The Difference Between Drywall and Sheetrock: Just so you’re clear

Drywall and sheetrock are often used interchangeably to refer to large sheets of gypsum that are used to construct walls and ceilings. However, sheetrock is actually a brand name for a specific type of drywall made by the company USG. All sheetrock is drywall, but not all drywall is sheetrock.

Both drywall and sheetrock are made from gypsum, which is a soft mineral that is ground into a powder and then mixed with water to create a paste. This paste is then spread over a sheet of paper or fiberglass and allowed to dry. The resulting material is then cut into sheets and used to construct walls and ceilings.

The main difference between drywall and sheetrock is the type of paper or fiberglass used on the back of the panels. Sheetrock (the USG product) typically uses a heavier, more durable paper, while other brands of drywall may use a lighter weight paper or fiberglass. The type of backing used can affect the strength and durability of the drywall, as well as its resistance to moisture and fire.