Drywalls look great and classy.
However, the installation process involves a lot of work that might not go well for everyone.
The material doesnt hold well to water damage and high-traffic.
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Drywall is prone to mold and bacteria growth, making it a bad idea for cold areas.
Drywall is not dense enough hence produce hollow sounds with a thumb.
Whether youre building a new home or remodeling, you want something that wont have drywall defects.
Well, there are many of those alternatives that were going to see in this article.
Read through and make an informed choice.
Related:34 Different Types Of Ceilings and Their Pros and Cons
In this article
What Is Drywall?
What Is Drywall Used For?
Drywall is simply described as a punch in of construction material used in interior walls and ceilings.
These materials are lightweight, easy to install, and versatile.
Drywall walls came as an easier alternative to cumbersome wall plaster.
It started as a Sackett Board, which Augustine Sackett introduced in 1894.
It was named drywall because the resulting walls were completely dry with no wet materials needed for the installation.
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This was the biggest advantage drywall had over plaster, and it has remained so to date.
Drywalls biggest breakthrough came during World War II.
This was a time when there was a huge need for cheap and less labor-intensive construction materials.
Modern-day drywalls feature lightweight materials made from a rock called gypsum.
The boards are then cut and nailed to the wood framing of the building.
The resulting gypsum wall is a rock-like material that is non-toxic, fire-resistant, and sound attenuation.
Its commonly known as Drywall, Sheetrock plasterboard, or wallboard.
Drywalls are specifically made for walls and ceilings.
Theyre also used for partitions and other architectural specialties.
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The construction materials can be removed and installed back easily.
Theyre also cut in different sizes to fit the required spaces.
For commercial buildings, drywall fits in different uses.
Theyre used to wrap columns for concealing steel beams.
They also provide an easy method for topping off masonry walls.
Thanks to its fire-resistant nature, theyre used to add fire resistance to walls and ceilings.
This helps contain fire spread giving the occupants enough time to escape.
These materials have been used for ages and are still going strong in the construction world.
Theyre most loved thanks to their elegant and rustic feel.
They also need minimal maintenance as compared to traditional drywall.
Once theyre on your walls, you wont need to modify or maintain wood planks.
All you do after installation is to enjoy the beauty of your house.
Theyre also a great alternative to drywall because of their cost-effective nature.
These materials are reinforced with fiberglass giving them versatility.
The panels are popular in areas that experience too much moisture.
This is so because plastic panels are incredibly water and moisture resistant.
If you install them, you say goodbye to mold.
Another fantastic feature that sets plastic panels aside from drywall is their stain resistance.
Theyre perfect for the kitchen and bathrooms.
3.Plywood
The list for drywall alternatives wont end withoutplywoodas they also make perfect options for your walls.
One of the reasons many people prefer plywood over drywall is because theyre extremely cheap.
Theyre not only cheap to buy but also very easy to walk with.
As long as you add some touch of decor to these walls, youll never regret installing plywood.
Theyre made up of layers of thin drywall that brings out amazing finishing techniques.
They already come with their finishing hence makes them an easy to install alternative than drywall.
This process is very easy as you only need to apply a veneer over drywall.
This will take a very short time, and you could move to soonest because it dries pretty fast.
Its common thanks to its unique look that gives every home the desired aesthetics.
Theyre also the easiest options to decorate once installed.
The material provides a convenient option if youre looking for ways to add some extra space to your home.
Many people use them or garages for hanging tools.
As long as you fasten them with some studs, theyll provide an excellent finish.
6.Lath and Plaster
Forget the earlier lath and plaster that could take forever to install.
Today, theyve evolved to become the easiest and quickest to install.
This feature has made them a great alternative to drywall.
Installing lath involves horizontally running wooden slats to create a backbone for your wall structure.
This is followed by gypsum plaster, which goes over the lath.
The plaster goes through the cracks and crevices.
This system might be tedious and time-consuming.
It requires the work of a professional contractor to come out perfectly.
You dont have to screw wahoo walls into your wall as the panels easily click together.
you’re free to also choose to glue them to the wall though this is not a must.
Theyll also protect your home from water damage.
8.Textured Wall Panels
Textured wall panels are the fanciest on this list.
Thanks to their aesthetics, they are mostly used in boutique hotels and cocktail lounges.
Textured wallsare more expensive than other drywall alternatives.
But many people dont mind spending on them, thanks to aesthetics.
Some designs come in 3D options, which are extremely easy to install even on existing walls.
9.Basement Wall Finishing Systems
Basement wall finishing systems come in pre-designed and pre-cut panels.
you’ve got the option to use these panels to insulate and finish your basement.
The walls are sold as proprietor basement solutions.
They are perfect for the basement because theyre water-resistant and can protect your basement against mold growth.
The downside of basement wall finishing systems is that they are very expensive.
The walls are not suitable for a do-it-yourself project; hence you must prepare to pay for professional services.
They still make a good alternative to drywall thanks to their warm aesthetics, beautiful styles, and color.
If you have a suburban or rural home, brick and masonry will make a great option.
This is mainly because of its strength and durability.
They also work well as a mix and match with drywall.
Many people put brick and masonry in one room then blend the adjacent rooms with drywall.
The goal is to create something unique and beautiful.
One downside is its cost.
Brick and masonry are more expensive than drywall.
But their long-lasting nature makes them worth the cost.
They also require very little maintenance and do well in dusty homes.
11.Cement Board
Cement board is another great alternative to drywall.
They are heavier options than drywall; hence, they require two peoples effort for lifting during installation.
12.Lath with Woodchip-Clay
These walls involve a mix of clay slurry and woodchips.
The fiber provides strength, while the clay offers some insulating property.
All these make lath and woodchip-clay a good wall option for cold areas and a long-lasting performance.
They also ensure noise reduction.
They make a good alternative to traditional plaster and lath.
13.Fiberglass Reinforced Panels
Fiberglass reinforced panels take the same concept as that of drywall.
What differentiates them from drywall is that they are more durable.
Theyre made with strong scratch-resistant material.
These panels can stand on their own.
This means you wont need to install this wall on an existing wall.
They will provide an extra inch to your wall and give the room a more spacious feel.
Fiberglass reinforced panels are also loved for their mold and bacteria resistance.
They are cheap solutions that are easy to install.
These panels also come with the same construction as drywall but are more durable and moisture resistant.
Their construction process and the coated mat face add extra strength to this material.
They are, no doubt, a long-lasting option for your home.
15.Exposed Concrete Block
The exposed concrete block provides your home with a modern finish and perfect aesthetics.
They give it a raw, untouched finish that makes your wall look incomplete but beautiful.
If you want a textured look, you’re free to still paint the cinder blocks.
But leaving the wall as it still brings out a perfect for your home.
you’re able to play around with decors like combining it with a glass and back furniture.
16.Concrete Walls
Concrete provides homes with a minimalist design and industrial look.
They offer the best decor item and a style statement that defines modernity in any home.
They can go for the four walls or just an accent wall.
One advantage of concrete walls is that theyre easy to clean and maintain.
They require no special treatment, but some polishing can work well.
17.Brick
Brick is another popular alternative to drywall because of the design element.
They work well for both small accents and large walls.
They come in an uneven and warm character that is sure to add some textured base to your room.
These bricks are made with fired clay to cover up for their porous and moisture absorption nature.
you might keep them comfortable and dry by sealing them with a sealer to feel the pores and holes.
Bricks are popular for their durability and strength.
you’re able to add some paint to make them beautiful and easier to clean.
It is a cheap alternative to drywall.
This material allows you to add a classy fair to your finishing.
If you blend sheet wood with some decor, youll proudly bring out a beautiful country feel.
19.Cork Wall
The cork wall is ideal for those who like playing around with different designs.
Well, it’s crucial that you be careful not to hang some heavy items on the board.
Heavy materials can expose them to wear and tear.
Those are corrugated metals that are perfect for indoors.
They work well when used in a smaller accent wall.
They may not be ideal on all four or large walls.
The drywall option is another cheap option both to buy and to install.
You need metal shears, and a table saw with a specialized blade to cut them.
It would be easier to get a professional to do it.
They come in plastic panels that are extremely easy to install.
They are perfect alternatives for open-air patios with some roof over them.
They are also easy to clean.
They are perfect for protecting your wall against rain and wind.
22.Everlast Wall Panels
These are plastic panels loved for their long-lasting nature.
They can serve you for ages because they can stand all unfavorable conditions.
They are moisture, mold, scratch, and stain-resistant.
These are all the things that damage walls, and eliminating those means the walls will serve you longer.
Because they can resist water, they are perfect for the bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchen.
Everlast is easy to clean.
They can work well as a covering for damaged drywall.
But now you dont have to stick to one material all your life.
Other alternatives bring out the beauty and modern look in your ceiling.
They close in the space if you have rooms with a shorter ceiling.
The ceiling jot down works best if you get planks that are easy topaint with white or light colors.
The advantage of ceiling planks is their lightweight nature and ease of installation.
All you need is a nail gun and a ladder, and the work is done.
24.Drop Ceilings
A drop ceiling is also known as a suspended ceiling.
Its a unique design where one section of the ceiling is lower than the surrounding ones.
Its made up of bars and panels that hang with a wire.
This kind of ceiling somehow lowers the height of the house.
The design defines a modern feeling in the house and ideal for a smaller space like the kitchen.
This ceiling defines the boundaries of your house space even without walls.
Its a good design for homeowners who want to hiderecessed lighting.
This drywall alternative performs better than traditional lath and plaster when it comes to reducing noise.
Wahoo walls also make a great alternative for drywall in your basement.
Theyre water-resistant and mold resistant.
All these drywall alternatives for the basement will save you money because theyre cheap and easy to install.
Drywall Alternatives for Garage
Your garage needs something strong, durable, and easy to maintain.
Well, you’re able to get all these features in cement board panels.
This alternative is also a good way of making your garage look attractive.
They come in a variety of colors and textures to brighten the look of a rather dull garage.
Youll love that rustic appeal this material will give to your garage.
Drywall Alternatives for Shed
For a shed, you need something insulating and cool.
You need something that will naturally air condition the area without needing much work.
For this, pegboard can be a great alternative to drywall.
They bring out a unique room that converts the piece of your home.
Beadboard is also a great option that makes a tiny space look smaller with a few seams.
Their exposed nature adds some character to the attic.
If you paint them with pure white color, youll love the feel of open space theyll bring.
If exposed or painted, they still come with some character thats ideal for creating a charming bedroom.
Bricks and stones are also long-lasting options, so you wont need to change them soon.
Theyre recyclable hence a sustainable option known to add value to any home.
Wall without Drywall
you’re free to also go for nothing instead of installing drywall.
This is important if you want an insulated structure.
Some people choose to leave the concrete blocks exposed to give it a unique, rustic look.
Going with nothing works so well in the basement.
Or you could do it for the watershed and give it that earthly look with blocks.
Theyll bring out a warm texture with a wonderful look of finished walls.
Dont forget to look for unique features that the material comes with.
Go for warm ones for extremely cold areas to help insulate the room.
Also, consider drywall alternatives that you could blend with some decor to bring out your rooms beauty.
Painting the walls can also work great if you get the paintable one.
Dont forget the installation process when buying your drywall alternatives.
The ability to carry out a do-it-yourself wall brings out a great feeling.
