Differences between Drywall and Sheetrock

Drywall vs. Sheetrock

Drywall is a panel made of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) pressed between two thick sheets of paper. It is used to make interior walls and ceilings. The terms drywall and Sheetrock are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Sheetrock is a brand name for drywall manufactured by the United States Gypsum Company (USG).

Drywall became a popular and cost-effective replacement for plaster during the housing boom that followed World War II. The invention of drywall is credited to the US Gypsum Company in 1916. While all Sheetrock is a type of drywall, not all drywall is Sheetrock. Drywall is the generic term for the product, while Sheetrock is a specific brand.

The quality of generic drywall can vary between manufacturers, whereas Sheetrock is known for its consistent quality. For this reason, some contractors prefer to use the Sheetrock brand. However, for most residential projects, standard drywall from any reputable manufacturer is sufficient.

Both generic drywall and Sheetrock come in a variety of types designed for specific applications. These include moisture-resistant drywall, often called "green board," for use in kitchens and bathrooms, and fire-resistant drywall, which contains glass fibers for an increased fire rating.

Comparison Table

Category	Drywall	Sheetrock
Definition	A generic term for panels made of gypsum plaster encased in paper, used for interior walls and ceilings.	A registered trademark for a brand of drywall produced by the U.S. Gypsum Company (USG).
Terminology	Often referred to by various names such as gypsum board, plasterboard, or wallboard.	A specific brand name that has become a generalized trademark for drywall in some regions.
Manufacturer	Produced by numerous companies worldwide.	Exclusively manufactured by the U.S. Gypsum Company (USG).
Composition	Primarily made of gypsum rock (calcium sulfate dihydrate) mixed with additives and pressed between paper or fiberglass facings.	Made from a gypsum core encased in 100% recycled face and back papers.
Quality	Can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific product line.	Known for a consistent standard of quality due to single-source manufacturing and quality control.
Cost	Generally can be less expensive than the brand-name equivalent.	May have a slightly higher cost due to brand recognition and quality standards.
Product Variations	Available in many types, including regular, moisture-resistant ("green board"), fire-resistant (Type X), and soundproof varieties from various producers.	USG offers a range of Sheetrock brand panels, including lightweight, moisture and mold-resistant, and fire-resistant (Type X and Type C) options.

Venn diagram comparing Differences between Drywall and Sheetrock

Manufacturing Process

The production of drywall begins with gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral that is mined from the earth. The raw gypsum is crushed and then heated in a process called calcination to remove most of its water content, transforming it into a fine powder known as gypsum plaster or stucco.

This powder is then mixed with water and other additives to form a slurry. Additives can include fibers like paper or fiberglass for strength, plasticizers, and agents to inhibit mold growth or increase fire resistance. The slurry is poured onto a continuous sheet of heavy paper. Another sheet of paper is placed on top, creating a sandwich with the gypsum core.

The continuous board is then passed through rollers to ensure a uniform thickness and is cut into standard panel lengths. The panels travel along a conveyor belt while the gypsum core hardens. Finally, they are sent through large drying chambers to remove the remaining excess moisture, which makes the panels strong and rigid.