What is Type X drywall?
Type X drywall is a special fire resistant wallboard. Standard drywall has a gypsum core wrapped in paper. Gypsum naturally contains water, which helps slow down a fire. But when that water burns off, standard drywall crumbles and falls apart. Type X drywall fixes this problem. Manufacturers mix tightly woven glass fibers into the gypsum core. These glass fibers act like a net. When the drywall gets hot and the water evaporates, the glass fibers hold the board together. This keeps the wall standing much longer during a fire.
The name comes from the gypsum industry. Back in the 1950s, builders needed a better way to stop fires from spreading. Manufacturers created an experimental grade of board and designated it with the letter X. The name stuck. Today, builders use it to meet local safety codes everywhere.
Why it matters to you
Fire spreads fast. You need time to get your family out safely if an emergency happens. Standard half inch drywall usually gives you about 30 minutes of fire protection. Type X drywall is five eighths of an inch thick and gives you at least 60 minutes of protection. That extra half hour can save your house and your life.
Building codes require this extra protection in specific areas. If a fire starts in a high risk spot, the thick walls trap the flames inside that room. This stops the fire from jumping into your main living areas. It also gives the fire department more time to arrive and put the fire out before it destroys the structure of your house.
Where you'll find it in your home
You won't find Type X drywall in your bedrooms or hallways. Builders only put it where fires are most likely to start. If you look around your house, you'll probably see it in a few key spots.
- The garage: Any wall that separates an attached garage from your living space must have Type X drywall. You'll also see it on the garage ceiling if there is a bedroom above it. You can read more about garage maintenance in our guide to Exterior: Siding, Garage & Decks.
- Furnace rooms: Small utility closets that hold a gas furnace or water heater often need fire rated walls. This protects the rest of the house from heating equipment fires. Check out our HVAC & Climate Control page for more on heating safety.
- Kitchens: Some local building codes require fire resistant drywall behind gas stoves.
What to watch for during repairs
You might need to replace a section of drywall if you have water damage or if you accidentally punch a hole in the wall. You must replace Type X drywall with the exact same material. Don't use standard half inch drywall in your garage or utility room. If you do, you'll violate building codes. This can cause major problems when you try to sell your home later. A home inspector will notice the wrong drywall and flag it as a safety hazard.
Type X drywall is heavier than standard wallboard. A standard sheet weighs about 50 pounds. A sheet of Type X weighs over 70 pounds. The glass fibers also make it much harder to cut. You'll go through utility knife blades very quickly. Because it's heavy and tough, many homeowners hire a professional for these repairs. If you want to learn more about drywall projects, visit our guide to Interior: Paint, Drywall & Trim.
Costs and contractors
Type X drywall costs a little more than standard drywall. A standard sheet usually costs 12 to 15 dollars at a hardware store. A sheet of Type X drywall costs 15 to 25 dollars. Keep in mind that material prices vary depending on where you live.
Labor costs will also be slightly higher. Contractors charge more because the heavy sheets take more effort to carry and install. If you hire a drywall crew to finish a two car garage, expect to pay 1,500 to 3,000 dollars for the total job. This includes the tape, mud, and labor needed to create a seamless fire barrier.
