Start your drywall selection with the exact product name. Work through the marking, thickness, ceiling application, and moisture questions below, then copy the checklist into your project notes. For broader material selection, return to the materials directory or the building-material selection guide.
Read the product marking before choosing the sheet
ASTM uses “gypsum board” for the class of products that CPSC calls “drywall”.
In the United States, drywall offered for sale must meet the labeling provisions in ASTM C1264-11.
Check the sheet and its packaging for these fields:
- Each gypsum panel product or package must carry a legible thickness.
- Each gypsum panel product or package must carry a legible producer or supplier name.
- Each gypsum panel product or package must carry a legible brand name, if any.
- Each gypsum panel product or package must carry a legible ASTM specification for the product.
Photograph the marking and keep it with the selected product sheet. Record the product name beside every application check below.
Compare thickness by named product
Use these manufacturer-listed examples to organize the choice. Keep each thickness with its product name.
Scroll horizontally to view all columns.
| Product | Listed thickness |
|---|---|
| CLASSICROC Gypsum Wallboard | 1/2” (12.7mm) |
| LIGHTROC Lightweight Gypsum Board | 1/2” (12.7mm) |
| FIREBLOC Type X Gypsum Board | 5/8” (15.9mm) |
| M-BLOC Gypsum Board | 1/2” (12.7mm) |
| Gold Bond XP Gypsum Board | 1/2” |
Sheet dimensions and edges
CLASSICROC’s first listed size row has a width of 4’ (1219mm).
CLASSICROC’s first listed size row has lengths of 8’-14’ (2438mm-4267mm).
CLASSICROC panels have tapered long edges.
Keep the fire check at assembly level
FIREBLOC Type X has a core reinforced with fibers.
ASTM procedures require that fire tests be conducted on complete building assemblies or systems rather than the wallboard by itself.
Record the specified assembly separately from the board name.
Check the ceiling application
For a ceiling, record the named panel, framing direction, framing spacing, and intended texture together.
LIGHTROC is approved for application parallel or perpendicular to ceiling framing spaced up to 24” o/c, including hand-applied or water-based texture.
Use that allowance with the named LIGHTROC product when completing your ceiling selection record.
Locate the moisture boundary
Identify the product behind the color
M-BLOC Gypsum Board has mold- and moisture-resistant blue face paper.
M-BLOC Gypsum Board has brown back paper.
Gold Bond XP Gypsum Board has PURPLE® face paper.
Record the product name alongside its face color, then check the intended location.
Separate limited-moisture areas from the wet area
Gold Bond XP Gypsum Board can be used as a tile backer in dry areas or areas with limited moisture, such as toilet or sink areas.
Gold Bond XP application guidance also includes wall and ceiling areas above tile in tubs and showers.
National Gypsum’s shower and tub guidance excludes water-resistant gypsum board from the wet area, except for glass mat tile backer panels, per code.
Outside the wet area, moisture-resistant paper or glass mat gypsum products can be used, including on ceilings.
Keep the selected board dry
M-BLOC storage guidance requires gypsum board to be kept dry to prevent mold growth.
M-BLOC storage guidance requires adequate ventilation to prevent condensation.
Build your drywall materials list
Begin with the selected board and intended location. Then add the attachment and finishing choices for that product. For CLASSICROC, use these product details when organizing the list:
CLASSICROC is designed for direct attachment by screws, nails, or adhesive to wood or metal framing and existing surfaces.
CLASSICROC’s tapered long edges allow joints to be reinforced and concealed with a joint compound system.
Copy these prompts into your project notes:
- Selected board: manufacturer and product name.
- Marking check: thickness and product specification.
- Location check: wall, ceiling, or moisture exposure.
- Ceiling check: framing direction, spacing, and texture.
- Attachment choice: match to the selected product and substrate.
- Finishing choice: identify the joint compound system.
- Receiving check: inspect the delivered sheets and storage location.
For the finish-selection stage, continue to interior wall panels. To plan the floor in the same room, compare vinyl flooring and tile.
Receive and store the sheets
Follow the CLASSICROC storage and handling instructions when receiving that product:
- Gypsum board with visible mold growth must not be used.
- Gypsum board must be stored off the ground and under protective cover.
- Sufficient risers must be used to assure support for the entire length of the wallboard to prevent sagging.
- Gypsum board must always be stacked flat, never on edge or end.
Common selection questions
Where should I look for the thickness?
Each gypsum panel product or package must carry a legible thickness.
What does the fire test cover?
ASTM procedures require that fire tests be conducted on complete building assemblies or systems rather than the wallboard by itself.
Where does XP fit around a bath or shower?
Gold Bond XP application guidance includes wall and ceiling areas above tile in tubs and showers.
Finish the selection by recording the exact product, its thickness, and the application you have checked. Keep that record with the delivery paperwork.
Sources
- Drywall FAQ — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Specification for Labeling of Gypsum Panel Products — public abstract — ASTM International
- CLASSICROC Gypsum Wallboard — American Gypsum
- LIGHTROC Lightweight Gypsum Board — American Gypsum
- FIREBLOC Type X Gypsum Board — American Gypsum
- Fire Safety Information — American Gypsum
- M-BLOC Gypsum Board — American Gypsum
- XP Gypsum Board — Gold Bond
- Webinar Q&A: High Performance Gypsum — National Gypsum
