Drywall/sheetrock thickness

earwig · 02-10-2009, 07:02 AM

I gutted my bathroom and I'm now putting up the new walls and ceiling. I used 3/8 drywall on the ceiling since I was working with it myself without the stands that hold it up. Anyhow, is there a benefit to using 1/2 over 3/8? I have 5 sheets of 3/8 that were given to me so I don't want to buy the 1/2 if I don't have to. Will 3/8 be ok in a bathroom without a shower? It is a small 5x5 bathroom with just a small vanity and toilet. Thank you!

Hube · 02-10-2009, 07:42 AM

if the ceiling is strapped at 12" or 16" centers, then 3/8" will do.
But if the centers are 24" THEN IT WILL EVENTUALLY SAG

earwig · 02-10-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hube

if the ceiling is strapped at 12" or 16" centers, then 3/8" will do.
But if the centers are 24" THEN IT WILL EVENTUALLY SAG

The ceiling beams are 16" apart and I screwed the sheetrock every 8-10 inches. I am wondering if there is a benefit to using 1/2" drywall instead of 3/8" on the walls. Thank you.

Quattro · 02-11-2009, 12:21 PM

1/2" is just a little stiffer, and will offer a little more sound reduction. Otherwise, no benefit.