Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, picking the right drywall for your interior ceilings and walls is crucial. Drywall is a significant investment because it adds protection, enhances insulation, and can save you money over time.
With so many types of drywall available, the choice can be overwhelming. To simplify things, let’s compare two popular options: purple drywall and green drywall. We’ll examine their differences and consider factors such as cost, noise reduction, mold & water, and fire resistance to help you decide which is best for your needs.
What is Drywall?
Drywall, which is also known as wallboard, gypsum board, sheetrock, or plasterboard, is a common material used to build walls and ceilings inside homes. It has replaced the older plaster and lath method. It is made up of two thick pieces of paperboard with gypsum plaster in the middle.
Gypsum plaster is made from a gray sulfate mineral known as calcium sulfate dihydrate in its crystalline form. The production process involves crushing natural or synthetic gypsum rocks into powder, heating or oxidizing them, and then mixing with water and other minerals to create a thick paste or slurry. This slurry is poured between two sheets of paper and fed into a machine to form the drywall “sandwich.”
Drywall comes in various sizes. The standard width is 48 inches, and it typically weighs about 2.75 pounds per square foot. Standard lengths include 8, 9, 10, 12, and 14 feet, while the common thicknesses are 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and 5/8 inch.
There are different types of drywall, with Purple Drywall and Green Drywall being two of the most common varieties.
Difference Between Purple and Green Drywall
Purple Drywall:
Purple Drywall, also known as mold and mildew resistance, offers excellent resistance to mold and mildew, making it ideal for areas with high humidity or dampness. It is also resistant to dents, scratches, and noise. In addition to these benefits, Purple Drywall is fire-resistant due to its crystallized gypsum core.
Gold Bond Building Products, which is a part of National Gypsum and makes drywall and other building materials for both business and residential use, makes Purple Drywall. It comes in various high-performing products with different thicknesses and widths.
Purple Drywall is an excellent choice for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, or anywhere in direct contact with water. Also, you can use it to back tiles on walls.
Green Drywall:
Green Drywall, also known as moisture-resistant drywall, is designed with a thicker paper backing and a wax coating to enhance its moisture resistance. Green board is suitable for use in moist or damp areas but is not recommended for wet areas since it is not waterproof. For added protection, a joint compound known as green drywall mud can be applied to increase its mold and moisture resistance.
Green Drywall is ideal for use in areas prone to moisture but not directly exposed to water.
Purple Drywall vs Green Drywall: Cost Comparison
The cost of purple drywall typically ranges from $15 to $60 per panel, whereas green drywall costs between $14 to $18 per panel. Installation costs for both types of drywall range from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, including materials and labor. Prices can vary depending on the specific brand and product.
Purple Drywall vs Green Drywall: Noise Reduction Comparison
Purple drywall is engineered with an additional layer of material that enhances its sound dampening properties, effectively reducing sound transfer and containing noise. Its acoustically enhanced gypsum core helps minimize floor-to-ceiling sound transfer and structural noise.
In contrast, while green drywall can help dampen structural noise, it is not as effective at sound reduction as purple drywall.
Fire Resistance Comparison
Purple drywall is fire-resistant and has been tested and evaluated for safety, earning it a UL Classification. This means it has surface burning characteristics that make it suitable for areas exposed to heat or fire hazards. On the other hand, green drywall is not fire-resistant and should not be used in areas prone to fire or high heat.
Water Resistance Comparison
Both purple and green drywall are water-resistant but not waterproof. They can withstand exposure to water for some time but may suffer damage if in direct contact with water for extended periods. Purple drywall is more resistant to water and suitable for wet areas like bathrooms, whereas green drywall is best used in damp or moist areas but not in direct contact with water.
Bottom Line
Both types of drywall offer moisture and mold resistance. If you need drywall that is fire-resistant and has superior noise reduction properties, purple drywall is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option that still provides good water resistance, green drywall is more suitable.