Ultralight drywall, also known as lightweight drywall or low-density drywall, has become an increasingly popular option for construction and remodeling projects in recent years. As the name suggests, ultralight drywall is lighter and thinner than standard drywall while still providing many of the same benefits. Understanding the pros and cons of ultralight drywall can help you determine if it is the right material for your particular project.
What is Ultralight Drywall?
Ultralight drywall is a lightweight wallboard made from gypsum and other materials compressed between two thick sheets of paper. It is approximately 30% lighter than regular 1/2-inch drywall. The lighter weight is achieved by using less gypsum and a higher concentration of recycled materials in the core.
The paper facings on ultralight drywall are the same as standard drywall. The sheets are available in the same sizes, typically 4 x 8 feet or 4 x 12 feet, but only in 1/2-inch thickness. The ultralight boards are screw-attached to wood or metal wall studs in the same manner as regular drywall. Joint compound and joint tape are used to conceal the seams between panels.
Pros of Using Ultralight Drywall
Easier to Lift and Install
One of the biggest advantages of ultralight drywall is that it is lighter and therefore easier to lift and install. A standard 4 x 8 sheet of 1/2-inch regular drywall weighs approximately 55 to 60 pounds. A sheet of 1/2-inch ultralight drywall in the same size weighs about 40 pounds.
The 30% reduction in weight makes the ultralight boards easier to carry and hang on ceilings and walls, especially for one person. This can help reduce fatigue and strain when installing drywall throughout an entire home or large project.
Good for Moisture-Prone Areas
Ultralight drywall is a good choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and other areas prone to moisture. The gypsum core incorporates wax that makes it more water-resistant than regular drywall.
When exposed to moisture, ultralight drywall will remain intact longer before showing signs of swelling or deterioration. It provides added protection in damp environments.
Less Expensive Shipping Costs
Since ultralight drywall weighs less per square foot, shipping costs are lower compared to traditional drywall sheets. This can amount to significant savings on large drywall orders or long-distance shipping.
Contractors and builders that need to have drywall delivered to job sites can save on freight costs by choosing the lighter ultralight product. Homeowners may also pay less for delivery when purchasing drywall for DIY projects.
Good for ceilings
The lightweight nature of ultralight drywall makes it a great choice for ceilings. It can be installed on ceiling joists without the need for heavy lifting or additional ceiling supports. The lighter panels reduce stress on the ceiling framework.
Drywall installers can work more easily overhead with the reduced weight of the boards. Homeowners can also manage the installation of ultralight drywall on ceilings by themselves or with minimal help.
Less Expansion and Contraction
Ultralight drywall panels experience less expansion and contraction than regular drywall. Temperature and humidity fluctuations will cause all drywall to expand and contract slightly, which can lead to popped nails, seam cracks, and nail pops if the movement is excessive.
With less gypsum in the core, ultrallight sheets remain more stable and are less reactive to environmental changes. This results in fewer cosmetic cracks and pops over time.
Good Fire Resistance
The fire resistance of ultralight drywall is comparable to that of regular 1/2-inch drywall. The gypsum core and paper facings provide fire protection by creating a barrier that prevents flames from spreading quickly.
Most manufacturers indicate that the fire rating for 1/2-inch ultralight drywall is approximately 1 hour for walls and ceilings when properly installed. This level of fire resistance meets building code requirements for residential settings.
Qualifies as Green Building Material
The recycled paper and gypsum content of most ultralight drywall brands helps it qualify as a sustainable green building material. Many types contain over 95% recycled material.
Using ultralight drywall can help builders and homeowners earn points toward green certification programs like LEED and NAHB. It also diverts construction waste from landfills.
Can Be Painted and Finished Like Standard Drywall
Ultralight drywall can be finished and decorated just like traditional drywall. Joint compound and drywall primer are applied in the same way prior to painting.
The finished surface holds paint well and is suitable for any sheen or finish type. All standard paints, wallpapers, textures, and other wall coverings are compatible with ultralight boards.
Cons of Using Ultralight Drywall
Less Strength and Durability
The main disadvantage of ultralight drywall is that it lacks the strength and durability of standard 1/2-inch drywall. With less dense gypsum in the core, ultralight boards are more prone to damage from impacts, pressing, and twisting.
The lightweight sheets cannot withstand force or movement as well as regular drywall. Damaged areas may require extensive repairs.
Not for High-Moisture Areas
Although ultralight drywall resists moisture better than standard drywall, it should not be used in continuously wet areas. The facings and core can deteriorate when exposed to standing water, flooding, or very high humidity.
Showers, steam rooms, pool enclosures, and exterior applications require specialized moisture-resistant or waterproof panels.
Not for Fireproof Walls
If a fire-resistance rating higher than 1 hour is required, ultralight drywall may not be the best option. Fireproof or fire-rated walls with ratings of 2 hours or more should be sheathed with type X or type C drywall.
These specialized panels contain additives that further improve fire resistance beyond the capabilities of ultralight drywall.
Requires Careful Handling
The lightweight, low-density composition of ultralight drywall means it must be handled gently during transport and installation. Dropping panels on edges or corners can easily cause cracks, chips, and breakage.
Careless handling practices that work fine with regular drywall could damage fragile ultralight boards. Workers need training on proper carrying and fastening techniques.
Not for Tile Backing
Ultralight drywall should not be used as a substrate for tile installations. The low-density core does not provide a stable enough foundation for the weight of tile and thinset mortar.
Cement backerboard or fiber-cement underlayment is better for tiled walls. Tile can detach from ultralight drywall over time.
Requires Closer Stud Spacing
To provide adequate support for the less rigid panels, ultralight drywall usually requires closer stud spacing than 16 inches on center. Many brands specify 12-inch to 14-inch stud spacing.
This can require additional framing labor and materials. Noggings may also be needed for attaching wall-mounted objects.
Difficult to Patch and Repair
The soft, fragile core of ultralight drywall does not hold screws or joint compound as well as standard drywall. Screw pops are more likely over time as the lightweight material shifts.
Patching damaged areas can be challenging because repeated coats of compound tend to crumble the core. Extensive repairs may require cutting out and replacing whole sections.
Higher Cost
Ultralight drywall sheets typically cost more per square foot compared to regular 1/2-inch drywall. The pricing difference ranges from 10-20% more depending on the manufacturer.
In some cases, the higher material cost can make ultralight drywall more expensive for an entire project. This depends on how much extra framing or finishing is required.
Lower R-Value
The R-value, or resistance to conductive heat transfer, is lower for ultralight drywall compared to other drywall types. Traditional 1/2-inch drywall has an R-value around 0.5 per inch. Ultralight boards may have an R-value closer to 0.3 or 0.4 per inch.
This makes ultralight drywall a bit less effective as insulation. Additional insulating materials may be needed to achieve desired energy efficiency ratings.
When to Choose Ultralight Drywall
Here are some of the most suitable situations for using ultralight rather than standard drywall:
- Ceiling installation – easier overhead lifting
- Rooms with high moisture – bath, laundry, basement
- Areas prone to cracks from movement
- DIY projects – one person can manage it
- Shipping drywall long distances
- Meeting green building standards
- Adding less weight to ceiling or wall framing
When to Avoid Ultralight Drywall
Here are some instances where traditional or other types of drywall may be a better choice than ultralight:
- Fire-rated walls needing 2+ hour fire protection
- Wet areas like showers or pool houses
- Walls getting ceramic tile or natural stone finishes
- High traffic areas susceptible to damage
- Cathedral ceilings over 20 feet tall
- Framing with studs spaced 16+ inches apart
- Commercial settings like offices or restaurants
Top Brands of Ultralight Drywall
Several major drywall manufacturers now offer ultralight product lines:
- National Gypsum – LightRoc
- USG – Sheetrock UltraLight Panels
- Georgia-Pacific – ToughRock UltraLight
- Continental Building Products – Wind-Resistant Drywall
- PABCO – Pabcore Ultralite
- CertainTeed – M2Tech Lite
Cost Comparison
On average, ultralight 1/2-inch drywall costs $0.25 to $0.35 per square foot more than regular 1/2-inch drywall. This translates to approximately $80 to $140 more for an 800 sq.ft. single floor installation.
However, the potential savings on shipping and labor may balance out the higher material cost of ultralight drywall on some projects. It depends on the size of the job and construction factors.
Installation Tips
Here are some best practices for working with ultralight drywall:
- Handle panels gently – don’t drop or bend
- Use drywall screws, not nails
- Space framing 12″ to 14″ on center
- Drive screws carefully to avoid tearing facings
- Avoid placing heavy objects on walls
- Fill joints with flexible lightweight compound
- Inspect for pops frequently as material settles
- Plan on extra time for repairs if needed
Conclusion
Ultralight drywall provides many benefits, especially its lighter weight and resistance to moisture damage. However, the less rigid panels do require careful handling and finishing to achieve best results. Understanding both the pros and cons will help you decide if ultralight drywall is the right sheathing material for your next construction or remodeling project. With proper installation and finishing, it can be an excellent choice in the right setting.