What is the typical thickness of drywall used in commercial buildings?

In commercial buildings, the standard thickness of drywall commonly used is 5/8 inch. This thickness offers a balance of strength and fire resistance, which is important in commercial applications where building codes often require specific fire ratings.

5/8 inch drywall is also known as Type X drywall, which is designed to provide enhanced fire resistance as it contains additional additives that help slow the spread of flames. This makes it particularly suitable for use in walls separating different occupancy types, common areas, and utility spaces in commercial buildings.

Other thicknesses, such as 1/2 inch, are typically found in residential applications and may not meet the fire-resistive requirements often mandated for commercial structures. Thicker options like 3/4 inch and 1 inch are less common as they are typically used for specialized applications, such as soundproofing or specific structural needs, rather than general drywall installation in commercial settings. Therefore, selecting 5/8 inch drywall aligns with both fire safety regulations and structural integrity necessary for commercial environments.