Yes, gypsum board and drywall are essentially the same thing. Gypsum board is the generic name for the construction material, while "drywall" is a more common, colloquial term used to describe it.
Understanding the Terms
-
Gypsum Board: This is the technical and more formal name. It accurately describes the composition of the product, which is primarily gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate).
-
Drywall: This is a more widely used and easily understood term. The name "drywall" stems from the fact that it's a "dry" method of constructing walls, as opposed to "wet" methods like plastering.
Common Synonyms
Besides gypsum board and drywall, other terms are also used to refer to the same material, including:
- Plasterboard
- Wallboard
- Sheetrock (often used as a generic term due to the brand name)
- Gib Board (common in New Zealand and Australia)
- Gyprock (another brand name, also used generically)
Composition and Use
Regardless of the name used, the material consists of a gypsum core sandwiched between two layers of paper. This construction allows for a relatively lightweight, easy-to-install wall surface. It is used extensively in both residential and commercial construction.
In conclusion:
Drywall and gypsum board refer to the same construction material: a gypsum core encased in paper used to create interior walls and ceilings. "Drywall" is simply the more common, less technical term.
