Drywall for 24" oc

dannox02 · 11-29-2007, 09:22 AM

I'm about ready to drywall my basement, and I'm trying to decide what thickness of drywall to use. All of the exterior walls were framed by the builder at 24" on center, should I use 1/2 or 5/8 on these walls?

I'm pretty confused, because my house which is 2 years old has 24" walls all upstairs and they used 1/2", but from what I've read on the internet, you should use 5/8" 24" centers. Plus everyone I talk to at the big box stores thinks I'm crazy for asking about 5/8 for walls

cat44 · 11-29-2007, 09:39 AM

5/8 all the way. i wouldn't use any 1/2 on any wall no matter what the spacing. i know some people use it but its too flimsy for me. don't listen to the people at the big box stores, most of them do not know what they're doing. (around here, NY).

Chris Johnson · 11-29-2007, 09:59 AM

1/2" is legal but as stated above is flimsy, spend the few extra cents and go 5/8" makes all the difference in the world.

dannox02 · 11-29-2007, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Johnson

1/2" is legal but as stated above is flimsy, spend the few extra cents and go 5/8" makes all the difference in the world.

I wish it were just a few extra cents, it's more like 6 or 7 hundred more cents per sheet

which will add quite a bit of cost.

I'm not sure what you mean by saying 1/2" is flimsy, it's been the standard thickness, especially for 16 oc construction for many years. I've never seen a wall crack or heave (without something being put through it).

I can see how sagging could be a problem for ceilings (I'm doing 5/8 on the ceiling anyway). But what potential issues could I have with 1/2" on my 24" oc walls (which are also filled with batt insulation if that matters)?

ponch37300 · 11-29-2007, 02:27 PM

7 bucks difference between 1/2 and 5/8 drywall? WOW. it's under a dollar difference in wisconsin. I have always used 1/2 for walls in houses and always space studs 16 O.C. I haven't seen anything framed 24's in a long time and don't have any experience with drywall on them. I would think if your happy with the combo of 24's and 1/2 drwall upstairs it should be fine downstairs. Just my opinion since i don't have any experience with your situation.

Chris Johnson · 11-29-2007, 08:19 PM

1/2" board on 24" centers will feel spongy to anyone who leans on them, not that this is usually a problem, but if someone were to fall hard enough it's going to leave a mark (crack). 5/8 is substantially stronger and will also float better on the studs preventing any waving between the studs as will be inherant in 1/2. 24" centers are a long span for 1/2" I wouldn't do it if it were my house.

Shop around for the drywall, cost difference is usually 1.5 to 3 cents per sq.ft. more for 5/8