Drywall, also known as Sheetrock or plasterboard, is one of the most common building materials today. It’s easy to see why. Drywall comes in large sheets. They can be easily cut to the appropriate size and shape with tools available in most DIY shops. It’s also relatively inexpensive and easy to install on your own.
However, it isn’t the only option out there. Read on to find out more about some other drywall alternatives you can use. This list of 10+ drywall alternatives can be used in your next home or renovation project.
Wood Planks
Wood planks are a great way to add texture and interest to your walls without the hassle of drywalling. They’re also much more forgiving if you make a mistake while installing them. To install, simply nail or screw the planks into the studs in your wall.
Start at the bottom and work your way up, overlapping each plank. Once you reach the top, trim off any excess with a saw. Once the plank has been hung, you don’t need to do anything to maintain it other than adding new coats of paint when needed. The best part is that this material is relatively inexpensive. This makes it perfect for DIY projects on a budget.
Barnwood
The next on our list of 10+ drywall alternatives is barn wood. You can use barn wood as a drywall alternative in your home. Its rustic and unique look will give your home a one-of-a-kind feel. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Here are seven reasons why you should consider using Barnwood as a drywall alternative:
- It’s eco-friendly and sustainable.
- It’s unique and will give your home a one-of-a-kind look.
- It’s durable and long-lasting.
- It’s easy to install.
- It has soundproofing properties.
- It’s fire resistant.
- It’s cost-effective.
Faux Brick
Faux brick is a great way to add texture and character to a room. While doing this, you don’t have to deal with the mess and expense of real brick. It’s also much lighter than drywall, so it’s perfect as one of the drywall alternatives.
Additionally, it’s fireproof and soundproof, so it’s ideal for use in high-traffic areas or areas where you want a little extra protection from noise. Faux brick comes in various colors and styles to find the perfect look for your home. It’s also relatively easy to install, so you can do it yourself if you’re handy with tools.
Veneer Plaster
In this list of 10+ drywall alternatives, Veneer plaster is popular for high-end homes. It’s made of Portland cement, sand, and like. They can be applied directly to walls without the need for a frame.
Veneer plaster is more expensive than drywall, but it’s also more durable and provides a smoother finish. Veneer plaster is a great option if you’re looking for a high-end finish.
It is also the most laborious and time-consuming on this list of 10+ drywall alternatives. Preparing the surface takes days or weeks as one or two coats are applied with a trowel. And then scraped back with a straight edge to create an even surface. After that, textured surfaces like rough brick or stucco are replicated. This is done by applying multiple layers of thin-set mortar with a knife (similar to how ceramic tiles are installed).
Finally, the mortar has to be left long enough between applications so that it dries completely before reapplying again. It will peel off from the wall when touched!
Lath & Plaster
If you’re looking for drywall alternatives for your next home project, lath and plaster is a great option. This material has been used for centuries and is known for its durability. Plus, it’s easy to work with and can be found at most hardware stores. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering lath and plaster:
- Lath and plaster is heavier than drywall, so you’ll need to ensure your walls can support the weight.
- It’s also more difficult to cut than drywall, so you’ll need to consider that when planning your project.
- Plaster doesn’t create as much airtight seal as drywall, so depending on what you’re using it for (e.g., acoustics), this may or may not be an issue.
- Lath and plaster are thicker than drywall, so your walls must be taller and wider to accommodate the material.
Vinyl Siding
If you’re looking for drywall alternatives that are both durable and easy to install, vinyl siding is a great option. Vinyl siding is made from PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, a type of plastic. PVC is a strong material that can withstand extreme weather conditions and won’t rot or decay like wood.
Vinyl siding is also fire resistant and termite proof. This makes it a great choice for homes in areas prone to these pests. Plus, vinyl siding is available in various colors and styles to suit any home’s aesthetic. Installation is relatively simple and can be done by most do-it-yourselfers.
Reinforced Fiberglass & Gypsum Panels
If you’re looking for a drywall alternative that is both strong and lightweight, consider reinforced fiberglass or gypsum panels. These materials are often used in commercial construction and can provide a fire-resistant barrier. Gypsum panels are also easy to work with and can be cut to fit any space.
These types of fiberglass are also more resistant to mold and insects. Unlike most other wallboard products, this is because they do not contain cellulose. If you choose this option, seal the seams before painting them with acoustical sealant.
Plywood and Sheet Wood
Plywood and sheet wood are next on this list of 10+ drywall alternatives. They’re both strong and durable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets. Plus, they’re easy to install and can be found at most home improvement stores. If you’re looking for a unique option, consider using plywood or sheet wood for your next home project.
Plywood and sheet wood are also fairly straightforward to work with. However, it’s important to know that not all plywoods are created equal!
Here’s what you need to know about various types of plywood before deciding which one is right for your home
– Oriented Strand Board (OSB) – One of the cheapest plywoods available on the market. OSB is less dense than other materials. It has an uneven surface and often leaves gaps when installing trim around doors and windows.
Additionally, this type of plywood is known to warp over time. But if you’re on a budget, OSB may be your best bet as it can be purchased for as little as $7 per sheet.
– Capped Strand Board (CSB) – The main difference between CSB and OSB is that CSB has been covered in fiberglass on one side. This is to provide increased durability and stability over time.
3D Panels
3D panels are a great drywall alternative for those who want to add some extra dimension to their walls. These panels can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. They come in various colors and can be used to create patterns or images on your walls.
Made from PVC or recycled plant fiber like bamboo. These boards can be nailed or screwed like any other sheet of plywood. The material is lightweight and easy to work with. It’s also water resistant, so it’s an excellent option for bathrooms where moisture is a problem. Plus, these boards are more affordable than drywall!
Shiplap
Shiplap is a type of wooden board that is often used for siding. It has a rustic look and feels that can add character to your home. Shiplap is also relatively easy to install, which makes it a great option for do-it-yourselfers.
If you’re looking for drywall alternatives that are both stylish and functional, shiplap may be the perfect option for you. Keep in mind, however, that shiplap can be more expensive than traditional drywall. If you’re on a budget, other options may be more cost-effective for you.
Corrugated Metal
Corrugated metal is a material that’s often used for roofing, but it can also be used as an alternative to drywall. It’s durable and easy to work with. This makes it a great option for home projects. Plus, it adds a unique look to your space that drywall can’t provide.
Here are some tips for working with corrugated metal:
- Make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need a saw and some clamps to get started.
- Cut the metal to size. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection while you’re working.
- Attach the metal to the studs in your wall using screws or nails.
Brick & Masonry
A stone or brick wall is an old classic that never goes out of style. Brick drywall is made of concrete and insulation and finished with textured plaster. It’s more affordable than other materials on this list of 10+ drywall alternatives.
It can be more expensive than drywall, depending on your region. It also requires a lot of labor to install correctly. Stone drywall provides a cost-effective alternative to drywall and has the same installation labor as brick drywall. There are two main types: thin stones (called veneer) glued to the wall like wallpaper and thicker slabs (called riven). Like most building materials, these need to be installed by professionals.
Wahoo Walls
Wahoo Walls are a great alternative to drywall because they are easy to install, fire resistant, and durable. Plus, Wahoo Walls are made from recycled materials, so you can feel good about using them in your home. Wahoo Walls are the way to go if you’re looking for an alternative to drywall that is eco-friendly and easy to install.
Here are four reasons why you should consider using Wahoo Walls in your next home project:
- They’re made from recycled materials, so they’re eco-friendly.
- They’re easy to install without special tools or training.
- They’re fire resistant, so they’ll keep your home safe.
Pegboard
If you need a strong and lightweight material, try pegboard. Pegboard is made of compressed wood fibers. It is used in various applications, from garage organization to crafting.
Pegboard is easy to install and can be cut to size with a saw. Plus, it’s very affordable—a 4′ x 8′ sheet costs less than $20. To install a pegboard, use the included plastic anchors or screws for drywall attachment, drill pilot holes for the anchors, and then hammer them into place. Be sure to measure your space first to know how many pegboards to buy.
In addition to being easy to hang on your walls, pegboard also provides ample storage space. This is because the back side of each panel has 3⁄4 deep grooves running down its length. It allows you to access wire hooks or hanging strips. Use drywall compound or caulk if there are gaps between panels on your wall. Us the those that match the color of your paint for a clean finish!
Exposed Concrete Block
Exposed concrete blocks are a great way to add an industrial feel to your home. It’s also among the great drywall alternatives if you’re looking for something a little more durable. Plus, it’s easy to clean and maintain.
Here are a few things to remember if you’re considering exposed concrete block as an alternative to drywall.
Make sure the walls are well reinforced with metal studs and joists so they can handle the weight of the cement blocks without buckling or cracking.
When installing wet plaster or mortar on exposed concrete blocks, ensure that the substrate (the surface below) is properly prepared to handle water absorption before applying any material. Otherwise, water will seep through the joints between blocks when used as drywall alternatives and cause them to disintegrate over time.
Cork Board
Corkboard is a great drywall alternative for several reasons. It’s environmentally friendly, fire resistant, and sound absorbent. Plus, it’s easy to install and can be painted or stained to match your décor.
A Corkboard is a great option if you’re looking for a unique wall covering to make your home stand out. Cork walls are similar to the finished result of pegboard walls.
The panels are usually either 1/2 thick or 3/8 thick, with one edge rounded, so they fit together like puzzle pieces. To hang them on the wall, you only need panel adhesive and a few screws in each corner to hold them in place while they dry. And since corks come in many different sizes and colors, you can customize them to any room in your house!
Cement Board
Cement board is among the most popular on our list of 10+ drywall alternatives. It’s made of Portland cement, water, and silica. It’s used in various applications, including flooring, countertops, and walls.
Cement board is more durable than drywall, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas or areas prone to moisture. It’s also easy to install and can be painted or finished to match your décor.
These, if used across all four walls, give off the feel of traditional paneling with less hassle. They’re a bit heavier than other materials, but they come in many different sizes and styles to suit any room in your home.
Conclusion
There are a lot of materials you can use instead of drywall. Some are cheaper, some are more fire-resistant, and some are more fun to work with.
But before you choose drywall alternatives in our list of 10+ drywall alternatives, make sure you know what your project needs. If you need something that’s going to be durable and last a long time, pick one of them. They might be the best choice after all.
