What size Sheetrock you use on walls depends on a number of factors.
Sheetrock, also commonly referred to as drywall, is used in homes on walls and ceilings. Once it's patched, the surface area has a smooth, seamless appearance. Sheetrock comes in several thicknesses, and the sheets also come in different lengths. The size and thickness of the Sheetrock you'll need to use depends what kind of surface you're installing it over and how tall the ceilings are.
Drywall Thickness for Installation Over Wood Studs
While you can use Sheetrock that is 3/8 inch thick over bare studs, it lacks strength and will be more prone to denting and getting holes in it if someone hits it. By using 1/2 inch Sheetrock, you'll get a much stronger wall surface; if the studs behind the drywall bow out or in, the 1/2-inch Sheetrock will do a much better job evening out any high and low spots on the wall. For walls that have curved corners, 1/4-inch Sheetrock is able to bend without snapping. But to get the wall strength you'll need, two 1/4-inch sheets need to be installed on top of each other.
Drywall Installation Over Plaster
When there is cracked plaster that cannot be repaired, you can install Sheetrock directly over it, which will save you time and a considerable mess by not having to tear out the old plaster. In this case, 1/4-inch Sheetrock should be used on the walls. Because a wall surface is in place, you simply need a thin top layer to smooth out the wall and give it a new look.
Sheetrock Length
Sheetrock comes in either 8-, 10-, or 12-foot lengths. Choosing the correct length can save you time during installation and finishing. If you have either 10-foot- or 12-foot-tall ceilings, you can use the 10-foot- and 12-foot-long Sheetrock and install it vertically. You'll be left with only the tapered seams, which are easier to install than butt ends that are left when the drywall is installed horizontally. The longer the Sheetrock panel, the heavier it is, so if you cannot easily carry and lift 12-foot sheets of Sheetrock, it may be easier to go with the shorter lengths.
Calculating How Much Sheetrock You'll Need
Whenever you're installing Sheetrock, one of the first steps is to calculate how many sheets you'll need. To do this, measure the square footage of all wall surfaces and subtract the surface areas of the windows. You'll then need to add 10 percent to the total to account for waste. For example, if you have 600 square feet of wall surface, you will need 660 square feet of drywall. Divide the square footage of the sheet of drywall (32 if you're using 4-by-8-foot sheets) into the square footage of the wall surface. In this case, you need 20.625 sheets of drywall, but since you can't buy partial sheets of drywall, you need to buy 21 sheets.
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