Drywall thickness commonly comes in several standard sizes, each suited for different applications:
- 1/4 inch (6.35 mm): The thinnest drywall, used for curved walls or covering plaster and old drywall without demolition. It's flexible but fragile.
- 3/8 inch (9.5 mm): Used mainly for remodeling or patching walls. Was once standard but is less common now.
- 1/2 inch (12.5 mm): The most common thickness for interior walls and ceilings in residential homes. It balances strength and weight well.
- 5/8 inch (15.9 mm): Used especially for ceilings to prevent sagging, fire-resistant walls, and commercial projects. It offers better fire resistance and soundproofing.
- Thicker sizes like 3/4 inch and 1 inch exist but are rarely used and considered specialty items.
In terms of construction, drywall wall thickness typically also includes the structural stud framing (metal or wood). For example, a common drywall wall with 1/2-inch panels on both sides and a 50 mm (about 2 inch) metal stud will have a total wall thickness around 75 mm (about 3 inches), but the drywall panel itself is usually 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch thick. So, drywall panel thicknesses generally range from 1/4 inch to 5/8 inch for most standard uses, with 1/2 inch being the most common for residential walls.
