How Much Does Drywall Weigh?

Not only do you need strong arms to take on drywall installation, but you will need mental willpower and a strong back. Wondering how much does drywall weigh is smart since drywall installation is not something to take on if you have back problems.

Standard drywall that is 1/2″ thick weighs 1.6 pounds per square foot, making it 51.2 pounds for one sheet of drywall. Drywall that is 5/8 inches thick weighs over 70 pounds and is used for fire ratings. Special lightweight drywall weighs an average of 25% less than its counterpart. A 12-foot sheet of lightweight drywall weighs 61.2 pounds compared to standard drywall that can weigh up to 110 pounds for a 12-foot sheet.

This guide will take you through the different types of drywall and the various thicknesses. In addition, we’ll talk about how that affects the weight of the wall. That way, whatever project you’re undertaking, you’ll know exactly which type of drywall to buy and what you need to move it and transport it as well.

The main reason you might need to know how much drywall weighs is to assess how strong a wall will be. Drywall is very strong, but it does have limitations. Drywall is strong, but it should not be load-bearing.

This means that if you need to hang up a large mirror, then you will need to consider if the wall can hold it. There are two thicknesses available in drywall, ⅝” and ½.” Both thicknesses serve different purposes, such as commercial and residential.

The 5/8″ drywall is typically used for commercial purposes such as stores, offices, warehouses, and movie theaters. The idea behind this is to soundproof the wall or building.

Meanwhile, the 1/2″ thickness is typically used in residential settings, like your home or an apartment space. Technically, you could use 5/8″ for your house; however, this is a lot heavier and more expensive to install. The home’s structure may not hold this heavy of drywall up, so therefore, 1/2″ would be a better idea.

In order to avoid the physical strain of carrying heavy drywall, there is a new form of drywall. This drywall is roughly 25% lighter than standard drywall and is called lightweight drywall. Lightweight drywall is essentially the same as standard drywall, except for the weight.

There are two forms of drywall that are typically used, type-x and non-type-X. The difference between these is that type-x is fire-rated. Lightweight 5/8″ drywall is not usually Type-X. This is because, in order to have a fire-rated wall with lightweight 5/8″ drywall, you need to apply the drywall as if it is 1/2″ drywall.

To do this, you must use two layers of lightweight 5/8″ drywall for every single layer of 5/8″ Type-X that you normally use. In order to use this, you will need to verify it with your local fire codes.

Typically the advantage of using lightweight over standard drywall is that you will be carrying about 13 pounds less on average.

Although lightweight is made from the same gypsum core as standard drywall, lightweight drywall utilizes adhesive polymers and various raw materials. This makes lightweight drywall cheaper to ship as well.

The downsides to lightweight drywall include increased sound transmission. Plus, it is easier to break, more difficult to score and snap, it is more expensive, and can be more brittle.

Unfortunately, a common problem when putting up drywall is that it cracks very easily. Although once you put the wall up, it is not a huge hassle, if it cracks while putting it up, then it will be a disaster. If this occurs, then you will need to remove the entire sheet and completely replace it.

When putting up drywall, you need to consider that it can be easily broken. You cannot accidentally elbow drywall as this will break it.

Transporting and installing drywall can also be stressful because of the possibility of cracking. Minor bumps can make the entire sheet unusable although drywall is not incredibly expensive, this is still a waste of money and a waste of time.

How many screws go into a sheet of drywall?

Use the thinnest sheet of drywall that you can for your job without compromising structural integrity and quality. As the person delivering your drywall sheets to drop them off as close to the job site as possible. This will not only protect you from injury but will also decrease the likelihood of any damage occurring to the drywall.

Move one sheet of drywall at a time if you’re working on your own. If you have to move multiple sheets of drywall at one time, have a helper and use a hand truck or dolly.

Also, it’s helpful to use a jack or drywall lift when installing the drywall, especially if you don’t have any help. If you’re unsure of your skills, it’s best to enlist the help of a knowledgeable friend or hire a pro.