Sheetrock vs Drywall: What's the Difference?
Part of Interior & Finishes
Quick answer
There's no real difference — Sheetrock is a trademarked brand of drywall made by U.S. Gypsum. 'Drywall,' 'gypsum board,' 'wallboard' and 'Sheetrock' all refer to the same panel: a gypsum core wrapped in paper.
People use these words interchangeably, and that's basically correct. Sheetrock® is just the best-known brand name, the way Kleenex is for tissues. The generic product is drywall, also called gypsum board or wallboard.
What drywall is made of
A drywall panel is a core of gypsum plaster pressed between two heavy paper faces. The gypsum makes it fire-resistant and easy to score-and-snap; the paper gives it strength and a paintable surface.
Common types of drywall
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Standard (white) | Most walls and ceilings |
| Moisture-resistant (green board) | Bathrooms, laundry, kitchens |
| Mold-resistant (purple) | High-humidity and damp areas |
| Fire-resistant (Type X, 5/8") | Garages, ceilings, between units |
| Cement board | Tile backer in wet areas |
| Soundproof | Shared walls, media rooms |
So when a store or contractor says Sheetrock, they mean drywall. Choose the type by location (moisture, fire rating) and the thickness by where it's going — see the drywall thickness guide.
FAQs
Is gypsum board the same as drywall?
Yes. Gypsum board is the technical name for drywall; Sheetrock is a brand of it. All three describe the same paper-wrapped gypsum panel.