Best Interior Wall Sheathing Options for Modern Homes

22 Apr Best Interior Wall Sheathing Options for Modern Homes

Interior wall sheathing​ plays a crucial role in modern homes. It enhances wall strength, improves energy efficiency, and adds aesthetic appeal. Choosing the right interior wall sheathing​ material can transform your home and cater to your specific needs. For instance, a Green Home in California reduced energy consumption by 50% using insulated panels, demonstrating how materials can contribute to energy savings. In Texas, builders opted for strand board to achieve cost efficiency and added durability. Whether you choose drywall, gypsum, or other types of panels, selecting the right interior wall sheathing​ ensures your home is both stylish and functional. Even adding wallpaper can elevate the appearance of your walls.

Key Takeaways

• Picking the right wall sheathing makes your home stronger, stylish, and energy-saving.

• Drywall is cheap and useful for most rooms. Don’t use it in wet areas unless it’s water-resistant.

• Plywood is strong and long-lasting, great for busy spaces or heavy items.

• MGO boards are good for the environment, resist fire, and protect against moisture in modern homes.

• Think about price, strength, and eco-friendliness when choosing wall sheathing for your home.

Drywall: Cheap and Useful

What is Drywall?

Drywall, also called gypsum board, is very common for walls. It has a gypsum center covered by two paper layers. This makes it light and simple to use. Drywall comes in different sizes and thicknesses to fit various needs. Its flat surface is great for painting or adding designs. It also resists fire, making your home safer.

Good and Bad Things About Drywall

Why Drywall is Great

Drywall has many good points for modern homes:

• It’s cheap, about $15 for a 4-by-8-foot sheet, less than plywood.

• It’s light and easy to put up, saving time and money.

• The smooth surface is ready for paint or decoration.

• It works with many designs, like curved walls or fancy details.

• If cared for, drywall can last as long as 70 years.

Problems with Drywall

Drywall isn’t perfect and has some issues:

• It can get damaged by water in damp places.

• It’s not very strong and can’t hold heavy things.

• You need extra stuff like drywall mud to finish it.

Where to Use Drywall

Drywall is great for most rooms like bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways. Its smooth surface is perfect for paint or wallpaper. You can also use it for cool designs like arches or shelves. But don’t use it in wet places like bathrooms unless it’s a special water-resistant type.

Plywood: Strong and Simple to Use

What is Plywood?

Plywood is made by gluing thin wood layers together. Each layer’s grain goes in a different direction. This design makes plywood strong and steady. Unlike solid wood, it doesn’t warp or crack easily. Plywood is also cheaper than many wood materials, so it’s a popular choice for walls.

Good and Bad Things About Plywood

Why Plywood is Great

Plywood has many benefits for modern homes:

• It’s very strong and handles impacts better than drywall.

• It can hold heavy items like shelves or cabinets.

• Plywood bends without breaking, so it lasts a long time.

• Treated plywood resists water, so it works in damp areas.

• It’s affordable and wastes less wood during production.

Problems with Plywood

Plywood also has some downsides:

• You need to drill holes first to stop it from cracking.

• Seams must be covered for a smooth look, which takes time.

• Untreated plywood swells when wet but shrinks back when dry.

Best Places to Use Plywood

Plywood is great for places needing strong walls. Use it in busy areas like kitchens or hallways where walls take hits. It’s perfect for holding shelves or cabinets because it supports heavy loads. In wet areas like bathrooms, use water-resistant plywood. It’s also good for homes in earthquake zones since it bends without breaking.

When installing, space fasteners 6–8 inches on edges and 12 inches inside. This keeps it sturdy and stops warping. Treated plywood can also be painted or stained to match your style.

MGO Board: The Green Option

What Makes MGO Board Special?

MGO (Magnesium Oxide) boards are unique for their great features. They don’t burn, making them very fire-safe. They resist water and stay strong in damp places. Unlike wood, they don’t grow mold or mildew, keeping indoor air healthier. These boards are strong but light, so they’re easy to install. Plus, they’re eco-friendly, using less energy to make and even absorbing CO₂ over time.

Good and Bad Things About MGO Board

Why MGO Board is Great

MGO boards have many benefits. They last a long time and don’t get damaged by water or mold. Their fire safety makes them perfect for walls and ceilings that need extra protection. They save money over time because they don’t need many repairs. MGO boards can also replace other materials, making them a great drywall alternative.

Problems with MGO Board

MGO boards cost more at first than drywall. But they save money later because they need fewer repairs.

Why MGO Board Works for Modern Homes

MGO boards are strong, durable, and eco-friendly, perfect for today’s homes. They work well in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. They also stop mold, keeping the air clean indoors. Their light weight makes them easy to install for anyone. Plus, they block noise, making homes quieter and more peaceful.

Choosing MGO boards means picking a green, high-quality material that fits modern living needs.

Fiber Cement Board: Tough and Water-Resistant

What is Fiber Cement Board?

Fiber cement board is made from cement, sand, and fibers. It is strong and resists water, making it great for walls. This material works well in wet places like bathrooms or kitchens. It doesn’t soak up water, so it won’t rot or grow mold. The surface is smooth and can be painted to fit your style.

Tip: Take care of fiber cement boards, and they can last 50 years. This makes them a smart choice for your home.

Good and Bad Things About Fiber Cement Board

Why Fiber Cement Board is Great

Fiber cement board has many good points:

• It resists fire, water, bugs, and rot, keeping it safe.

• It’s eco-friendly, so it’s better for the planet.

• The material is tough and doesn’t need much upkeep.

• It keeps homes warm or cool, saving energy.

• Its water resistance is perfect for damp areas.

Problems with Fiber Cement Board

Fiber cement board also has some downsides:

• It’s heavy and hard to install, needing more effort.

• Cutting it needs special tools, which costs more.

• It costs more than cheaper options like vinyl siding.

• You’ll need to repaint it every 10–15 years.

Where to Use Fiber Cement Board

Fiber cement board is great for places with lots of moisture. Use it in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms to stop water damage. It’s also strong enough for busy areas like hallways or living rooms. In humid climates, it protects against water problems. You can paint or finish it to match your home’s design. Pair it with wood wall panels for a stylish and useful look.

Other Wall Panel Materials to Consider

Wood Paneling for a Natural Look

Wood paneling is a classic choice for decorating walls. Its natural texture adds warmth and style to any room. It’s also great for sheds or living spaces. With proper care, good-quality wood panels can last many years.

• Natural Beauty: Wood’s patterns and textures make spaces feel cozy.

• Durability: Regular care helps wood panels stay strong for years.

• Sustainability: Wood is renewable, making it eco-friendly for green homes.

Whether you want a rustic living room or a stylish garage, wood paneling fits many designs. Its flexibility makes it a favorite for modern homes.

Veneer Plaster for Smooth Walls

For a polished and clean look, veneer plaster is a great pick. It gives walls a smooth finish that looks elegant. Using high-suction face paper helps it stick better and creates a flawless surface.

Veneer plaster works best in rooms needing a neat and modern style. It’s perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or even garages. Its sleek look is loved by many designers.

Reclaimed Materials for Eco-Friendly Walls

Reclaimed materials are popular for sustainable wall designs. These come from old buildings or furniture and reduce waste. Reclaimed wood, for example, adds charm and supports eco-friendly choices.

You can use reclaimed wood for accent walls in living rooms or sheds. It gives a vintage and rustic feel that’s hard to copy with new materials. Plus, using reclaimed items lowers the need for new resources, helping the planet.

Tip: Treat reclaimed materials to remove pests or dirt. This keeps your walls safe and long-lasting.

Cork Walls for Quiet Spaces

Cork walls are great for reducing noise at home. Cork is a natural material that blocks sound well. Its special structure absorbs sound waves, making rooms quieter. Use cork walls in offices, music rooms, or bedrooms for peace.

Key facts about cork and sound:

• Cork works well to block low-frequency sounds.

• A 3-inch cork panel reduces sound in the 80-250Hz range.

• Cork floors absorb sound, showing its noise-reducing ability.

Cork walls have other benefits too. They are eco-friendly because cork comes from tree bark without cutting trees. This makes it renewable and sustainable. Cork is also light and easy to install, saving time during renovations. Its warm look adds beauty to any room.

Cork walls are a stylish way to soundproof your space. They improve acoustics and help the environment at the same time.

Plastic Panels for Easy Updates

Plastic panels are useful and simple for wall designs. They are lightweight, so they’re easy to carry and install. These panels are perfect for quick fixes or DIY projects. Use them in bathrooms, kitchens, or living rooms for fast updates.

Features of plastic panels:

Plastic panels are strong and resist water, making them ideal for humid spaces. They are affordable and come in many styles, letting you design walls your way. Pair them with wood accents for a modern look.

Plastic panels are a smart choice for affordable and stylish wall updates. They are practical and look great in modern homes.

Picking the best wall sheathing depends on what you need. Think about things like strength, price, and how it matches your style. Drywall is cheap and flexible, while MGO board is eco-friendly and water-resistant. Here’s a simple comparison of important points:

When choosing, think about water resistance, how easy it is to install, and if it fits modern styles. By considering these, you can make your home both beautiful and practical.

FAQ

What works best in wet areas?

Fiber cement and MGO boards are great for damp places. They stop water damage and mold from growing. Use them in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms. These materials last long and need fewer repairs.

Can I put up MGO boards myself?

Yes, you can install MGO boards easily. They are light and simple to handle. Cut them with regular tools and attach them with screws. Follow the instructions for the best results. This saves time and effort.

Are green materials more costly?

Eco-friendly materials like MGO boards cost more at first. But they save money later by lowering energy bills and repair costs. Their strength and sustainability make them worth the investment.

What’s best for blocking noise?

Cork walls are great for soundproofing. They absorb sound waves and make rooms quieter. Use cork panels in bedrooms, offices, or music rooms. They also make walls look warm and stylish.

How do I pick the right wall material?

Think about what matters most to you. Drywall is cheap, plywood is strong, and MGO boards are eco-friendly. Check for moisture resistance, soundproofing, and style to find the best option for your home.