by Marla Hansen

Created on: June 07, 2010   Last Updated: June 08, 2010

Ask any builder the difference between sheetrock and drywall, and you are bound to get the same answer nine times out of ten: There is no difference between the two. They are the same thing. But is that really true? Let’s take a look at the history of both to find out.

The Early Years

In the late 1800‘s, the interior walls of homes were either wood or lath and plaster. Those seemed to be the only two choices, with lath and plaster being the preferred option for the distinguishing home builder or buyer. Then in 1894, things changed dramatically with the introduction of an innovative product called Sackett Board. The U.S. Gypsum Company, or USG, first introduced Sackett Board, named after their subsidiary company, Sackett Plaster, to the American public as small tiles later improving it to the multiple layered gypsum and paper sheets. Eventually, it would be changed once again to one thick layer of gypsum sandwiched between two sheets of paper. The brand name would finally change to Sheetrock. It would take decades for the idea of using Sheetrock instead of plaster to catch on with builders. By 1945 however, Sheetrock, or specifically drywall, had become the number one choice of builders in the United States.

Drywall Today

Also known as wallboard, plasterboard or gypsum board, drywall is readily available from numerous manufacturers today. Go into any local home improvement store and the selection, sizes, variety and availability of drywall is easy to see. Still made with one large sheet of gypsum sandwiched between sheets of paper, drywall remains the most common building material used on interior walls and ceilings today. Joining the earlier versions of drywall is green board, a moisture resistant drywall commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms. Finally, one of the newest and most exciting drywalls to be introduced as of late is a mold resistant version known as EcoRock which is earth friendly for those wishing to go green.

Although drywall, or Sheetrock, was initially invented and manufactured in the United States, it has become the building material of choice around the world, including China and Europe. There have been some major quality issues with imported drywall in recent years, however most drywall sold in the United States is still manufactured here. This is something to take into consideration when purchasing your building materials.

Reagrdless, whether you purchase Sheetrock or EcoRock, it’s all drywall in the end.

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