We all know there are several thicknesses of drywall. What general
applications are required for each thickness? Code? For example, if
building a closet, other than the obvious thickness, is it acceptable to
use 1/4" instead of 3/8' or 1/2" and vice versa?

On Jun 17, 7:12*am, Meanie wrote:
We all know there are several thicknesses of drywall. What general
applications are required for each thickness? Code? For example, if
building a closet, other than the obvious thickness, is it acceptable to
use 1/4" instead of 3/8' or 1/2" and vice versa?

I don't know about code specifics, but generally 1/2"
is used everywhere for ceilings, wall, closets, etc. If
there are fire rating issues, for example, then thicker
may be required. I would never use 1/4" for anything,
unless it was absolutely necessary because of a
critical space or similar issue. And even then, it better be a
protected area, because 1/4" is flimsy.

I bought some 1/4" couple years ago for just such a
need. As I recall, it was about the same price as 1/2"
too, so you're not saving anything.

On Jun 17, 6:12 am, Meanie wrote:
We all know there are several thicknesses of drywall. What general
applications are required for each thickness? Code? For example, if
building a closet, other than the obvious thickness, is it acceptable to
use 1/4" instead of 3/8' or 1/2" and vice versa?

Well, around here, 5/8 is used for firestop, that is, a ceiling in a
room below a bedroom.

Otherwise, 1/2 is the norm for almost everything.

I use 1/4 for making arches, such as arched doorways, because it
is easier to bend, especially when wetted down.... If it seems too
flimsy, just put another layer of 1/4 over the first.

I am not aware of the uses of 3/8...

On 6/17/2013 7:35 AM, Robert wrote:
....

I am not aware of the uses of 3/8...

Find it in spec/low-end housing (as in cheap) simply for that reason.
If building large spaces it can be a noticeable input cost differential
to the developer.

Some will try it for ceilings for the weight -- w/ trusses (2x4 flat
surfaces) the net span on 16" centers may be enough to keep bowing from
being too excessive.

Otherwise, for OPs question, it would be a passable alternative for his
proposed closets and other low-traffic areas for (as noted) minimal
cost-savings.

--

Meanie wrote in :

We all know there are several thicknesses of drywall. What general
applications are required for each thickness? Code? For example, if
building a closet, other than the obvious thickness, is it acceptable to
use 1/4" instead of 3/8' or 1/2" and vice versa?


1/4" on top of existing drywall/plywood/osb to get a new surface. 3/8 to
build up or if you're a hack putting it where 1/2 should be used. 1/2 for
interior walls. 1/2 can be used on ceiling if allowed by local code. 5/8 on
ceilings to prevent sagging or required by local code.

5/8" Firecode may be required in such places as walls adjacent to garages,
common walls in multi family buildings. Actually, the firecode is not based
on thickness. There is a 1/2 firecode. Type X is what specifies the fire
rating.

Then there's the moisture resistant rock group.

Simple question already getting not so simple :-(

In the simple closet example you gave, go 1/2" if being attached to the
studs."

Disclaimer: not a high knowledge drywall person. Reply priced accordingly.

On Jun 17, 8:26*am, "
wrote:
On Jun 17, 7:12*am, Meanie wrote:

We all know there are several thicknesses of drywall. What general
applications are required for each thickness? Code? For example, if
building a closet, other than the obvious thickness, is it acceptable to
use 1/4" instead of 3/8' or 1/2" and vice versa?

I don't know about code specifics, but generally 1/2"
is used everywhere for ceilings, wall, closets, etc. *If
there are fire rating issues, for example, then thicker
may be required. * I would never use 1/4" for anything,
unless it was absolutely necessary because of a
critical space or similar issue. *And even then, it better be a
protected area, because 1/4" is flimsy.

I have used 1/4" in 3 situations:

1 - The flat section of a ceiling over basement steps where the paint
on the original plaster was so badly peeled that putting up a ~3' x 3'
piece of 1/4" drywall and taping the corners was easier than trying to
scrape and skimcoat the original ceiling. Glued and screwed.

2 - Similar situation for a bathroom ceiling with a flat section and a
sloped section with a curved junction. Bending the 1/4" worked OK, but
I smoothed out the curve with drywall compound. Glued and screwed. I
had scraped and sanded the original plaster too many times to want to
do it again. The drywall has held the paint for many years, something
I can't say about the plaster.

3 - Same bathroom, small area above window. The walls in my house are
3/8" brown gypsum board coated with ~ 3/8" plaster. The area above the
window continually peeling and the plaster was cracked. I used my HF
Multi-Function tool tool to remove the plaster down to the wall board
and then shimmed the area to accept the 1/4" drywall that I had left
over from the staircase ceiling job. I might have tried 3/8", but I
didn't have any 3/8" scraps so I used what I had available. Besides,
with the shims, if was fairly easy to get the 1/4" drywall flush with
the surrounding plaster.

I agree that it needs some sort of backing, 1/4" is too flimsy to be
used by itself over a large area.


I bought some 1/4" couple years ago for just such a
need. *As I recall, it was about the same price as 1/2"
too, so you're not saving anything.

On Jun 17, 10:01*am, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 17, 8:26*am, "
wrote:

On Jun 17, 7:12*am, Meanie wrote:

We all know there are several thicknesses of drywall. What general
applications are required for each thickness? Code? For example, if
building a closet, other than the obvious thickness, is it acceptable to
use 1/4" instead of 3/8' or 1/2" and vice versa?

I don't know about code specifics, but generally 1/2"
is used everywhere for ceilings, wall, closets, etc. *If
there are fire rating issues, for example, then thicker
may be required. * I would never use 1/4" for anything,
unless it was absolutely necessary because of a
critical space or similar issue. *And even then, it better be a
protected area, because 1/4" is flimsy.

I have used 1/4" in 3 situations:

1 - The flat section of a ceiling over basement steps where the paint
on the original plaster was so badly peeled that putting up a ~3' x 3'
piece of 1/4" drywall and taping the corners was easier than trying to
scrape and skimcoat the original ceiling. Glued and screwed.

2 - Similar situation for a bathroom ceiling with a flat section and a
sloped section with a curved junction. Bending the 1/4" worked OK, but
I smoothed out the curve with drywall compound. Glued and screwed. I
had scraped and sanded the original plaster too many times to want to
do it again. The drywall has held the paint for many years, something
I can't say about the plaster.

3 - Same bathroom, small area above window. The walls in my house are
3/8" brown gypsum board coated with ~ 3/8" plaster. The area above the
window continually peeling and the plaster was cracked. I used my HF
Multi-Function tool tool to remove the plaster down to the wall board
and then shimmed the area to accept the 1/4" drywall that I had left
over from the staircase ceiling job. I might have tried 3/8", but I
didn't have any 3/8" scraps so I used what I had available. Besides,
with the shims, if was fairly easy to get the 1/4" drywall flush with
the surrounding plaster.

I agree that it needs some sort of backing, 1/4" is too flimsy to be
used by itself over a large area.





I bought some 1/4" couple years ago for just such a
need. *As I recall, it was about the same price as 1/2"
too, so you're not saving anything.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Yes, good point. If it's going over existing to make a new
finish, that makes sense too.

wrote:

I would never use 1/4" for anything,
unless it was absolutely necessary because of a
critical space or similar issue. And even then, it better be a
protected area, because 1/4" is flimsy.

It's good for curved surfaces. Put on one layer - wet if necessary - then
another layer on top.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

Winters getting colder? Tired of the rat race?
Taxes out of hand? Maybe just ready for a change?
Check it out... http://www.floridaloghouse.net

On Jun 17, 2:21*pm, "dadiOH" wrote:
wrote:
I would never use 1/4" for anything,
unless it was absolutely necessary because of a
critical space or similar issue. *And even then, it better be a
protected area, because 1/4" is flimsy.

It's good for curved surfaces. *Put on one layer - wet if necessary - then
another layer on top.

--

dadiOH

Couldn"t I accomplish the same thing by getting 1/2" drywall twice as
wet? ;-)

On Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:35:44 -0700 (PDT), Robert
wrote:




I am not aware of the uses of 3/8...

I've use it where I wanted the appearance of a drywall finish, but had
no code or structural issues to be concerned about. Like a closet
liner. Main advantage is ease of use with the low weight.

On Jun 17, 3:15*pm, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jun 17, 2:21*pm, "dadiOH" wrote:

wrote:
I would never use 1/4" for anything,
unless it was absolutely necessary because of a
critical space or similar issue. *And even then, it better be a
protected area, because 1/4" is flimsy.

It's good for curved surfaces. *Put on one layer - wet if necessary - then
another layer on top.

--

dadiOH

Couldn"t I accomplish the same thing by getting 1/2" drywall twice as
wet? *;-)

or make cuts on the backside to help it bend. Lots of cuts every half
inch or so

On Mon, 17 Jun 2013 07:12:51 -0400, Meanie
wrote:

We all know there are several thicknesses of drywall. What general
applications are required for each thickness? Code? For example, if
building a closet, other than the obvious thickness, is it acceptable to
use 1/4" instead of 3/8' or 1/2" and vice versa?

I can only speak to my experience. I've hung a lot of sheet rock as a
young man (remember blue nails). I still follow the notion that a
ceiling is 5/8", walls are always 1/2". Just my nature.

Now. For a small closet there is nothing wrong to use 1/2" in the
ceiling and walls.

5/8" on the ceiling is primarily for fire, sound and attic heat
prevention.

BTW. Every drywall person learns in the closet :-\

An easy place for mistakes that can be fixed easily.