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Drywall vs. Blue Board Explained

Bob meets up with Bill Reid of US Gypsum in the barn of the Medford project. Bill differentiates imperial board (blue board) which is skim coated from drywall (gypsum panels) where the joints are taped. In 2000 US Gypsum developed a new core technology that makes the boards stronger and lighter - for easier handling, cutting, and scoring. The screw spacing is 12 inches on center with the screws flush with the paper providing a good, solid adherence to the wall with the screws. The face paper is treated and absorbent to take the veneer plaster and create the bond. These new boards snap cleanly on the ends. The installer puts a back cut on the edge so that the back of the sheet doesn't hit before the front does. The blue board and skimcoat application is typically not a do-it-yourself project. Traditional plaster jobs were very cost prohibitive so, when veneer plasters came along, they became very popular as they give a much more monolithic look than gypsum panels while providing an abuse resistant finish. Upstairs in the studio the homeowner has specified blue board with veneer plaster and downstairs, where he wants the option to tack artwork to the wall, he has specified a traditional drywall and tape application.

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Drywall vs. Blue Board Explained

computer-generated transcript - may not be 100% accurate

" We're in the loft area of the barn and bill Reid from US jobs and this year we're gonna talk let's sheet rock. -- bill everybody uses sheetrock generically but that's a trademark of USG right that's correct and they invented it. Yes we invented the apartment back in 1970. And -- a -- around that long I think about rock lath kind of back. 1940s and fifty's they made it in this size for biology just drywall generically imperial board when you're skim coating. What do you call when you're just taping in the -- that is just sheetrock gypsum panels OK now they're also talking about this being in new improved. Type of sheet rock what's new and improved about it in 2000 Bob we -- with a new core technology for the board that made the boards actually stronger. But the wider for the gentlemen handling. It and also love for cutting and scored scoring of the material right. So it makes the job go more quickly that's correct and they're busy at work on the gable end wall back here. And I love the way -- shifts sports snap it and keep on going."

" When they are hanging imperial board unlike typical gypsum sheet -- Of the screw spacing on serves the -- between us and -- regular sheetrock gypsum panels were going to be used for food and we took it would be screwed sixteen it was also. And -- one of the screws to actually be. Flush with the with the paper to stay here -- just a hair evidently just but it W have a reason for that is growth of the of the face paper itself. This such a wet application wood and plaster that you want to make sure that you get a good solid. -- from for the war with its roots could -- pop it's that face paper that. Makes the chemical reaction with the imperial plaster to create the bond right that's correct yeah waters of the face paper is treated. And it's the whole -- To a to take the -- plus."

" That's great how one guy can handle a ten foot sheet like this snap it. Carry off what he needs if you notice on the ends is not pretty clean that it doesn't go used to be a lot of ragged edges on. And there was -- government food rats manage personal experience -- that big offshore but. Now bill why should the board always we hung horizontally. There's no real reason for being horizontal Bob all of and the fact that it's easier -- is composed of -- larger square reporters and regular standing the sheet up -- mind. If you -- effort for installation and what about when you have a situation like we have right now with a window why not just butt pieces up against the sides and top. OK the reason for that is through to keep it from cracking -- bought up to one side of the window in the other -- is going straight up mean what my -- We're gonna weak -- We'll that would cause -- Now the blue board and skim coat. Application is typically not a do it yourself job isn't no it's not know that requires. The review is of of using a product them."

" Understanding how to use McCormick. Also writing a special wooden. What kind of plaster do they actually use the social veneer plaster that's going to be useful in this particular. Years ago everything being conventional classrooms. But of course his courtroom they do that. The woman and -- came a lot of people. The border into because -- been -- wolf or more monolithic than gypsum panels and it didn't abusive and who finished. And here we're using a combination. Of skim coat plaster and just traditional sheet rocking. -- but for a sheetrock and tape walls -- down in the studio where the homeowner wants to have the option of tacking up artwork. You have to have a hard veneer plaster surface."

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Drywall Install Tips

Here s another great tip from BobVila.com. Although the two words are often used interchangeably, sheetrock is actually a brand name for drywall, which is gypsum sandwiched between two sheets of paper or, more recently, between two sheets of fiberglass. Any way you say it, drywall makes finishing walls very practical. For large jobs or those with very high ceilings, hire a pro. But most smaller jobs can be tackled by do-it-yourselfers. Before you get started, run the side of a hammer head along the framing to check for uneven surfaces or any protruding staples or nails. The tools you ll need are a straightedge and measuring tape for sizing your pieces, a utility knife for scoring and snapping, and a keyhole saw or rotary tool for cutting holes for outlets and windows. While some pros still attach drywall with nails, most find it easier to use an electric drill and that wonderful multi-purpose fastener, the drywall screw. You ll need about a pound of nails or screws for every 5 sheets of drywall. Metal corner beads go on all outside corners; inside corners get taped along with the joints between panels. Using pre-mixed joint compound is easier and less messy than mixing your own. You want a mix that s not too quick-drying if you re a beginner so you have a grace period to work in. Pros use about 5 gallons of compound for every 100 square feet, but you may need more depending on your level of experience. Installing drywall involves a series of short steps over a 3- to 4-day period. Follow the steps on BobVila.com for taping and finishing joints, and be sure to wear safety gear and a dust mask while sanding. If you re doing a ceiling, get a helper or a drywall lift. Find out more at BobVila.com: the ultimate home improvement web site! 2008 BobVila.com

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