Best Types Of Drywall For Office And Retail Spaces

When designing an office or retail space, choosing the right drywall is crucial. It’s not just about building walls — the right drywall improves sound control, boosts fire safety, and keeps your space looking great for years.

Offices need quiet, comfortable environments for employees to focus, while retail spaces must handle constant foot traffic and wear. Choosing the wrong drywall can lead to noise problems, frequent repairs, or safety risks.

That’s why working with experienced drywall contractors is important. They can recommend the best drywall for your space to ensure durability, comfort, and compliance with building codes.

In this blog, we’ll explain the best types of drywall for office and retail spaces so you can make informed decisions for your project.

Types Of Drywall For Office And Retail Spaces

Not all drywall is the same. Depending on the environment and the specific needs of your business, certain types of drywall will perform better than others. Below are the most suitable drywall options for commercial spaces:

1. Regular Drywall (White Board)

Regular drywall, also known as white board, is the most common type used in residential and commercial spaces. It consists of a gypsum core sandwiched between two layers of paper.

Best Uses:

Office walls and ceilings
Low-traffic retail spaces

Benefits:
✔️ Cost-effective
✔️ Easy to install and repair
✔️ Lightweight

Drawbacks:
❌ Not moisture- or fire-resistant
❌ Poor sound insulation

Regular drywall works well for basic office partitions but may not be the best option for spaces that require enhanced durability or soundproofing.

2. Fire-Resistant Drywall (Type X)

Fire-resistant drywall or Type X is treated with special additives to improve its resistance to heat and flames. This type of drywall is required by building codes in many commercial spaces, particularly in multi-story buildings.

Best Uses:

Office spaces requiring fire-rated partitions
Retail buildings with shared walls

Benefits:
✔️ Provides up to one hour of fire resistance
✔️ Improves overall safety and compliance
✔️ Helps slow the spread of flames

Drawbacks:
❌ Slightly more expensive than regular drywall
❌ Heavier and harder to install

Installing fire-rated drywall is crucial in retail spaces with shared walls or offices located in high-rise buildings.

3. Moisture-Resistant Drywall (Green Board)

Moisture-resistant drywall, also known as green board, is designed for areas with higher humidity levels. It contains water-resistant additives in the core and has a green paper covering to distinguish it from regular drywall.

Best Uses:

Bathrooms and kitchens in offices or retail spaces
Retail fitting rooms
Back-of-house storage areas

Benefits:
✔️ Resists mould and mildew
✔️ Ideal for humid environments
✔️ Improves long-term wall durability

Drawbacks:
❌ Not fully waterproof — not suitable for direct water exposure
❌ More expensive than regular drywall

Moisture-resistant drywall is essential for creating a healthier indoor environment, especially in commercial restrooms or kitchen areas.

4. Soundproof Drywall (Acoustic Drywall)

Noise control is crucial in both office and retail settings. Soundproof drywall is made with additional layers of gypsum and viscoelastic materials to reduce sound transmission.

Best Uses:

Conference rooms
Customer service areas
Retail stores with loud environments

Benefits:
✔️ Reduces sound transmission between rooms
✔️ Creates a quieter, more comfortable environment
✔️ Enhances privacy

Drawbacks:
❌ Heavier and harder to install
❌ More expensive than regular drywall

Investing in soundproof drywall enhances the work and customer experience by minimizing noise disruptions.

5. Impact-Resistant Drywall

Impact-resistant drywall contains fibreglass mesh and a stronger core to withstand dents, scuffs, and general wear and tear.

Best Uses:

High-traffic retail areas
Hallways and corridors in office buildings
Fitting rooms and stockrooms

Benefits:
✔️ Withstands heavy use and physical impact
✔️ Reduces long-term maintenance costs
✔️ Resists scuffs and holes

Drawbacks:
❌ More expensive than standard drywall
❌ Heavier to install

In retail environments where walls are frequently bumped by carts and displays, impact-resistant drywall helps maintain a clean and professional appearance.

Choosing The Right Drywall For Your Space

So, which drywall type is best for your office or retail space? Here’s a quick breakdown:

For quiet office spaces: Soundproof drywall
For safety and compliance: Fire-resistant drywall
For moisture control: Green board (moisture-resistant drywall)
For high-traffic retail areas: Impact-resistant drywall
For general office and retail use: Regular drywall

Working with experienced drywall contractors can help you navigate these choices and ensure you get the best material for your specific needs.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Even the best drywall won’t perform well if it’s installed incorrectly. Poor installation can lead to cracks, uneven surfaces, and poor soundproofing — which can ultimately cost you more in repairs and lost business.

Hiring professional drywall contractors ensures that the installation process meets industry standards. Professionals have the tools, skills, and knowledge to handle commercial projects efficiently and accurately.

About Truerock Interior Systems

Truerock Interior Systems is Edmonton’s trusted provider of drywall, steel stud framing, insulation, and ceiling services. We specialize in residential, commercial, and industrial projects, delivering expert craftsmanship and professional service.