Why is drywall so common for walls when it has so many problems?

I’ve long wondered why on Earth drywall is so common.

• It punctures and dents easily (although my kids don’t know anything about that lol).
• You can’t hang heavy items on it without special hardware or “finding” a stud.
• It’s heavy.
• It’s not a picnic to install / hang.
• It’s practically a garden for mold.
• It’s not terribly eco-friendly.

So, why is it used?

Apparently, despite all that, it’s still a good option for the following reasons:

1. Ease of Installation: I can’t hang a sheet of drywall to save my life but compared to alternatives (see below), it’s easy. Drywall panels are relatively easy and quick to install, significantly reducing labor costs compared to traditional plastering methods. This ease of installation also speeds up the construction process, allowing for faster completion of projects.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: While there are initial costs associated with purchasing drywall, when considering the overall construction process, drywall can be more cost-effective than other wall construction methods. The reduced labor time and the minimal skill required for installation compared to plastering make it an economical choice.
3. Fire Resistance: Gypsum, the core component of drywall, contains water molecules that provide fire-resistant properties. In a fire, the water is released as steam, helping to control the spread of fire and providing additional time for occupants to escape. This makes drywall a safer option for interior walls.
4. Sound Insulation: Drywall provides a certain level of sound insulation, contributing to quieter living spaces. Its density helps to block and absorb sound, and its performance can be enhanced with the use of special acoustic drywall or additional insulation materials.
5. Smooth Finish: Drywall offers a smooth, paint-ready surface that can be finished to a high quality, making it ideal for interior spaces. It can be easily painted or wallpapered, allowing for a wide range of aesthetic choices and easy updates to decor.
6. Flexibility in Design: The use of drywall allows for the easy addition of architectural features such as arches, eaves, and other custom details that can be more challenging to achieve with other materials.
7. Repair and Modification: While drywall is somewhat brittle and can be damaged, it is also relatively easy to repair or modify. Cutting openings for electrical outlets, vents, or making repairs can be done quickly and with basic tools.
8. Energy Efficiency: Drywall contributes to the energy efficiency of buildings by providing a solid barrier that supports insulation systems, reducing heating and cooling costs.

Despite its drawbacks, the combination of these advantages makes drywall a preferred choice for many construction projects. Over time, innovations and improvements in drywall materials, including lighter weight options and moisture-resistant products, have helped to mitigate some of its perceived disadvantages.

Okay, so drywall has its advantages.  But, if you don’t want it, what can you put on your walls?

You have options. Here’s a list of 11 drywall alternatives.

1. Plywood

Plywood walls? For real?

Yup. Check these examples out.

2. Wood Planks or Panels

Pros:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Wood planks add warmth and natural beauty to any space, creating a rustic or modern look depending on the finish and installation style.
2. Durability: When properly treated and maintained, wood walls can last for decades.
3. Insulation: Wood has natural insulating properties, providing both thermal and acoustic benefits.
4. Versatility: Wood planks can be painted, stained, or left natural, offering a wide range of design options. They can also be installed in various patterns to create unique visual effects.
5. Sustainability: If sourced responsibly, wood can be an eco-friendly building material. Some wood types, like bamboo, are highly renewable.
6. Repairability: Individual planks can be replaced if damaged, making repairs relatively straightforward.

Cons:

1. Cost: High-quality wood planks can be expensive, especially exotic or reclaimed wood.
2. Maintenance: Wood requires regular maintenance to prevent damage from moisture, insects, or wear. This might include sealing, staining, or painting.
3. Moisture Sensitivity: Wood can warp, swell, or rot when exposed to moisture, requiring careful installation in bathrooms, kitchens, or other humid environments.
4. Installation: Proper installation of wood planks can be labor-intensive, especially if aiming for a specific pattern or finish.
5. Fire Hazard: Wood is combustible, which may require additional treatments or considerations in certain applications to meet fire safety standards.
6. Limited Sound Insulation: While wood has some acoustic properties, it may not provide as much sound insulation as specialized materials.
7. Pest Attraction: Wood can be susceptible to termites and other pests if not properly treated.

3. Plastic Panels

Pros:

1. Water Resistance: Plastic panels are highly resistant to moisture, making them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where dampness and humidity are common.
2. Low Maintenance: They require very little maintenance, as they do not need painting and are easy to clean with a simple wipe down.
3. Durability: Plastic panels are tough and resistant to impact, scratches, and stains, ensuring longevity.
4. Easy Installation: Lightweight and easy to cut, plastic panels can be quickly installed with adhesive, nails, or screws, reducing labor time and costs.
5. Variety of Designs: Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, plastic panels can mimic the look of wood, stone, or other materials.
6. Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than many traditional materials, plastic panels offer a budget-friendly option for wall finishes.
7. Hygienic: Their smooth surface does not harbor mold or bacteria, making them a good choice for environments where cleanliness is a priority.

Cons:

1. Chemical Sensitivity: Some plastic panels can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, especially when new, potentially affecting indoor air quality.
2. Environmental Impact: Plastic is not biodegradable, and its production and disposal pose environmental concerns.
3. Flammability: Depending on the type of plastic, some panels can be flammable or release toxic fumes when burned.
4. Aesthetic Limitations: While there is a variety of designs, some may find the appearance of plastic panels to be less appealing or less natural than traditional materials.
5. Thermal Expansion: Plastic panels can expand and contract with temperature changes, which may affect their fit and finish over time.
6. Repair Difficulties: Damaged panels can be hard to repair seamlessly and might require complete replacement of the affected section.
7. Lower Sound Insulation: Plastic panels may not provide as much sound insulation as denser materials, potentially leading to noisier interiors.

4. Veneer Plaster

5. Lath and Plaster

Lath and plaster is a traditional method of constructing interior walls and ceilings, which involves nailing thin strips of wood (lath) to the framing and then covering the lath with several layers of plaster. This technique was commonly used before the widespread adoption of drywall. Here are the pros and cons of using lath and plaster for interior walls:

Pros:

1. Durability: When properly applied, lath and plaster walls are very durable and can last for many decades without the need for repair.
2. Sound Insulation: The solid nature of plaster walls provides excellent sound insulation, reducing noise transmission between rooms more effectively than standard drywall.
3. Fire Resistance: Plaster is more resistant to fire and heat than drywall, which can provide an added level of safety in case of a fire.
4. Aesthetic and Historical Appeal: For restoration projects or in homes where maintaining historical accuracy is important, lath and plaster can replicate the original look and feel of older buildings.
5. Customization and Detail: Plaster can be molded and shaped to create decorative cornices, moldings, and other architectural details that are difficult to achieve with drywall.

Cons:

1. Labor-Intensive Installation: The installation of lath and plaster is time-consuming and requires skilled craftsmen, making it significantly more expensive than installing drywall.
2. Repairs and Modifications: Repairing or modifying plaster walls can be challenging and requires specialized skills to match textures and finishes. It’s also more difficult to cut through for electrical updates or other renovations.
3. Weight: Plaster walls are heavier than drywall, which can put additional stress on the structural elements of a building.
4. Moisture Sensitivity: Like drywall, plaster can be damaged by moisture. However, repairing moisture damage in plaster can be more difficult and expensive.
5. Dust and Debris: The installation and repair processes generate a significant amount of dust and debris.
6. Insulation: While lath and plaster provide good sound insulation, they do not inherently offer the same level of thermal insulation as drywall with modern insulation materials.
7. Cost: Due to the labor-intensive nature of the installation and the skill required, the cost of lath and plaster walls is typically higher than that of drywall.
8. Health Hazards: Older lath and plaster walls may contain harmful materials like asbestos or lead in the paint, which can pose health risks during renovations or repairs.

6. Textured Wall Panels

The fancy walls formerly found only in boutique hotels and fancy cocktail lounges are now a wall covering option for your home. These are easy-to-install 3D textured panels that go over existing walls and are 3/4″ to 1 1/2″ thick.

7. Basement Wall Finishing Systems

These are pre-designed or pre-cut wall panels sold as part of a proprietary basement finishing system. They’re moisture-resistant but can also be expensive and cannot be installed by a DIYer.

8. Brick

Pros:

1. Durability: Brick is extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear over time, making it a long-lasting option for interior walls.
2. Low Maintenance: Brick walls require minimal maintenance, as they do not need painting or frequent repairs.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Bricks offer a timeless, classic look that can add warmth and character to any interior space.
4. Fire Resistance: Brick is naturally fire-resistant, providing an added layer of safety in homes.
5. Sound Insulation: The density of brick can help reduce sound transmission, enhancing the acoustic privacy of rooms.
6. Thermal Mass: Brick has good thermal mass, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it slowly, which can help regulate indoor temperatures.
7. Eco-Friendly: Brick is made from natural materials and can be recycled or reused, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Cons:

1. Cost: The initial cost of brick, including installation, can be higher than other materials due to its labor-intensive installation process.
2. Installation Complexity: Proper installation of brick walls is time-consuming and requires skilled labor, which can increase project costs.
3. Weight: Brick is heavy, and its weight can put additional stress on the building’s foundation and structural components.
4. Moisture Sensitivity: While brick is generally durable, it can absorb moisture, leading to potential issues with mold or mildew in humid conditions if not properly sealed.
5. Limited Flexibility: Once installed, brick walls are difficult to modify, move, or drill into for hanging items without the right tools and expertise.
6. Cold and Hard Surface: Brick can feel cold to the touch and may not contribute to a cozy atmosphere without additional decorative elements or textiles.
7. Limited Finish Options: While brick can be painted or sealed, the range of finishes is more limited compared to drywall or other wall coverings, potentially restricting design flexibility.

9. Cement Board

Pros:

1. Moisture Resistance: Cement board is highly resistant to moisture, making it ideal for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-humidity areas.
2. Durability: It is very durable and resistant to mold, mildew, and rot, ensuring longevity in harsh environments.
3. Fire Resistance: Cement board is non-combustible and offers excellent fire resistance, contributing to the overall safety of a home.
4. Stability: It does not warp, swell, or deteriorate over time, maintaining its shape and integrity under various conditions.
5. Tile Adhesion: Provides an excellent substrate for tile installation, offering a strong and stable base that is particularly suited for heavy tiles.
6. Pest Resistance: Unlike wood-based products, cement board is not susceptible to termite or pest damage.

Cons:

1. Weight: Cement board is heavy, making installation more labor-intensive and potentially requiring additional structural support in some cases.
2. Cutting Difficulty: Cutting cement board can be difficult, requiring special tools and generating a significant amount of dust.
3. Hardness: The hard surface can be challenging to penetrate for installing fixtures or hanging objects without the appropriate tools.
4. Aesthetic Limitations: On its own, cement board lacks the visual appeal of other wall finishes and typically requires covering with paint, tile, or other materials.
5. Cost: While not the most expensive option, the cost of cement board, along with the need for specialized tools and potential labor costs for installation, can make it more expensive than some alternatives.
6. Comfort: Being a hard and cold material, cement board does not contribute to thermal or acoustic insulation, which might necessitate additional layers or materials to improve comfort.

10. Exposed concrete block

Pros:

1. Durability: Exposed concrete is extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for long-term use.
2. Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional cleaning, as it does not need painting or staining.
3. Modern Aesthetic: Offers a sleek, contemporary look that can serve as a statement piece in modern interior design.
4. Fire Resistance: Concrete is non-combustible, providing excellent fire resistance and adding a layer of safety to the home.
5. Thermal Mass: High thermal mass absorbs and stores heat, potentially contributing to energy efficiency by moderating indoor temperature fluctuations.
6. Sound Insulation: The density of concrete provides good sound insulation, reducing noise transmission through walls.
7. Eco-Friendly: Can be considered environmentally friendly when using certain types of concrete or when minimizing the use of additional building materials.

Cons:

1. Cold and Industrial Feel: Can make a space feel cold or unwelcoming without the use of additional textiles or warming design elements.
2. Cracking: Over time, concrete can develop cracks due to settling or environmental changes, which may require repairs to maintain aesthetics.
3. Difficult to Modify: Hanging pictures, shelves, or making alterations requires special tools and can be labor-intensive.
4. Moisture Absorption: If not properly sealed, concrete can absorb moisture, leading to potential issues with mold or mildew in humid environments.
5. Installation Complexity: Pouring and finishing exposed concrete walls require skilled labor, making the installation process potentially costly and time-consuming.
6. Thermal Conductivity: While it has high thermal mass, concrete can be thermally conductive, potentially leading to colder surfaces and discomfort without proper insulation.
7. Aesthetic Uniformity: Variations in the mix, pouring technique, and finishing can affect the uniformity of the appearance, which might not be desirable for all.