🏗️ 2025 Product Guide: Drywall and Wall Panel Products
Drywall and wall panels are essential components in nearly every building project, offering functional and aesthetic value. Whether you’re working on new construction or renovations, choosing the right products can improve efficiency, durability, and sustainability. With so many innovations in the market, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest options.
Welcome to the 2025 Product Guide for Drywall and Wall Panel Products, where we explore the top choices, features, and trends that will shape the industry this year.
- Standard Drywall: A Classic Choice for Interiors
What it is: Standard drywall, also known as regular drywall, is the go-to product for most interior wall and ceiling installations. Available in 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ thicknesses, standard drywall is used in residential, commercial, and light industrial buildings.
Key Features:
Cost-effective: Offers an affordable solution for general interior walls and ceilings.
Easy to install: Can be cut easily and quickly for standard applications.
Smooth finish: Provides a perfect base for paint and other wall finishes.
Best Use:
Ideal for interior walls and ceilings in low to moderate moisture environments, including bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways.
- Moisture-Resistant Drywall (Greenboard)
What it is: Greenboard drywall is specially designed to resist moisture. It’s a great option for areas prone to humidity like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Key Features:
Water-resistant core: Helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Sturdy construction: Holds up better than regular drywall in high-moisture conditions.
Smooth finish: Can be painted, wallpapered, or finished with other decorative materials.
Best Use:
Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and areas that experience high humidity but aren’t exposed to direct water.
- Water-Resistant and Mold-Resistant Drywall
What it is: A step above greenboard, water-resistant and mold-resistant drywall comes with a specialized core and protective paper covering that resists moisture and mold growth more effectively.
Key Features:
Moisture and mold resistance: Designed to inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Durable and long-lasting: Perfect for areas where both moisture and mold are concerns.
Eco-friendly options: Some products contain recycled content and are free of harmful chemicals.
Best Use:
Perfect for basements, wet rooms, laundry rooms, and high-humidity areas.
- Fire-Resistant Drywall
What it is: Fire-resistant drywall is made with additional fire-retardant additives in its core to delay the spread of fire. It’s commonly used in areas where fire resistance is a must, such as in commercial buildings or multi-family homes.
Key Features:
Fire resistance: Often used in areas where fire-resistance ratings (FRR) are required by building codes.
Reduces fire spread: Helps in preventing the spread of flames, providing more time for evacuation.
Moisture resistance: Many fire-resistant drywall options also come with moisture-resistant features.
Best Use:
Commercial buildings, multi-family homes, and high-risk areas like kitchens and mechanical rooms.
- Soundproofing Drywall (Acoustic Drywall)
What it is: Acoustic drywall is designed to minimize sound transmission between rooms. It incorporates sound-dampening materials and thicker construction to reduce noise, making it ideal for residential and commercial spaces that require privacy.
Key Features:
Noise reduction: Designed to reduce sound transmission, making it ideal for spaces like offices, apartments, and recording studios.
Increased thickness: Typically thicker than standard drywall, offering better sound isolation.
Eco-friendly options: Some brands use recycled content and sustainable practices.
Best Use:
Ideal for homes, apartments, offices, and media rooms where soundproofing is a priority.
- Lightweight Drywall
What it is: Lightweight drywall is made using advanced technology that reduces the weight without sacrificing strength. It’s easier to handle and install, making it a popular choice for DIY projects and contractors.
Key Features:
Reduced weight: Lighter than traditional drywall, making it easier to carry, cut, and install.
Strong and durable: Despite the reduction in weight, it still offers strong performance.
Energy-efficient: Lighter materials often have improved thermal insulation properties.
Best Use:
Perfect for residential applications, especially for ceiling drywall, walls, and larger-scale projects that need quicker installation.
- Fiberglass Reinforced Panels (FRP)
What it is: Fiberglass reinforced panels (FRP) are made of fiberglass with a resin coating, making them highly durable and resistant to both moisture and physical wear. These panels are often used in industrial or high-traffic environments.
Key Features:
Waterproof: Does not absorb moisture and is resistant to mold and mildew.
Durability: Withstands heavy impact, scratches, and damage from cleaning.
Easy to clean: FRP panels are non-porous and can be wiped down easily.
Best Use:
Ideal for kitchens, hospitality settings, healthcare environments, laboratories, and wet rooms.
- Cement Board for Wet Areas
What it is: Cement board is made from a mixture of cement and reinforcing fibers, providing a robust and moisture-resistant alternative to drywall. It is commonly used behind tile or in high-moisture areas like showers and kitchens.
Key Features:
Moisture-resistant: Perfect for wet areas where traditional drywall would degrade over time.
Durable: Provides an excellent surface for tile bonding, ensuring long-lasting applications.
Fire-resistant: Cement board is non-combustible, adding an extra layer of safety.
Best Use:
Perfect for wet rooms, shower areas, kitchens, and bathrooms where water resistance is critical.
- Decorative Wall Panels
What it is: Decorative wall panels come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and foam, and are designed to add style and texture to interior walls. They’re ideal for enhancing the aesthetics of a room while serving functional purposes like soundproofing or insulation.
Key Features:
Variety of designs: Available in different styles, including wood grain, geometric, and modern textures.
Easy to install: Can be attached using adhesive, screws, or nails for a quick update to any space.
Functional benefits: Some panels offer additional insulation, fire resistance, or soundproofing features.
Best Use:
Ideal for living rooms, offices, lobbies, restaurants, or any space where aesthetics matter.
- Eco-Friendly Wall Panels
What it is: As sustainability becomes increasingly important in the construction industry, eco-friendly wall panels are gaining popularity. These panels are made from recycled materials, renewable resources, or non-toxic substances.
Key Features:
Sustainable materials: Made from recycled content, bamboo, or other renewable resources.
Low VOCs: Many eco-friendly panels have low or no volatile organic compounds, improving indoor air quality.
Durability: Eco-friendly panels are often just as durable as traditional materials, with added benefits for the environment.
Best Use:
Perfect for green buildings, sustainable homes, and projects where environmental impact is a priority.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right drywall or wall panel product in 2025 comes down to your specific needs—whether you’re focused on moisture resistance, fire safety, acoustic performance, or aesthetic appeal. Understanding the latest advancements and available materials will ensure that your building projects are not only durable but also efficient, sustainable, and visually pleasing.
Ready to choose the best products for your next project?
Get in touch with us today to explore the latest in drywall and wall panels!
