Drywall, otherwise known as gypsum wallboard, has replaced plaster as the most common wall surface in American homes. It is used as a backing for wall treatments such as wallpaper, fabric, tile and wood paneling. Or it can simply be painted. Drywall has the virtue of being easy and inexpensive to install.
Drywall is sold in 4-by-8-, 4-by-9-, and 4-by-10-foot sheets; the most common thicknesses are 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch (though other thicknesses are available). Standard drywall is subject to moisture damage; choose special "green" drywall for application in bathrooms or other areas where the material may get wet.
Drywall panels are fastened directly to wall studs or to furring strips applied over masonry surfaces, using wallboard nails, wallboard screws, or--in some cases--adhesive. The joints between panels are hidden by wallboard joint tape and joint compound. In some cases, a texture of special topping compound is applied over the entire surface.
--Don Vandervort
