Drywall is often assumed to be the same in all situations.
You might attempt to install traditional drywall on the ceiling and assume it’s okay. In some cases, it will age well and is going to be fine.
However, it is important to ask, is ceiling drywall different from wall drywall?
Ceiling drywall is different from wall drywall. It is designed to be thicker coming in at 5/8″. This ensures it does not sag or warp over time. Thicker drywall also has fewer pulling properties making it ideal for ceilings.
Let’s assume you set up traditional drywall on the ceiling. Is it going to work?
It can work but the chances of needing regular maintenance go through the roof. This is assuming a professional does the installation and puts it up properly. If not, the issues will begin immediately!
It is highly recommended to go with 5/8″ thickness for ceiling drywall. It will yield far better results than 1/2″ drywall.
Here is a look at how ceiling drywall is different from wall drywall.
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How Is Ceiling Drywall Different From Wall Drywall?
1. Rated for Less Sagging
Specialized ceiling drywall is designed not to sag as much.
This is true because it is thicker and that means it will not sag as easily. Since it comes in at 5/8″, the middle of the drywall is not going to start to warp.
This is key because any sagging can become a major point of concern for your electrical circuit and overall structural stability.
There is nothing more important than ensuring the ceiling drywall stays straight. If it does not, a lot of things can go wrong.
Your lighting fixtures are highly dependent on the ceiling drywall holding its shape. Any type of sagging can lead to significant damage.
It’s best to go with 5/8″ ceiling drywall as it will age well and is not going to sag.
2. Rated For Less Pulling Properties
Experts state it is important to look at the pulling properties of drywall.
What does this mean?
Pulling properties refer to the structural integrity of the drywall when it’s drilled into. You have to ensure it is not going to pull apart when this happens.
It’s common for thinner drywall to do this and that can be detrimental to your ceiling’s health.
Take your time to invest in the right type of drywall ceiling to ensure the results are on par with what you want.
3. Thicker Drywall
A common issue people deal with has to do with the thickness of ceiling drywall.
This is a key detail you have to account for and it is the main difference between the two types of drywall available to you.
The reason you are not going to want to use wall drywall comes down to its thickness. Wall drywall is commonly 1/2″ in thickness.
On the other hand, ceiling drywall comes in at 5/8″ thickness.
This subtle difference might not seem like a lot but it does matter. It will change the entire dynamic of how the ceiling drywall holds up against gravity.
Remember, gravity is pushing down on the ceiling drywall far more than any other part of the room. You have to be careful when installing it and that includes using a thicker material.
How Thick Is Drywall On The Ceiling?
The drywall on a ceiling is commonly 5/8″ thick to prevent sagging and warping. It can be 1/2″ thick legally but it is not recommended as a go-to option in such situations. Thicker drywall will last longer and do better with lighting fixtures.
This is a key detail to think about when it comes to choosing the right drywall for your ceiling moving forward.
If it is not thick enough, it might last for a few months, but it will give out one day.
Final Thoughts
Is ceiling drywall different from wall drywall?
Ceiling drywall is different from wall drywall. Ceiling drywall is thicker coming in at 5/8″ thickness, does not sag as much, and has fewer pulling properties. This ensures it does well once installed and can do well against gravity.
If the goal is to choose the right type of ceiling drywall, you need to compare options to find what works for your space.
Do not settle for 1/2″ thickness and assume that will work.
It might be a good temporary option but your ceiling is going to start to warp after a while. This leads to significant repairs that are not easy to pay up for.
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