The Pros and Cons of Plywood vs. Drywall – Best Option!

In most homes, you can find that the walls are made up of either plywood or drywall, though the latter is definitely the more popular option out of the two. Now, you may be thinking, what is better?

Well, it depends on what you want. If you want higher fire resistance and less of a price tag then it’s better to use Drywall. But if you want a more durable material with a bonus of aesthetic then you should pick plywood.

However, in order to properly assess their differences and the obvious advantages of plywood, you’d need to look into the composition and how it affects the different aspects of the material.

What is a plywood

What is drywall

It is two papers bonded together by thick gypsum. It is then covered with another layer of gypsum that has been exposed to air before adding another layer of gypsum and a paper sheet.
Due to its composition which contains calcium sulfate and water, it is resistant to fire. That’s why it’s the preferred option for areas that are prone to fire.
Though it also comes in different names such as wallboard, sheetrock, gypsum board, and more. They also come in larger sizes that are easy to cut and put up.

Pros of Plywood

It’s lighter

Plywood weighs less than drywalls so it’s much easier to transport and hang up. A 5/8” sheet of it weighs around 1.8 to 2.1 pounds while the same size of drywall weighs 2.75 pounds.

This can be a big factor if you’re working on your own. And since it’s lighter, it also means that you won’t need as many hangers and nails to put it up.

Easier finish

You don’t need to tape or finish in plywood. The only thing it needs is a few layers of varnish and you can also use different fasteners based on the look you want to achieve.

Also, since it gives a smoother and unique finish than drywall, you won’t have to worry about bumps and unevenness that show up on the surface.

Aesthetics

Plywoods have a more natural look that can be quite appealing to people. If compared side-by-side, drywall can be seen as plainer and less attractive than the natural surface of the plywood.

It also has a more rustic charm that can add personality and character to a room. Plywood is also available in different colors, so you can definitely find one that would fit your taste.

Higher Durability

While it is easier to repair damages in drywall, plywood lessens the worry of damage. Because of cross-graining, it is much more durable than drywall which can be easily damaged by an accidental hitting.

It is also water-resistant so it can withstand humid conditions. Just make sure that the plywood is properly sealed to avoid any damage.

Stronger structure

You can find that plywoods are used on tool sheds most of the time. This is because plywood is much more resistant to damage and can handle more weight hanging from it.
Unlike drywall, you don’t need to worry about your material crumbling if you want to hang something heavy from it. You also need to locate the studs if you want to hang something heavy from drywall.

Multiple options

It also comes in different sizes and thicknesses so you can find something that suits your budget and needs. And the thing about plywood is even if it’s thin, it’s still more durable than drywall.

You can also find it in different textures and colors. This way, you can find one that would complement the aesthetics of your home.

Pros of Drywall

Cheaper cost

Drywall is significantly much cheaper than plywood. Even the installation costs of drywall cost less than plywood.
If your budget is a bit tight and you don’t know how to install plywood then drywall will be a better option.

When plywood gets damaged, you also need to replace a whole chunk or even the entirety of it. That would definitely cost a lot, not just because of the material but the installation/repair costs.

Higher fire resistance

Though you can alter plywood to be fire-resistant, drywall naturally has this trait. It won’t catch fire or burn as easily as plywood does.
The composition of drywall allows it to be less prone to shrinking as the temperature rises. This gives drywall the stability it needs to withstand fire longer than plywood.

Easier to decorate

Drywall has a smooth and plain finish. It’s easier to use paint on the drywall as it doesn’t have any weird texture like plywood.
Drywall also holds paint more than plywood. If you’re looking forward to a paint job then you should definitely pick drywall.

Plywood also already has a specific look to it. That’s why the decorations may be dependent on how your plywood looks or its color of it.
If you need more creative freedom on your walls, opt for plain drywall since you can design it however way you want and just splash some paint on it so it matches your furniture.

Easier to fix

Plywood can be difficult to repair. You need to replace a whole portion just to fix it or even the entirety of the damage is large enough.
But for drywall, depending on its size will just need some patching and sanding. You can easily find small tubs of spackle to do the job. It’s cheap, you won’t need a lot of it, and you can store it for future use.

The better option for home interior walls

The better option for garages and sheds

Since these places often contain dangerous and sharp items like saws and hammers, plywood is definitely the better option.
After all, it’s quite annoying finding holes and dents for every accidental hit to your wall. Since plywood is much more durable, it’s more efficient to have them in places where you would likely hit something.

You can also hang a lot of heavy items when you use plywood as your construction material. You don’t have to worry about your walls crumbling down the more construction tools you hang up.

It’s still based on your needs

Of course, even if you find drywall much more appealing, the construction material that you pick should be based on your needs.
Let’s say you live in an area where there are a lot of critters that can potentially go in and damage your walls, you should then use plywood for more protection.

Altercations to remove the cons

If you’re dead set on getting a specific material but you’re a bit unsure because of its weakness then you’re in luck. Some companies provide altercations to these materials which improve the overall quality of it.

Drywall

Some companies actually reinforce drywall to make it tougher and more durable. They added fiberglass mesh and used a very high-density formula to ensure the strength of drywall.
So, if you want drywall but don’t really fancy seeing cracks and dents on it then you can specifically search for these reinforced drywalls.

Plywood

Plywood is a really good choice, especially if you really like how it looks on your wall. However, you may have been thrown off by the fact that it easily burns.

Thanks to technology, you can now get more fire-resistant plywood called “Fire-rated plywood”. These ones have been specially treated with chemicals that create a barrier to lessen the spread of flames.

Conclusion

Even with all of this information we provided, it is still your choice. However, it still helps to be informed on what actually are these materials and what would you gain from using them.

That being said, use this information wisely and make an informed choice. That way, you won’t regret your choice once everything has been installed.