If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, you’ll need to decide what kind of Drywall to use. Several types of Drywall are available on the market, each with its advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different types of Drywall so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your kitchen.
As a general rule, the kitchen should always have moisture and fire-resistant green board Drywall. Regular Drywall might be a cheaper option initially, but they will eventually start to swell up, leading to replacements that eventually will outweigh the costs of installing moisture and fire-resistant Drywall.
Whatever your neighbor or friends tell you, it’s always better to buy the best type of Drywall that is suitable for the type of project you’re working on. The same can be said for the kitchen, and here is why.
Do I Need Any Special Drywall For Kitchen?
Absolutely Yes! Standard Drywall, similar to the bathroom, is unsuitable for kitchen space with excess heat, moisture, or humidity. It should mostly be used in spaces such as the bedroom and living room where temperatures don’t fluctuate, and there is almost no humidity or moisture present.
This means you need Drywall ( 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch thicknesses) that is both moisture-resistant and fire-rated, also known as green board drywall. They are a little pricier (about 20%) than their regular counterparts, but they’ll save you a lot of money on replacement costs in the long run, which you’ll most likely have.
Quick Note: Similar to using fire-resistant Drywall for a fireplace. Even though this is the best option, this doesn’t mean they are entirely waterproof or fire-resistant. But with green board Drywalls, you should do fine for the most part.
Pros of Using Drywall for Kitchen
There are many benefits when it comes to using drywalls in the kitchen instead of any other material. Here is a list of a few pros of using Drywall for your kitchen.
- Drywall is a budget-friendly material with multiple options, and you can select the one that best suits your budget. There is a variety in size, thickness, and type of Drywall.
- A specific type of Drywall adds an extra layer of protection between rooms and might help minimize sound escapes. In terms of green or purple boards, they are great as they protect the kitchen from moisture and mold growth.
- Using a thick drywall board will help with mold and moisture control and make it great fire-resistant for your kitchen and home.
- Drywalls can be easily repaired without extra costs, tools, or problems.
- Finishing Drywall is easy, and there are unlimited options for you to try. For example, you can have a sleek and durable surface.
- Lastly, Drywall is easy to clean, and this makes it the best option for your kitchen.
Cons of Using Drywall for Kitchen
With benefits come disadvantages too, when installing drywalls in your kitchen. Standard Drywall is not suitable for such spaces, so here are the cons of using Drywall in your kitchen.
- Standard Drywall should not be used in spaces with extreme temperature changes as it is not resistant to such conditions.
- Drywall can build up fungi or bacteria if not installed properly, as humidity can affect the space between two sheets.
- It is not easy to install individually. You will need professionals so that there are no problems in the future and the wall is durable.
- Drywall alone is not soundproof, waterproof, mold, or fire resistant. You will need special drywalls for these purposes to use in your kitchen, which can be costly.
- Drywalls are prone to damage and can easily get holes, cracks, damaged corners, etc. So, proper installation and repair are required from time to time.
- Drywalls cannot be inserted directly; they need frames, which also adds to the finances.
What Wall Should I Use For Kitchen?
Even though green or purple board drywall is best for your kitchen, here are a few other walls you can use if you are on a budget or need something different than simple Drywall.
- Tiles: One of the most common alternatives to Drywall is tiles. They are easy to clean, moisture resistant, and have multiple styles. However, grouting is an issue with tiles, they are difficult to install, and now they are quite outdated as well.
- Paint: Next option is paint which you might think is not a good option due to the moisture present in the kitchen, and you are right. Nonetheless, acrylic and plastic paints are the best solution.
They are moisture-resistant and do not let mold grow. They are available in many colors and are economical, but applying paint is messy, and a single coat will not give you the desired results. To get the perfect one, you will have to apply multiple coats, and it is not a durable, moisture-resistant option. - Stone: Stone is also a good option because of its appearance and variety, including marble, slate, quartz, etc., with unlimited patterns. It is easy to clean and durable, and the best option for places is having high moisture levels, such as kitchens. However, it is not best if you are on a budget, as stones can be a bit costly compared to other available options.
- Metal: Stainless steel panels or wall claddings are usually used in commercial kitchens as they are highly hygienic and free of mold build-up or moisture issues. This material is straightforward to clean and completely moisture-proof. However, it is not perfect for every kitchen as this look is usually perfect for commercial kitchens and does not fit with the look and vibe of traditional or modern homes.
- PVC: Poly Vinyl Chloride panels are stylish, simple, and economical. These are easy to insert, give a modern look to the kitchen, and come in different designs and colors. They are durable, easy to clean, and fast to install and make a good choice for your kitchen walls.
- Faux Brick: Faux or fake bricks are panels that look like bricks that are lightweight, easy to install, and economical. They are available in multiple colors and styles. Most of these panels are water-resistant, and some are fire-resistant.
- Plywood: Plywood is also a great option as it is easy to install, durable, and less expensive, and if sealed, it can be moisture resistant, but it is not a good heat or fire-resistant wall.
Is Drywall Good For Kitchen? Final Thoughts!
That depends on your usage, budget, and the design you want. A green or purple board is more expensive than any other conventional wall. However, it is a great choice if you have enough budget as it helps keep mold and moisture controlled, and if you purchase the thickest size of the drywall board, then you can also get a little fire resistance and soundproofing.
So, Drywall is good for the kitchen. It is easy to clean, repair, and install, but in the end, it depends upon your choice and what you want.
FAQs:
Do I Need Moisture Resistant Drywall In Kitchen?
Yes. If you are installing drywalls in your kitchen, then you need moisture-resistant drywalls, as the kitchen is a space where continuous water usage is required, making it a humid place. So, standard Drywall can easily grow mold or fungi due to the moisture build-up requiring a lot of repair and extra costs and is not ideal to use in the kitchen.
Should I Put Green Board In Kitchen?
Yes. When installing Drywall in the kitchen, you need to hang a green board (AKA moisture-resistant drywalls) as it is used in areas exposed to moisture.
Can I Use Purple Drywall In The Kitchen?
If you have the budget and want to use a moisture and mold-resistant wall, then you can use purple board drywall in the kitchen. But in most cases, green board Drywall should be enough.