The Advantages To Using Drywall

While drywall prices may seem off putting to homeowners who are looking to add or remodel, when you consider the advantages of this common building material, you'll realize that the cost is well worth it. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find an alternative that is more cost efficient and easier to use. Simply put, there is just no better choice out there, especially for homeowners on a budget.

Before its introduction in 1916, the main alternative to drywall was plaster and lathing. In fact, it took quite a while for the use of drywall in building and home remodeling to fully catch on. But once it did, there was no looking back. That's because drywall is so much easier to use and so much less labor intensive. And in the long run, it is also much more affordable.

In fact, the overall costs of drywall are far less than those of any other construction method. Not only is the drywall itself reasonably priced, the labor costs for drywall construction are much cheaper and as anyone who has ever built or remodeled a home knows, the greatest percentage of costs is in labor. That's why so many people opt to do it themselves, and drywall offers even more advantages on this count.

Because it so commonly used now, most buildings are constructed with drywall in mind, with studs placed to accommodate the standard size of drywall sheets. This means that drywall can be installed with a minimal amount of time and effort. Compare that to the old plaster and lathe method, which included wire netting and sometimes several layers of plaster, and you can begin to see the difference it would make in your home remodeling.

Drywall also has the advantage of added stability. Unlike plaster walls, it is made to withstand vibrations or the shifting of a house settling. The only breaks you'll see in a room built with drywall are at the seams, none of the ugly cracks that can occur in plaster walls at the least little shake or tremor. Even though they sound hollow, walls made from drywall are far more stable and secure.

Another important advantage is the safety factor. This is the primary reason why most public buildings are constructed with drywall now. It is asbestos free and fire resistant, making it much healthier and safer for you and your family. Asbestos remains one of the biggest health detriments, causing a range of lung ailments, which is why building codes were revised to ensure that all structures are asbestos free.

For the DIY'er, drywall is the fastest, easiest and most cost efficient way to go. Drywall prices are fairly standard and you can usually get what you need without having to break the bank. And the ability to install it quickly and easily makes it the natural choice. Whether you're adding to a room or finishing a basement or attic, there is nothing more reliable than drywall.

If you've got a building project to do, make sure you do it right from the inside out, starting with choosing drywall as your foundation of choice. This will give you a smooth, solid, safe surface for the room of your dreams and you can rest easy knowing it's built right!