1200x12.5mm."

To the question - which drywall is best for walls in rooms where high temperatures are constantly maintained - the Knauf company gives a convincing answer. This model has truly amazing properties. In addition to the usual fire resistance, the surface of a plasterboard board can reduce the risk of fire due to the extremely low thermal conductivity of the front covering. In other words, the slab and the surface adjacent to it are almost impossible to heat, and prolonged exposure to very high temperatures is required to cause the sheet coating to deform or become blackened by fire.

However, this was not enough for the German developers and they decided to supplement the technical characteristics of drywall with resistance to water, making it both moisture- and water-repellent. The plaster between the cardboard sheets is impregnated with two special solutions at once, which do not allow it to either heat up or become saturated with water, even with prolonged exposure to both elements.

Advantages:

The edges of all sides of the sheet are carefully rolled with cardboard seams;
When installing slabs, the gap between the sheets is minimal and can be easily sealed with putty;
The special composition of the glue with which the gypsum is impregnated provides better adhesion of the cardboard to the gypsum sheet;
Does not require additional coating with any other finishing material other than regular paint or “CC”;
Does not contain any harmful or toxic components;
The package contains 52 large sheets at once;
Shockproof;
Not prone to deformation or destruction under the influence of time;
Has high thermal insulation, maintaining the indoor climate;
Ideal sound insulation.

Flaws:

High price - from 440 rubles per sheet;
The large weight of each sheet is up to 30 kg.

"GyprocAqua Strong 2500x1200x15mm."

Scandinavian quality has long been a symbol of simplicity and a guarantee of quiet leisure for the owners of the premises. A model that is significantly superior to its competitors not only in thickness and dimensions, but also in technical characteristics, which clearly demonstrates which drywall is best for walls in industrial premises and boiler rooms.

The sheets themselves are stronger and rougher in structure, as they are designed for installation in boiler rooms, factories and warehouses. They can also be installed in basements and garages.

Thanks to special impregnations and additives, the sheets actively resist open flames and prolonged exposure to water, which makes them an ideal material for covering a sauna or bathhouse in a summer cottage.

Advantages:

Reinforced sheet structure, allowing the installation of drywall even in industrial boiler rooms;
Actively resists open combustion, easily withstands prolonged exposure to open flame on the surface of the sheet;
Does not become covered with fungus even after prolonged exposure to water;
Has excellent soundproofing properties;
Due to its high density, it is resistant to surface wear;
Shockproof.

Flaws:

High price - 470 rubles per slab;
Very heavy - one sheet weighs about 35 kg;
It bends poorly, which makes it impossible to install an arch or use sheets as decorative drywall.

"Volma"

Volma is the only native Russian manufacturer of plasterboard products, which is in great demand in our country. The first company in the Russian Federation to produce plasterboard with an increased level of moisture resistance. The plant, located in Volgograd, focuses on European standards, which allows it to produce high-quality products using the latest technologies. All of the above contributes to the production of high-quality products at a low price.

Drywall Volma

Important information

Drywall should be purchased strictly for its intended purpose. For example, if you are going to tile a bathroom, then you need to buy moisture-resistant plasterboard. If there is a room in which there is a risk of fire, then it is fire resistant. An ordinary room, without moisture and the risk of fire, can be lined with any type of plasterboard.

Also pay attention to the thickness of the sheet - it is recommended to install thinner models in residential premises, but thicker and more durable sheets in domestic and industrial buildings.

Popular manufacturers

There are several factories on the market whose products are of stable quality and whose performance properties are time-tested.

Knauf

This is one of the most famous manufacturers of building materials. According to estimates, more than 70% of this brand of plasterboard is sold in Russia.

Knauf's assortment includes not only various types of gypsum boards, but also related products - profiles, putty, reinforcing tapes. This makes installation of the system as comfortable and quick as possible. The sheets have a low specific gravity, which reduces the pressure on supporting structures. GCRs are odorless and have increased flexibility.

Gyproc

Gyprok, part of the Saint-Gobain group (France), is one of the largest producers of gypsum building boards in the world. Factories present the entire range of products for suspended ceilings - from gypsum boards to reinforcing tapes. The raw materials contain no harmful substances. Construction materials are recyclable.

One of the new products from this manufacturer is the Habito plasterboard. It is characterized by increased strength, thanks to which it can withstand heavy objects with a load of up to 60 kg per screw without embedded parts or dowels. Habito are characterized by increased fire resistance and sound insulation.

Volma

This is a Russian manufacturer of plasterboard sheets, which occupies second place in the country's market in terms of sales volumes. All types of gypsum boards, including soundproofing ones, are produced under the Volma brand.

Specifications

Waterproof plasterboard sheets are recognized as one of the most versatile finishing materials. They can be mounted on walls, ceilings, made into partitions (how to make a partition from gypsum plasterboard is discussed here), arches and other decorative elements. Numerous reviews from craftsmen testify to its merits.

High resistance to moisture. The level is up to 90% higher than in the conventional version.
Greater variation in thickness, which allows you to choose the best option.
High fire resistance. The type refers to slowly flammable materials, without the formation of smoke and the release of hazardous substances.
Easy to care for. Both dry and wet cleaning will not cause harm.

Frame mounting

To make the frame, wooden bars (slats) or a special metal profile are used. Wood is used in rare cases, for example, for low-impact structures.

The metal profile is a U-shaped product with a wall thickness of 0.6–1 mm. The width is in the range of 28–100 mm.

For cladding, PP 60 x 27 (ceiling profile) is most often used. To install partitions, partition products with a size of 50 mm or more are used.

The distance between adjacent vertical posts is recommended to be in the range of 40–60 cm. It is determined by design calculations or based on local installation conditions.

When the sheet is positioned vertically or horizontally, along the long side, it is advisable to choose the interaxial size equal to half the width of the product, that is, 60 cm.

But, in this case, the use of gypsum board 9.5 or 8 mm will not allow achieving the required strength and rigidity. The solution is to increase the thickness of the sheet or reduce the pitch between adjacent supports.

Price

The price of moisture-resistant plasterboard sheets is relatively low - from 250 to 400 rubles per sheet. The most popular brand is Knauf. Naturally, a lot of them will be required to carry out repairs, but the costs will be justified by the resulting properties and ease of installation. When calculating and purchasing, it is better to take a reserve, approximately 10-15% of the estimated quantity. Due to this, you will have confidence that there will be enough material for the planned work, even with a high number of defects.

GCR is one of the most popular materials when carrying out work inside a house or apartment, but its use has certain nuances. For a high-quality result, you need to know which side to mount the drywall, because correct installation will ensure a reliable and durable coating and easier finishing work in the future.

Advantages

Hydrophobic board has a number of advantages that explain its wide popularity.

Versatility.
No harmful substances in the composition.
High water repellency values.
Good noise absorption and sound insulation, which successfully allows the use of moisture-resistant plasterboard in the bathroom.
Fire safety of the material.
Easy DIY installation.
Suitable for cladding with any finishing materials.
Possibility of changing the shape, which adds convenience in work.

Areas of application

Due to its obvious advantages, the areas of use are significantly expanded. You can decorate any room with the material, regardless of the degree of humidity.

Moisture-resistant plasterboard is most often used in creating partitions and walls, multi-level ceilings in the bathroom, kitchen, and restroom. Great for creating niches, shelves, covering pipelines. High durability and low cost made it an excellent option for use in repairs.

However, it is still necessary to take into account that it is not capable of providing complete protection from water. Upon direct contact with water, it will slowly degrade. Therefore, to preserve the functional properties and appearance, it is necessary to provide external protection for the sheet. This could be ceramic tiles (how to lay tiles on drywall was discussed earlier), painting, wallpapering or plastic panels. In addition, the key to preserving the material is to ensure high-quality ventilation and exhaust (the features of ventilation in the bathroom were also discussed).