This information presents products produced by United States Gypsum. Other companies may offer other types of Gypsum Board. To locate other companies you can refer to our list of manufacturers.

Gypsum board is mainly used as the surface layer of interior walls and ceilings as a base for several things such as ceramic, plastic, and metal tile. Most gypsum board is also available with aluminum foil backing which provides an effective vapor retarder for exterior walls when applied with the foil surface against the framing.

Gypsum board is also available in several thicknesses:

• 1/4" Used as a base in a multi-layer application for icreasing sound control, or to cover existing walls and ceilings in remodeling.


• 5/16" Used in manufactured housing


• 3/8" Usually applied in a double-layer system over wood framing and as a face layer in repair or remodeling. Sometimes used in double layers for barreled ceilings or bowed walls such as those built around half circle stairs.


• 1/2" Most common in conventional ceilings and walls. Used as a single layer in residential work and in double-layer systems for greater sound and fire ratings.


• 5/8" Used in single-layer and double-layer wall systems for greater quality. The greater thickness provides additional fire resistance, higher rigidity, and better impact resistance.


• 3/4" This is used in a similar fashion to 5/8".


• 1" Used in interior partitions, stairwells, shaft walls, corridor ceilings, chaseways and area separation walls. Manufactured only in 24" wide panels and installed as an integral part of a system.