Drywall Alternatives

Drywall is also known as plasterboard, wallboard, sheetrock, buster board, gypsum board, and custard board. Interior walls and ceilings are constructed using drywall. This is affordable and simple to find in the market. If a user wants to use any other item than drywall, then many drywall alternatives are available. The drywall alternatives are described below:

1. Barnwood

This is the best substitute for drywall, and Barnwood is a fantastic choice to generate a rustic look. The most authentic appearance is provided by reclaimed wood, which can be costly and difficult to find. Barnwood is produced in a variety of shapes and textures and is often affordable, simple to install, and washable.

Pros:

1. It is more affordable.
2. Environmental friendly
3. Improve the floor's aesthetics and style

Cons:

1. The colour of Barnwood can be changed by ultraviolet light, and its surface can also be harmed.
2. Water can damage Barnwood.
3. Use of powerful cleaners increases the chances of damaging the surface.
4. For fixing the damage takes time and requires skills.

2. Stone Veneer

This is another ideal substitute for drywall. This is more affordable, lighter, and portable than natural stone. Stone veneer is less durable than stone, and it requires little maintenance. It is offered in a variety of designs and colours, like Desert Sunrise. Stone veneer is popular as a backsplash or around fireplaces since it looks great in rustic settings.

Pros:

1. Creates a natural-looking appearance on any exterior
2. Easy to maintain
3. It is recyclable
4. 40 % to 70 % less expensive than installing real stone.
5. Easy to install

Cons:

1. To prevent moisture problems, installation must be done correctly.
2. Cheap stone veneer is painted, and as the paint ages, the siding becomes dull.
3. Use of powerful cleaners increases the chances of damaging the surface.

3. Faux Brick

It is suitable for achieving a rustic or industrial feel. Natural brick also provides a rustic or industrial feel, but it is time-consuming and masonry work. So an affordable, simple-to-install alternative for it is faux brick. The faux brick panels are inexpensive, it comes in a variety of styles and colours, like the classic red brick. However, most faux brick is water-resistant.

4. 3D Panels

The elegance and attractiveness of your home are greatly enhanced by texture wall panels. This panel is frequently used in upscale cocktail clubs and delightful hotels. The 3D textured panels are comparatively simple to install and can be attached directly to the top of your current walls. 3D wall panels come in a variety of styles, and you can paint them to match your decor. Its material is strong, light, affordable, and water-resistant. Since they are not heat-resistant, they should not be used in the kitchen or near a fireplace.

5. Rammed earth

Rammed earth construction is a method for constructing walls, floors, and foundations entirely from natural raw materials. Natural raw materials, such as compacted soil, are used in rammed earth construction and Gravel is used to construct foundations, floors, and walls. Although this method dates back to ancient times, it has been modified by using precast panels. These panels particularly attract eco-friendly builders as they are naturally durable, insulating, and lengthy.

Pros:

1. Buildings built from rammed earth are durable.
2. It offers good off-grid living insulation alternatives.
3. It has a high fire resistance rating.
4. It provides a high level of resistance to moisture.
5. It is non-toxic by nature.
6. High levels of adaptability are offered by it.
7. Soundproofing can be achieved with this material.
8. Rammed earth provides excellent pest protection.

Cons:

1. The price of rammed earth can increase significantly.
2. It does not offer long-term insulating benefits.
3. After a wall is built, it can be difficult to fix issues.
4. Rammed earth is only capable of producing square and low-rise structures.

6. Shiplap

This type of wood board is used for exterior siding on homes, barns, sheds, and outbuildings. The name "shiplap" comes from an old ship-building technique. Modern contractors utilize a variety of wood panels to mimic shiplap. It is simple to install and works well to keep rooms warm and dry. However, shiplap does not have any kind of design, but it can collect dust in the gaps. The external shiplap help to protect the house's frame. Shiplap is a versatile, affordable solution for interior decorating. It only costs $ 2.50 to $ 7 per sq foot.

Pros:

1. Flexible installation:When it comes to installation and look, shiplap offers flexibility. It was typically placed horizontally.
2. Can hide ceilings and walls: It efficiently hides imperfections and old styles without much effort or money.
3. Inexpensive:Shiplap is a low-cost investment that may be used in many rooms. You can install shiplap yourself and save money.
4. Versatile:It can be used indoors and outdoors. Shiplap is frequently painted white, but you can use any colour that matches your decor to achieve the desired look. You can use it on your kitchen's ceiling, fireplace, and walls.
5. Can make a room feel bigger:Your room may appear larger than it actually is due to the horizontal installation of the shiplap. Shiplap can appear your ceilings higher if you install it vertically.

Cons:

1. Dusty: Dust get stuck in the wood's grooves. Because the boards are mounted so closely together, it can be difficult to remove the dust that collects in the grooves. If you adore the style but dislike cleaning, there is a tip for keeping the shiplap clean. Install it vertically to reduce dust accumulation and give your area a taller appearance.
2. Different Painting Techniques: Traditional ceiling or wall painting techniques cannot be used on shiplap trademark grooves. Experts advise painting the boards before fitting and fixing any cracks, gaps, or nail holes. The shiplap can be painted using a roller and touched up with a brush if it has already been installed.
3. Warp or Rot: Its warp or rot when improperly fitted is one of the shiplap's biggest drawbacks. In a shower room or basement, where moisture gathers and then quickly seeps between improperly fitted boards.
4. Replacement of Shiplap Boards is difficult: Though installing shiplap is very simple, replacing damaged boards is difficult.

7. Wood Planks

Wood planks are an age-old drywall alternative. The wood planks give your home an elegant and rustic feel without the maintenance issues that come with traditional drywall.

Pros:

1. Provides a lot of variation due to the various types of woods and finishes available.
2. This is a more affordable option that is best suited for country-style homes.
3. From floor to ceiling, wood planks can successfully achieve a cabin look.
4. Simple to install
5. It is Washable.
6. Wood planks are appropriate for high-moisture places.

Cons:

1. It is outdated.
2. Unless the bottom half is covered and safety chair rails are placed, wood plank walls won't fit well.

8. Veneer Plaster

Veneer plaster is similar to mudding the entire wall's surface, and veneer plaster are simpler to use than drywall. This type of decoration is popular in dry states (desert regions), such as Arizona and Rajasthan, and it is influenced by adobe architecture from Mexico. While drywall has joints, plaster is a continuous surface that gives it a smoother look & making it a superior surface for painting. The installation of veneer plaster takes less time; however, it is more costly and may be more difficult to fix.

Plaster is applied in a layer over a substrate to create veneer plaster. Gypsum board is most commonly used to make it similar to drywall. It is much tougher than drywall, that's why it is more damage resistant, mould-resistant, and also more durable.

9. Cork

This is another ideal substitute for drywall. Cork is more waterproof than other flooring types. It is available in various styles, thicknesses, and colours. It is inherently fire- and moisture-resistant. It is offered in rolls or tiles.

Pros:

1. Cork is environmental friendly.
2. It's simple to install and maintain.
3. It is a good insulator.

Cons:

1. It is not durable.
2. The colour of Cork can be changed by ultraviolet light, and its surface can also be harmed.
3. The cost of Cork is high.
4. Cork is not entirely waterproof.