15 Proven Drywall Alternatives That Save 40% on Installation Costs

Looking to break free from regular drywall? Our research reveals you could save up to 50% on installation costs by 2025 with drywall alternatives. Drywall remains popular among homeowners, but you have many other great options to finish your walls.

You might want a budget-friendly alternative or walls with unique character - the choices will surprise you. Traditional plaster and eco-friendly substitutes give you benefits beyond just saving money. Your walls can be more durable, resist moisture better, and need less maintenance.

My extensive research into sheetrock alternatives shows a clear trend. People want wall materials that balance cost, durability, and visual appeal. Most homeowners overlook that wall material selection goes beyond the initial price tag. To name just one example, MgO boards cost 2-4 times more upfront but prove their worth through excellent resistance to water, fire, and impact damage.

Let's take a closer look at 15 tested drywall alternatives that can enhance your space without breaking the bank. These options will help you make the right choice for your next project.

Magnesium Oxide Boards (MgO Boards) For Drywall Alternatives

MgO boards are innovative drywall alternatives that builders and homeowners love for their amazing performance. These versatile panels combine magnesium oxide with reinforcing fibers and sometimes fiberglass mesh. You can use them both inside and outside your home.

MgO Board Key Features

These boards shine because of their unique makeup and physical properties. They stay strong even in tough conditions, unlike regular drywall. The boards use a cloth-like structure and fiberglass that gives them incredible bending strength - 18-27 MegaPascals. This is a big deal as it means that regular gypsum boards max out at just 5.6 MPa.

The boards can handle extreme heat up to 1200°F without releasing harmful fumes. This makes them perfect for areas where fires are more likely. Their A1 fire rating shows they have a flame spread rating between zero and 25, giving you the best protection against serious fires.

These boards handle water like a champ too. Tests show that boards left underwater for 72 hours worked perfectly after they dried naturally. This proves they keep their shape even in really humid places.

MgO Board Pros

MgO boards beat traditional drywall in many ways:

·       Superior fire resistance - MgO boards can achieve a 4-hour fire rating, compared to drywall's maximum 1-hour rating

·       Exceptional moisture resistance - They absorb only 0.34% of water, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens

·       Mold and pest resistance - Being inorganic, they don't support mold growth or attract termites

·       Environmental benefits - MgO boards contain zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are 100% recyclable

·       Impact resistance - They can withstand about 4.5 kilojoules of impact compared to gypsum's 1 kilojoule

You won't need corner beads or backing materials for hanging installations with these boards. This can make construction easier, even though they cost more upfront.

MgO Board Cons

MgO boards have some drawbacks you should know about:

·       Higher upfront cost - You'll pay 2-4 times more than standard drywall

·       Weight considerations - Installation takes more effort because they're heavier than drywall

·       Limited availability - You might have trouble finding them in some areas

·       Installation challenges - You'll need special tools to cut and shape these harder, denser boards

·       Potential brittleness - Their strength comes with a price - they can crack more easily

The boards might not hold nails as well as wood-fiber materials. You may need different ways to hang things on them.

MgO Board Ideal Use Cases

These boards work best in specific situations. Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements love them because they resist water and stop mold growth. Commercial buildings, hotels, and public spaces use them to meet strict fire codes.

They make great exterior sheathing and subflooring. Their strength and stability help in structural applications too. High-traffic areas benefit from their impact resistance.

MgO Board Pricing

MgO boards cost quite a bit more than drywall. Expect to pay $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, based on thickness, brand, and features. Regular drywall runs between $0.30 and $0.70 per square foot for typical 1/2-inch sheets.

The higher price tag might seem steep, but these boards last longer and need less maintenance. You'll spend less on repairs over time since they resist water, fire, and mold so well.

Installation costs might be higher because of their weight and special handling needs. But you might save on labor costs since you often need fewer layers compared to multiple drywall layers for the same fire protection.

Fiber Cement Boards

Fiber cement boards are a versatile alternative to drywall. They combine cement, sand, and cellulose fibers to create a strong building material. These boards emerged in the early 1980s as an asbestos-free option and have become a top choice for interior and exterior applications.

Fiber Cement Board Key Features

Portland cement, sand, cellulose fibers, and water are the basic ingredients of fiber cement boards. This mix creates a tough material that stands up to environmental damage and stays structurally sound. Manufacturers blend these raw materials into sheets or planks and use high-pressure steam curing to make them more durable.

Standard sizes include 4×8 feet and 3×5 feet sheets with thickness options from 3mm to 20mm. Different thicknesses work well for various uses, from wall cladding to subflooring. These boards stay stable even when temperature and humidity change.

Fiber Cement Board Pros

These boards have many advantages over traditional wall materials:

·       Exceptional durability – They withstand hurricane-strength winds and extreme weather without denting, warping, or rotting

·       Impressive fire resistance – Class 1 material rating with zero flame spread helps contain fires instead of feeding them

·       Superior moisture resistance – Natural resistance to water damage makes them perfect for humid spaces

·       Pest resistance – Nothing worries these boards - not termites, beetles, or other wood-eating pests

·       Design versatility – You can choose from textures and finishes that look like wood, brick, stone, or stucco

A properly installed fiber cement board lasts 50-100 years. Most manufacturers back their products with at least 30-year warranties.

Fiber Cement Board Cons

These boards come with some challenges:

·       Weight considerations – They weigh about 150 pounds per 50 square feet, much more than other materials

·       Installation complexities – You need special skills and tools. Cutting creates dangerous silica dust that requires protective gear

·       Higher original cost – The price tag tops vinyl or wood siding options

·       Maintenance requirements – The boards need fresh paint every 15 years

·       Limited insulation properties – With just 0.15 R-value, they need extra insulation for energy savings

The material isn't recyclable. This raises environmental concerns, though it's inert and non-toxic once installed.

Fiber Cement Board Ideal Use Cases

These boards shine in several specific applications:

·       Exterior siding – They guard against harsh weather, especially in coastal areas with salty air

·       Wet areas – They make great tile backing in bathrooms and kitchens

·       Fire-prone regions – They act as barriers in wildfire-prone areas

·       High-traffic zones – The boards handle frequent impact and heavy use well

·       Sound insulation – They reduce noise between spaces effectively

Fiber Cement Board Pricing

Installation costs run between $5.00 and $14.00 per square foot, covering materials and labor. A complete installation averages around $15,000. Price varies with thickness (thicker costs more), brand (James Hardie commands premium prices), and format (shingles cost least, followed by planks and panels).

Labor makes up much of the total cost - about $4.00 to $9.00 per square foot, roughly two-thirds of installation expenses. The investment pays off nicely though, with fiber cement siding bringing 70% to 85%+ ROI.

Plywood Panels

Plywood remains a trusted drywall alternative that appeals to DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors alike. This engineered wood product combines layers of wood veneer bonded with strong adhesives to create something both practical and visually appealing.

Plywood Key Features

The structure of plywood consists of thin wood veneer sheets glued tightly together. Each layer's grain runs perpendicular to the ones next to it. This clever cross-grained design makes plywood stable and resistant to warping. You can find plywood in different thicknesses and grades (A, B, C, and D) to match your project needs.

Standard plywood sheets measure 4×8 feet with thickness options from 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch. A-grade plywood gives you the smoothest surface with minimal flaws - perfect when looks matter. B-grade works great for painting and paneling projects.

Marine-grade plywood stands out with its waterproof adhesives that provide excellent water and decay resistance while staying dimensionally stable. Hardwood plywood uses seven or more layers of wood veneers from oak, walnut, birch, and maple to deliver exceptional structural strength.

Plywood Pros

Plywood brings several important advantages as an alternative to drywall:

·       Superior impact resistance - The material resists dents and impacts better than standard drywall, making it perfect for busy areas

·       Mounting versatility - You can mount items anywhere without anchors or stud-finders, which eliminates special fastener needs

·       Structural strength - Cross-grained construction adds rigidity and stability to your walls

·       Faster installation - You just need to screw sheets to studs in utility spaces with no finishing required

·       Eco-friendly attributes - Local sourcing and renewable materials make plywood environmentally responsible

Plywood Cons

Despite its benefits, plywood comes with some drawbacks:

·       Fire safety concerns - The material lacks drywall's fire rating and might create safety issues affecting insurance

·       Repair difficulties - You'll need to replace entire panels instead of simple patching like with drywall

·       Installation complexities - Preventing cracks requires pre-drilling holes during installation

·       Esthetic limitations - The utilitarian look might not work well in formal living spaces

·       Seam visibility - Getting a polished look means extra work to cover panel seams

Plywood Ideal Use Cases

Plywood shines in places where its unique features matter most. Garages, workshops, and utility rooms benefit from direct wall mounting without anchors. Spaces needing extra structural support also make great candidates for plywood installation.

This material works best for unfinished walls where quick installation matters more than appearance. Its impressive strength-to-weight ratio suits ceiling panels and wall coverings in durability-focused areas.

Modern industrial or rustic interiors can feature attractive plywood accent walls with proper staining or painting, though this needs more prep work than painting drywall.

Plywood Pricing

A 4×8 foot sheet of plywood costs between USD 20.00 to USD 50.00. Prices change based on thickness, type, and grade. Softwood plywood runs USD 10.00 to USD 40.00 per 4×8 ft sheet. Hardwood versions cost USD 20.00 to USD 80.00 for the same size.

Installing plywood in a 500-square-foot space costs about USD 650.00 total (USD 490.00 for labor and USD 160.00 for materials). Standard drywall sheets cost USD 20.00 to USD 50.00 in the same size, making plywood a bigger upfront investment.

Labor costs range from USD 1.00 to USD 3.00 per square foot. These rates depend on your contractor's experience and local market prices.

PVC Wall Panels

PVC wall panels serve as a practical drywall alternative made from polyvinyl chloride that adds great functionality to modern interiors. These lightweight panels connect through tongue-and-groove systems and create smooth surfaces that reshape walls without major renovation work.

PVC Panel Key Features

These panels are made from polyvinyl chloride and have smooth, non-porous surfaces that keep moisture out. You can find them in different thicknesses with standard dimensions and edges that lock together for simple installation. The waterproof nature stops them from soaking up moisture, which makes them perfect for humid spaces.

The design options are remarkable. You'll find wood grain textures, solid colors, and decorative patterns. Some brands offer UV-stabilized versions that won't fade in sunlight. Beyond looks, these panels also provide electrical insulation, which adds safety in spaces with many appliances.

PVC Panel Pros

PVC panels beat traditional wall coverings in several ways:

·       Superior moisture resistance - They're completely waterproof and perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. They stop mold and mildew from growing

·       Quick installation - The lightweight build and interlocking systems cut installation time by up to 40% compared to tiles or drywall

·       Minimal maintenance - A simple wipe-down with mild soap does the job - no repainting or special care needed

·       Impact resistance - They can be up to 10 times stronger than wood in some cases and last 10-25 years indoors

·       Direct application - You can mount them right over existing surfaces including old tiles, which eliminates demolition

PVC Panel Cons

These panels come with some drawbacks to think over:

Regular PVC doesn't handle heat well. It can warp or release toxic fumes at temperatures above 140°F. This makes it a poor choice near stoves or fireplaces. Many people find their look too "plasticky" compared to natural materials like wood or stone.

The environmental impact raises concerns. Making PVC uses more energy and creates more CO2 than other plastics, and it won't break down naturally. Some panels might release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as time passes, which could affect your indoor air quality.

The structure isn't as strong as steel or solid wood. These panels might dent or crack from heavy hits, so they need backing support in busy areas.

PVC Panel Ideal Use Cases

These panels work best in places with moisture. Bathrooms and kitchens benefit from their waterproof nature and easy cleaning. Basements, which tend to get damp, make another great spot for installation.

Utility rooms and laundry areas with high humidity are natural fits. Any space that needs frequent cleaning or protection from water works well. Business spaces like garages, car washes, and food processing areas benefit from how clean and durable they are.

PVC Panel Pricing

Materials alone cost between USD 2.00 and USD 10.00 per square foot. Simple white or solid colors run USD 2.00–USD 4.00 per square foot. Textured patterns cost USD 4.00–USD 7.00, while premium finishes like 3D textures or wood grain effects range from USD 7.00–USD 10.00+.

A professional installer will charge about USD 2.00–USD 5.00 per square foot. The total installed price typically runs USD 7.00–USD 20.00 per square foot. The upfront cost exceeds standard drywall, but the value shows in its durability, low maintenance needs, and resistance to moisture.

Wood Paneling

Wood paneling offers a timeless yet versatile alternative to drywall in modern homes. Many people think it belongs in the 1970s, but today's wood paneling has evolved into sophisticated designs that include slat walls and three-dimensional textures.

Wood Paneling Key Features

Today's wood paneling has natural or engineered wood products in many forms. You'll find solid wood slats, acoustic panels, peel-and-stick designs, and reclaimed barnwood options. Most styles come in standard sizes with thickness options from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch based on your needs.

You can mount these panels right on walls or hang them over battens to update older surfaces. The styles range from traditional tongue-and-groove boards to shiplap, beadboard, board-and-batten, and raised panels. Each style creates its own visual effect and adds depth that flat drywall can't match.

Wood Paneling Pros

Wood paneling brings impressive benefits as a drywall alternative:

·       Natural insulation – Wood works as an excellent insulator that regulates indoor temperatures and can lower heating bills

·       Superior acoustics – Wood's density absorbs sound well and helps reduce noise

·       Visual appeal – The texture and depth add warmth and character to any room

·       Durability – With proper care, wood paneling lasts decades and resists damage better than plaster walls

·       Simple maintenance – Regular dusting and occasional cleaning with a damp cloth keep it looking great

Wood Paneling Cons

Wood paneling comes with some challenges to consider:

Water damage poses a real threat since wood paneling can rot if it gets wet. You should avoid using it in bathrooms unless it's properly sealed. Many types also need regular care, including sanding and resealing to look their best.

The installation process needs special attention. Most builders place paneling over drywall to meet fire codes and spread adhesive carefully to prevent bulging. Wood panels also cost more than drywall upfront.

Wood Paneling Ideal Use Cases

Some rooms work better than others for wood paneling. Living rooms feel warmer and more inviting. Bedrooms look better and sound better for a good night's sleep. An accent wall lets you add wood's character without doing the whole room.

Wood's sound-absorbing qualities make it perfect for offices and media rooms. It creates stunning feature walls behind beds or TVs that become instant focal points.

Wood Paneling Pricing

Materials cost between USD 7.00 and USD 20.00 per square foot. The price changes based on wood type and style. Ash, cherry, and oak are more affordable, while cedar, maple, and walnut cost more.

Professional installation adds USD 2.00 to USD 4.00 per square foot. Complete projects average USD 2800.00 but can range from USD 1200.00 to USD 6000.00. Different styles affect the price - raised panels cost USD 10.00-USD 30.00 per square foot, and slat panels run USD 7.00-USD 20.00.

The initial cost runs higher than drywall, but wood paneling's durability and beauty make it worth the investment for many homeowners.

Shiplap Boards

Shiplap boards started as a shipbuilding material but have become a popular alternative to drywall that adds character to interior spaces. The wooden panels come with rabbet joints cut along their edges. These joints let boards overlap and create tight seals against moisture and wind.

Shiplap Key Features

The rabbet is shiplap's defining feature - channels cut into each board's top and bottom edges create that distinctive overlapping look. Shiplap boards come in sizes of all types, with common widths of 5½-inch and 7¼-inch, and thicknesses from ¼-inch to ¾-inch. You can get the shiplap look from different materials like medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, PVC/vinyl, and solid wood. Each material offers its own mix of durability and visual appeal.

Shiplap Pros

Shiplap has several advantages compared to traditional drywall:

·       Visual interest - The horizontal lines add texture and depth that changes a room's character

·       Versatile applications - A properly sealed shiplap works great in any space from living rooms to bathrooms

·       Cost-effectiveness - A 10×10 space covered in pine shiplap costs under $200

·       Mounting flexibility - You can mount items anywhere on shiplap without anchors, unlike drywall

Shiplap Cons

Shiplap does have some drawbacks:

·       Dust magnet - Dust builds up in the gaps between boards and needs regular cleaning

·       Moisture sensitivity - Poor installation in humid areas can cause warping or rot

·       Esthetic limitations - The look might seem overdone if not matched well with existing décor

·       Limited sound insulation - Sound travels more easily through shiplap than drywall

Shiplap Ideal Use Cases

Shiplap shines in both practical and decorative settings. A properly sealed shiplap works great in bathrooms. Living room's fireplaces gain warmth and texture from shiplap walls. The material adds visual appeal to bedrooms, dining rooms, and entryways. Kitchen's farmhouse charm gets enhanced when shiplap pairs with open shelving and butcher block countertops. Shiplap also creates stunning feature walls behind beds or TVs.

Shiplap Pricing

Material costs for shiplap range from $2.50 to $7.00 per square foot. Pine offers the most budget-friendly option at $2.00-$4.00 per square foot, while cedar costs $5.00-$7.00 per square foot. A standard room's total installation costs run between $500 and $1,500. Professional installation adds $2.00-$5.00 per square foot to material costs. While it costs more than standard drywall, shiplap's unique look makes it worth the extra investment.

Beadboard Panels

Beadboard panels add classic cottage charm as a drywall alternative. Their distinctive vertical grooves bring character to any space. These panels started as protective wall coverings and now grace homes across the country.

Beadboard Key Features

Vertical rows with indentations (or "beads") between planks define beadboard's signature look. You'll find these panels in 4×8-foot sheets with a standard 1/2-inch thickness. The panels come in wood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), or waterproof PVC. Each material has its own advantages. The tongue-and-groove design creates a smooth look that works well for both partial and full wall coverage.

Beadboard Pros

·       Space-saving design - Takes up less space than drywall, which matters in tight areas

·       Quick installation - Skip the mudding, taping, and heavy sanding

·       Durability - Stands up well in high-traffic areas like mudrooms and laundry spaces

·       Design versatility - Takes paint or stain well and fits most decorating styles

·       Immediate character - Adds vintage charm and texture right away

Beadboard Cons

·       Cost consideration - Costs more than drywall at USD 7.00-USD 20.00 per square foot installed

·       Repair challenges - Fixes are tougher than drywall repairs

·       Maintenance requirements - Needs regular cleaning and possible resealing based on material

·       Installation precision - Proper installation prevents warping in humid areas

Beadboard Ideal Use Cases

PVC beadboard makes bathrooms more moisture-resistant. Kitchen backsplashes benefit from beadboard's easy-to-clean surface. Laundry rooms showcase how beadboard combines toughness with good looks. The classic elegance shines in traditional interiors, wainscoting, and accent walls.

Beadboard Pricing

A 4×8 sheet costs between USD 25.00 and USD 30.00. Professional installation adds USD 2.00-USD 5.00 per square foot. The total project cost might work out better than drywall because installation goes faster and saves space.

Faux Brick Panels

Faux brick panels offer a perfect drywall alternative if you want an industrial look without the hassle of masonry work. These panels capture brick's timeless appeal and are made from high-density polyurethane or PVC. They give you the texture and look of real brick but weigh nowhere near as much.

Faux Brick Panel Key Features

These panels look and feel remarkably like traditional brick. You can get them in 4×8 sheets, which makes DIY installation a breeze. We used polyurethane, PVC, or composite materials to create these panels with molded surfaces that copy brick patterns and mortar lines. Some panels even come with UV resistance and weatherproofing, so you can use them inside or outside your home.

Faux Brick Panel Pros

·       Lightweight construction - This is a big deal as it means that no extra structural support is needed

·       Simple installation - You just need adhesive and screws - no masonry skills required

·       Cost efficiency - You save money on mortar, grout, and skilled labor

·       Low maintenance - The non-porous surface needs just mild soap to clean

·       Design versatility - Colors and styles range from deep reds to faded tans

Faux Brick Panel Cons

Limited heat resistance - Heat sources like fireplaces or stoves can warp many panels. Artificial appearance - Trained eyes can spot cheaper options easily. Environmental concerns - PVC-based panels don't biodegrade or recycle easily. Potential for damage - Regular maintenance can cause more damage compared to real brick.

Faux Brick Panel Ideal Use Cases

These panels work best as backsplashes, accent walls, and in rustic interior designs. You can transform bedrooms, living rooms, and laundry rooms with their distinctive texture.

Faux Brick Panel Pricing

Expect to pay between USD 6.00 and USD 11.00 per square foot for the panels. Complete installation costs range from USD 14.82 to USD 23.74 per square foot.

Comparison Table

www.magmatrixboards.com

www.jinpenggroups.cn