How Thick is Ceiling Drywall?

When installing ceiling drywall, you want to ensure you get the right size and weight of the panels. Too thick and heavy panels sag between the ceiling rafters and even produce noise. The repair work can also be costly and time-consuming. So how thick should ceiling drywall be?

It is recommended to use ½-inch thick drywall for ceilings with joists set 24 inches apart. Ensure you install the panels perpendicular to the joists even when the spacing of your joists is 16 inches.

Proper spacing and thickness of ceiling sheetrock helps prevent ceiling noises, sagging, and poor aesthetics.

Thickness of Ceiling Drywall

The correct thickness for ceiling drywall is ½ inch (12.7mm). ½ inch-thick drywall panels are recommended because they are easy to carry and hang on ceiling rafters during installation.

You can also use the much lighter half-inch boards that weigh 54.4lbs as they are more suited for ceilings.

Note that drywall panels come in different thicknesses, meaning their weights vary. As a result, you will achieve different fire resistance, insulation, and soundproofing capabilities depending on the density of the material.

Within the ½-inch size in thickness, the boards vary in dimensions and weights. Here are the various half-inch thick drywall options you can use for ceilings to achieve different results.

4ft by 8ft

This is the standard length recommended for residential homes, weighing 33.76 lbs, suitable for both walls and ceilings.

4ft by 12ft

Unlike the 4ft×8ft sheetrock panel, the 4ft×12ft is much heavier, weighing 76lbs. However, it is best recommended for fire resistance and soundproofing in buildings. 

Pro tip: Consider drywall panels that are longer. This will give you the best results with fewer seams in your final work.

Can you use the 3/8 Drywall Ceiling?

You can use 3/8 sheetrock to repair or cover a bowed surface and walls with patches. However, for optimal results, use the recommended ½ inch drywall ceiling because 3/8 inch thick drywall boards are more fragile compared to the ½ inch thick ones. 

Therefore to use it, you have to be careful because it breaks easily and can warp if you don’t observe spacing measurements (16 inches apart) of the ceiling joists. Besides, when used as ceilings in buildings, avoid putting any hangings such as lights. Then, again, don’t support the ceiling drywall with insulation because it ends up sagging.

Moreover, a 3/8 inch drywall sags easily. Thus, water-based textures are discouraged because the drywall does not have moisture-resistant properties like ½ inch. Therefore, to use a 3/8 inch drywall ceiling, observe the following:

• When there is bigger space between the ceiling joists, Keep the screws or nails that hold them close to each other (12inches) 
• Keep the ceiling joists 16 inches apart to hold the 3/8 inch drywall ceiling.

Ceiling Drywall Thickness Code

Every drywall thickness has the recommended spacing, sizing, and screwing set for installing the drywall ceiling in a building. The requirements are what is called code for drywall.

Ceiling drywall code requires for ½ inch thick panels to be installed with a spacing joist recommendation of 24-inches for better fire resistance and sound-proofing abilities.

Therefore, the ceiling drywall thickness code determines the kind of thickness you will use in your building and the spacing requirement for each ceiling drywall.

Nevertheless, depending on the drywall application, the building code plays a crucial role in the ceiling drywall thickness.

For example, if the joist spacing is more significant, the drywall thickness used would be ½ inch or 5/8 inch drywall. 5/8 inch drywall will require a spacing joist of 24 inches, while the ½ inch ceiling drywall thickness best suits 16-inch joist

Moreover, the building drywall thickness code recommends using heavy and thicker ceiling drywall for soundproofing, fire resistance, and moisture resistance. In this case, it will be ½ inch and 3/8 inch, which may also feature two ceiling drywall layers.

Again, the code recommends a spacing of 12-inch screwing or nailing for ½ inch or 5/8 inch ceiling drywall thickness.

On the other hand, the building code will also determine the length and width of the ceiling drywall. These include 4×8 foot drywall, 4×12 foot, or 4×16 foot. Again, however, this will depend on your personal choice or the choice of the architect.

Even so, the ceiling drywall thickness code of a building should be followed to prevent the drywall from sagging, warping, and falling off.

Importance of Installing Panels with the Right Thickness

You should note that each building has a code that determines the drywall’s size, length, and thickness. Therefore, it would help if you considered those codes to help you choose the right thickness that your building will require.

Nonetheless, the right thickness for your building is essential because of the following;

Soundproofing

In a busy and noisy environment, the right choice of drywall thickness (5/8 inch) forms a barrier that helps cushion the walls, thus blocking the sound pollution from outside.

Costs

Poor choice of drywall thickness will lead to losses such as warping, sagging, and eventually falling off the walls. Therefore having the right thickness saves you money and time.

Fire resistance

Installing panels of the right thickness provides a layer of protection to your building from quickly being razed down by fire. A thick panel takes time to burn, thus giving you time to put off the fire.

Keep in mind that drywall does not burn easily. However, you can use 1/2-inch drywall on your ceilings for normal building establishments, but for areas prone to fires such as garages, use Type X drywall that’s fire rated for at least 30 minutes.

Read more on the fire ratings of drywall here.

Insulation 

The right choice of panel thickness helps you have the right drywall thickness for each season. For cold seasons, the right thickness keeps your house warm, while your house will remain cool in hot conditions.

Though you can use exterior insulation such as Dryvit, drywall panels also play a major role in maintaining the right temperature in your home.

Variety of choice for the end product

The right choice of panel thickness provides various chances of having your ceiling in the form, color, and shape that best pleases you. In addition, the finishing options available for you are endless. 

Easy repair

The right panel thickness makes it easier to repair a uniform surface when damages occur.

Ceiling drywall is a remarkable building material when handled in the right way. 

These involve having the right thickness for the suitable space, building, and room and observing and following the right ceiling drywall thickness code.

It will help you have an easy installation process on a friendly budget in your pocket. Therefore, bring life to your space by using the right ceiling drywall.

CONCLUSION

The standard ceiling drywall thickness is ½-inch. Ceiling drywall code requires installing the panels on joists spaced at 24 inches apart.