August 22, 2025
When it comes to drywall work, not all contractors are created equal. Some specialize in custom homes. Others handle massive commercial sites. While both residential and commercial drywall contractors offer similar core services, their skill sets, tools, and experience are often quite different. So how do you know which one your project requires?
Choosing the wrong type of contractor could lead to delays, rework, and added costs. That’s why it’s critical to understand the differences between residential and commercial drywall companies. In this blog, we’ll break down each one, compare their scopes of work, and help you decide which type of drywall contractor fits your specific needs.
Residential drywall contractors primarily work in single-family homes, apartments, townhomes, and smaller multi-unit buildings. Their job includes everything from drywall installation and taping to texture spraying and minor repairs.
These contractors are often brought in during home builds, basement developments, kitchen renovations, or after flood or fire restoration. They’re used to working in tight spaces, on ladders, and with minimal disruption to residents.
More importantly, they’re focused on attention to detail. For homeowners, even a tiny drywall flaw is a big deal. That’s why residential contractors often prioritize clean finishes, consistent taping, and seamless blending with existing walls or ceilings.
In contrast, commercial drywall contractors work on much larger projects. Think shopping centres, high-rise condos, hospitals, schools, or warehouses. These builds come with structural complexity, larger teams, tighter timelines, and often strict compliance standards.
Commercial drywall companies often handle steel stud framing, fire-rated wall systems, acoustic wall panels, and T-bar ceiling installations. Their crews need to interpret blueprints, follow engineer’s specifications, and coordinate with other trades on-site.
Unlike residential projects, where flexibility is common, commercial drywall work usually demands precise scheduling and strict code compliance. For instance, many buildings require fire-rated assemblies, and only experienced commercial crews know how to install them to spec.
To help you make a decision, let’s break down a few of the biggest differences between the two.
Residential drywall projects are typically smaller and faster. A single house may take just a few days for boarding and taping.
On the other hand, commercial jobs often take weeks or months, depending on the square footage and number of units. They may also involve multiple phases of work spread out over time.
Residential drywall contractors usually work with basic gypsum boards, hand tools, and smaller ladders. Their focus is on interiors that are already enclosed and ready for finishing.
Commercial drywall crews use heavier-duty equipment like drywall lifts, scaffolding, and laser levels. They also work with specialized materials like soundproof panels, steel stud framing, and ceiling suspension systems.
One of the biggest contrasts between residential and commercial drywall work is in the building codes and design requirements.
Residential drywall usually complies with basic local housing codes. Commercial drywall must meet stricter fire ratings, acoustic values, and accessibility standards.
For example, a school or hospital may require fire-rated corridor walls and acoustic partitions for noise control. These aren’t things you’d typically find in a residential project.
Homeowners want drywall that looks good and blends in seamlessly with their aesthetic. Commercial clients are more concerned with performance and durability. They care about things like wall impact ratings, insulation values, and lifecycle cost savings.
If you’re renovating your home, finishing a basement, or replacing damaged drywall, a residential drywall company is the right choice.
These contractors bring a personal touch. They’re used to working around furniture, pets, and tight spaces. They also tend to communicate well with homeowners who aren’t familiar with construction processes.
Some scenarios where residential drywall contractors are ideal:
You’ll want to hire a commercial drywall contractor when the project size, timeline, or code requirements go beyond typical residential needs.
These crews are better equipped to handle multi-story builds, steel frame installations, T-bar ceilings, and strict inspections. Their work has to pass commercial-grade fire safety and soundproofing standards.
Examples of commercial drywall use cases:
No matter the size of your project, the right contractor will make or break your timeline and finish quality. Here’s how to make a smart choice:
Still not sure which direction to take? You can also browse contractor portfolios or consult your general contractor for recommendations.
Truerock Interior Systems specializes in expert drywall installation, steel stud framing, and T-bar ceiling systems in Edmonton. With a focus on quality and efficiency, our team supports both residential and commercial construction projects. Whether you’re building a custom home or managing a large-scale facility, we deliver precise interior finishes that last.
Contact us for more information.
