First, let’s see why we should check the alternatives for drywall. Although it is an easy and approachable option, there is a few drawbacks of drywall. For example, when you knock the drywall you will hear a hollow sound from it and may be this situation reminds that it is a cheap option.
During installation you may need to deal with lots of dust, so it can be a long haul. And its frailty can’t be ignored; it can be challenging during use and can turn into a situation that requires constant repair. But the good news is you don’t have to settle for drywall. So you might want to take a look at these alternatives.
1. Brick and Masonry
Before anything, if you want to give your room an aesthetic and stylish look, this one is a perfect match for you. It will bring whole another atmosphere to the room and also you can choose to paint over or you can leave them exposed, either way it still shows a great quality. Not to mention its sturdiness. It even has the potential to increase the value of your home. Unfortunately, all these features make this option more expensive than drywall.
Pros
Its longevity and easy maintenance will make this option easier to use. Moreover, it has recyclable materials. Thanks to its structure which is made of fire clay, it absorbs moisture.
Cons
Still requires a little prep work. If your budget is limited and you don’t care if your walls seem pretty or not, may be you can pass this one.
Cost
The prices are for per square foot $20-$80, may vary depending on labor costs.
2. Cement Board
It is an excellent option for high moisture areas and it is more durable and heavier than drywall. So, It needs very little maintenance. But still you have to pay more.
There is no doubt that it will give the room a modern and unique look, but instead of using it for all four walls, using it on a single wall can provide a more pleasant view.
The prices are about $ 4-5 per piece. You should consider the minimum order requirement.
3. Lath and Plaster
It was a common option before Drywall. Basically, laths are wooden strips that need to be installed horizontally between the girders and then you need cover them with plaster. The resulting image can remind you the medieval style. And it can be used for uneven walls, such as curved surfaces in the corner of your room.
Although it is not as easy to use as drywall, but it provides a nice concept in terms of appearance and installation is much easier and faster to complete than you think.
Pros
I do not think that you will have a hard time setting up. If you prefer an old method for your room, it can be considered.
Cons
If your priority is the ease of usage, maybe you can eliminate this option. Because I cannot say that it is the most practical one.
4. Veneer Plaster
It may be the closest option to drywall. It can be said that it has all the advantages of drywall. Plus, it is much easier to use. It uses drywall as a base, which makes it a more strong option. Its structure consists of one or two thin plaster over a Blueboard, which has a great durability.
The installation does not include taping and sanding parts, because it is not necessary due to its structure. So, its installation takes place faster, but it is not a DIY project either. Still requires a proper labor and time.
Pros
Such plaster walls are used for water resistance, so the combination of the plaster and drywall makes it more convenient option than drywall.
Cons
It is more expensive than drywall by about 25 percent and requires an expert builder.
Cost
The average cost is about $63.5 to $77.0.
5. Plywood
It may be the cheapest option among all the alternatives. Moreover, its installation is just as easy. Screw and drill will be enough for the entire installation phase.
Pros
If you are looking for a cheaper option and it is the only parameter for you, plywood is the perfect choice. You can install it yourself without any help.
Cons
It may not please you as much as the use of Drywall. Because drywall comes with advantages such as fire resistance, soundproofing. But you may not find these upsides in plywood.
6. Wood Planks
Wood planks will be an excellent option if you want to capture a rustic look in your room. After its installation, it will require almost no effort and you will only enjoy this wooden and natural look. It is also a cost-friendly option.
Pros
Its installation does not require much labor. There are many types of wood that you can find easily for you taste.
Cons
If you prefer a modern look rather than a country, it might not be the best option for you.
The prices are around $350-$770 for cubic meter.
7. Pegboard
Pegboard is often used in garages and workshops to provide more space. Of course, it may not be the first alternative that comes to mind, but it is definitely an option to make extra room for your stuff. Also, all you need to do is to hang the pegboard on the rafters and that’s it.
Pros
It is very easy to set up and a good option to provide space for your belongings. But of course you may want to consider it for certain cases.
Cons
It is not a material to be covered on all walls. For this reason, you should review the places you want to use. Best fit to use is for garages and workshop areas.
Cost
The prices are about $20-$40.
8. Plastic Panels
The first use that comes to mind is covering your damaged drywall coated walls. It is stain proof, easy to clean and maintain. It is a good option for high humidity places.
Pros
It is easy to install. Simply screw the plastic panels into place and it is good to go. Also has a great resistant to the mold and moisture.
Cons
You may find the good ones a bit expensive compared to drywall, but the standard ones do not appeal much to the eye. Still, it has the advantage in terms of installation compared to drywall.
9. Wahoo Walls
If you want to make sure that your basement get no water from some unknown holes or areas, wahoo walls is there for that. They are generally used for basement wall finishing. You don’t need to spend time on the installation, the panels come together directly. It is made of non-organic materials, so it can be said that it is not environmentally friendly.
10. Textured Wall Panels
Even if it is slightly more expensive than other options, it will be worth the original and aesthetic look. Design and color options scale is wide. Basically, these are easy to install 3D textured panels and can be placed on your existing walls. Their thickness is about 3/4” to 1.5”.
Pros
Easy to install. There is a wide range of options.
Cons
It can be difficult to remove in case of any damage and in dusty places, it will require constant cleaning. Therefore, it may not be the most practical option.
Cost
The prices for 1 sq ft are about $8-$70.