Builders often think plasterboard and drywall are different materials. In truth, they’re just two names for the same product.
Yes, plasterboard and drywall are the same gypsum-based panel, with differences only in regional naming conventions.
I first learned this when exporting materials between London and New York. Orders looked different on paper, but the actual panels were identical in size, weight, and structure. The only change was the word on the invoice.
What is a plasterboard?
Some people picture plasterboard as an old wet plaster wall. It’s much more modern than that.
Plasterboard is a lightweight construction panel made with a gypsum core wrapped in durable paper facings, used for interior wall and ceiling cladding.
When I handled my first sheet, it was light enough for one person to carry, and it cut cleanly with a utility knife. It replaced traditional plastering by allowing fast dry installation. The concept started in the UK and Commonwealth countries, offering smoother finishes and quicker builds.
| Property | Plasterboard |
|---|---|
| Core material | Gypsum |
| Facing material | Heavy-duty paper |
| Installation type | Dry construction (no drying time) |
| Typical use | Walls and ceilings indoors |
| Key benefit | Fast installation, smooth finish |
Plasterboard makes interior construction simpler and more predictable in time and cost.
What is plasterboard called in the USA?
In the US, you won’t find “plasterboard” on store shelves. The same product hides under other names.
In the USA, plasterboard is called “drywall,” and a popular brand name, “Sheetrock,” is often used as a generic term in the industry.
I remember walking into a US supplier with “plasterboard” on my list. They pointed me to “drywall” stacks instead. Sheetrock, owned by USG Corporation, became so well-known that many contractors call all drywall “Sheetrock,” even if it’s from other brands.
| Name used | Region/Country |
|---|---|
| Plasterboard | UK, Australia, Commonwealth |
| Drywall | USA |
| Sheetrock | USA (brand name turned generic) |
Knowing these names avoids confusion and delays when buying for international projects.
Is plasterboard cheaper than drywall?
Since they’re the same product, the pricing question is more about markets than materials.
Plasterboard and drywall have essentially the same base cost; price differences come from brand, specifications, and transport expenses, not the material itself.
On one cross-border job, I compared UK plasterboard costs to US drywall prices. The numbers matched closely except for freight. High-end branded boards can cost more, but the gypsum core and manufacturing process are identical.
| Factor affecting price | Impact level |
|---|---|
| Brand | Medium |
| Thickness/spec | High |
| Local supply/demand | High |
| Transport/import duties | High |
For global procurement, understanding that “plasterboard” and “drywall” are interchangeable stops wasted time in comparing what is, in fact, the same product.
Conclusion
Plasterboard and drywall share the same material design. Only the name changes across regions, so cost and function remain the same.