Thickness of sheetrock

[64auto]

Is 1/2 sheetrock thick enough for walls & ceilings?

 

[MXtras]

Walls, yes.

Ceilings? I believe that 5/8" is normal for ceilings. I have used 1/2" on ceilings in the past.

Scott

 

[PAToyota]

There is quite a difference in durability in going to 5/8" on walls. At times I am amazed at what that extra 1/8" does! All my walls and ceilings are 5/8" and as MXtras states - 5/8" is pretty standard on ceilings to prevent sagging.

 

[enginerd]

+1 for 5/8"...after almost 300 4x12 (and 4x14) sheets were just put up here, there is a huge difference between 1/2 and 5/8!

 

[Franz©]

The thicker it is the longer it resists FIRE!
5/8 just takes a few more screws per sheet, and glue ain't a bad idea either.

Given the production to delivery times available today I personally think letting any drywall age a month before hanging ain't a bad idea either.

 

[crowldawg]

If the cieling beams are 16" on center and its not require by code ,I would use 1/2" . 5/8" is damn heavy .5/8" is usually used in commercial applications or where fire proofing is required

 

[tampascl]

1/2 inch is typically adequate. If you have a living space above, like I do, code will likely require 5/8 for additional fire protection.

 

[BlueZero]

Agreed with the other. Also depends on the stud/truss spacing. If it's somewhere that's going to take some abuse go with the 5/8" for sure.

 

[boiler7904]

1/2" is only rated for 16" o.c. framing spacing unless it is the new sag resistant variety - then it's supposed to be good to 24" o.c. I'd go with 5/8" "type x" for the extra durability and fire resistance unless you have a wall that was already partially rocked with 1/2" Even then I'd consider taking the 1/2" down. If the wall separates the garage from living space, you need to have a one hour rated assembly (unless you live in an area where codes aren't enforced) which means 2 layers of 5/8".

Other advise:

Screws typically hold better than nails - fine thread for metal framing, coarse thread for wood framing. Use fasteners that will penetrate the framing by an inch.

Pre-mixed mud will be affected by moisture and humidity more seasonally than the setting type compounds you mix yourself.

Think about using moisture resistant (green board) or one of the new paperless boards for at least the bottom four feet of the wall. Gives you one less thing to worry about if you'll be washing the floor a lot or your cars have a lot of snow / slush falling off in the winter.

 

[PhantomEB]

I dont care if its not required by code, I fully intend to put up 5/8ths fire proofing drywall up.

 

[russlaferrera]

I dont care if its not required by code, I fully intend to put up 5/8ths fire proofing drywall up.

Then why don't you use 3/8s ,use a notched trowel with spackeling compound and cover it with a 2nd 3/8s sheet. That will be stronger and a full 3/4

 

[carlosh]

Stafford VA code required 5/8 in a garage two foot and closer to inhabited spaces, the remainder could be 1/2. I went with 5/8 myself

 

[Charley varrick]

Bigger and more in the words of any car guy /Hot Rodder is always better .

 

[6768rogues]

For 24 inch framing spacing, you can use 5/8 or high strength 1/2 on the ceiling. Either will work on the walls. For fire resistance, type X is what you want, it is available in 1/2 or 5/8. The difference in type X is a higher moisture content and embedded fibers. The fibers make it resistant to a fire hose stream. When it is tested for fire resistance, it is burned in a test fire and then hit with a hose stream. If you break a scrap and look closely, there are small fibers in the broken ends. That is how I made sure they used the right stuff when I used to do inspections and the printing on the sheets was not visible.

 

[dawg]

spend the extra and get 5/8ths all around.
I got a buddy that did that and when he had a fire in the garage the extra drywall saved his house.