Quick Answer: Drywall is made primarily from gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate), which comprises 70-90% of standard panels, sandwiched between heavy paper or fiberglass facing sheets. Additional additives like starch, mica, vermiculite, and boric acid enhance fire resistance, strength, and mold protection, making drywall the preferred interior wall material for Las Vegas homes.

Key Takeaways

• Gypsum forms the core of what drywall is made of, providing natural fire resistance and soundproofing properties 
• Paper or fiberglass facing materials protect the gypsum core and determine drywall's moisture resistance capabilities 
• Understanding what drywall is made of helps Las Vegas homeowners select appropriate materials for desert climate conditions 
• Specialized additives in drywall composition address specific needs like fire protection, mold resistance, and sound control

The Primary Component: Gypsum Core

What Makes Up Most Drywall: Gypsum, a naturally occurring mineral (calcium sulfate dihydrate), constitutes 70-90% of what drywall is made of in standard panels. This mineral is either mined from natural deposits or produced synthetically as a byproduct of industrial processes, making drywall manufacturing both economical and environmentally sustainable.

Why Gypsum Dominates Drywall Composition: Understanding what drywall is made of reveals why gypsum is ideal for interior walls. This mineral is naturally fire-resistant because it contains chemically bound water that releases as steam when heated, slowing fire spread. Gypsum's soundproofing qualities, ease of shaping, and structural stability make it the foundation of what modern drywall is made of.

Gypsum Performance in Las Vegas Climate: What drywall is made of matters particularly in desert environments. Gypsum's stability in low-humidity conditions makes it perfect for Las Vegas homes, maintaining integrity despite extreme temperature fluctuations that affect other building materials.

Facing Materials: Paper and Fiberglass

Standard Paper Facing: The outer layers are critical to what drywall is made of overall. Heavy kraft paper provides smooth surfaces for finishing while protecting the gypsum core. This paper facing bonds chemically with gypsum during manufacturing, creating a unified panel structure.

Fiberglass Mat Facing: Modern moisture-resistant drywall uses fiberglass mats instead of paper in what drywall is made of. These non-organic facings prevent mold growth in bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas common in Las Vegas homes with air conditioning condensation concerns.

Facing Material Selection: Understanding what drywall is made of helps homeowners choose appropriate products. Paper-faced drywall suits most interior applications, while fiberglass-faced panels better serve high-humidity spaces despite Las Vegas's typically dry climate.

Essential Additives in Drywall Composition

Strengthening Agents: What drywall is made of includes starch additives that improve core strength and paper adhesion. These organic compounds enhance structural integrity while maintaining workability during installation.

Fire-Resistance Enhancers: Type X fire-rated drywall includes fiberglass fibers in what the core is made of, significantly improving fire resistance beyond standard gypsum panels. Vermiculite and perlite additives further enhance thermal protection in fire-rated applications.

Mold and Moisture Protection: Boric acid and other antimicrobial agents in what moisture-resistant drywall is made of prevent mold growth and microbial deterioration. These additives are particularly valuable in Las Vegas homes where occasional monsoon moisture creates temporary humidity spikes.

Processing Aids: Understanding what drywall is made of reveals processing ingredients like potassium sulfate that accelerate gypsum crystallization during manufacturing, ensuring consistent quality and production efficiency.

The Manufacturing Process

Step 1: Gypsum Preparation Manufacturing begins with grinding raw gypsum into fine powder, which becomes the primary component of what drywall is made of. This powder is mixed with water and additives to create workable slurry.

Step 2: Panel Formation The gypsum slurry spreads between continuous sheets of paper or fiberglass facing, forming the "sandwich" structure central to what drywall is made of. Precise thickness control ensures consistent panel dimensions.

Step 3: Setting and Drying Chemical reactions cause gypsum to crystallize and harden as panels move through massive kilns. This controlled drying process determines the final strength and characteristics of what finished drywall is made of.

Step 4: Cutting and Finishing Continuous panels are cut to standard sizes (typically 4x8, 4x10, or 4x12 feet) and inspected for quality. Understanding what drywall is made of helps appreciate the precision required in modern manufacturing.

Specialized Drywall Types and Compositions

Type X Fire-Rated Drywall: What fire-resistant drywall is made of includes additional fiberglass fibers throughout the gypsum core, providing one-hour or greater fire resistance ratings required by building codes for commercial applications and residential garages.

Mold-Resistant Drywall: Beyond standard composition, what mold-resistant drywall is made of features fiberglass facing and antimicrobial additives throughout the core, preventing deterioration in moisture-exposed applications.

Soundproof Drywall: What acoustic drywall is made of includes viscoelastic polymers and increased density that dampen sound transmission between rooms, valuable for Las Vegas homes near busy streets or entertainment districts.

Lightweight Drywall: What lightweight drywall is made of incorporates aerated gypsum reducing panel weight by 25% without sacrificing strength, making installation easier while maintaining performance standards.

Joint Compound Composition

Understanding what drywall systems are made of includes joint compound ("mud") used in finishing:

Primary Ingredients: Joint compound contains calcium carbonate (ground limestone), talcum powder, and water as primary components. These materials create smooth, sandable surfaces for painting.

Specialty Compounds: What setting-type compounds are made of includes chemical hardeners that cure through reactions rather than drying, providing faster finishing timelines for professional installations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drywall Composition

Q: Is what drywall is made of safe for Las Vegas homes? A: Yes, modern drywall composition meets strict safety standards. What drywall is made of contains no harmful substances when properly installed and maintained, making it safe for residential and commercial applications.

Q: Can what drywall is made of affect indoor air quality? A: Quality drywall doesn't negatively impact air quality. What modern drywall is made of includes regulated materials that don't off-gas harmful chemicals, though proper installation and moisture control prevent mold issues.

Q: Does what drywall is made of include recycled materials? A: Often yes. What many drywall products are made of includes recycled gypsum from manufacturing scraps and demolished buildings, plus synthetic gypsum from industrial processes, supporting environmental sustainability.

Q: Why does what moisture-resistant drywall is made of matter in Las Vegas? A: Despite low humidity, Las Vegas homes have moisture-prone areas around air conditioning, bathrooms, and kitchens. Understanding what moisture-resistant drywall is made of helps select appropriate materials for these applications.

Q: Is what fire-rated drywall is made of required in Las Vegas homes? A: Building codes require fire-rated drywall in specific applications like garage walls. What Type X drywall is made of provides essential fire protection in these code-mandated locations.

Q: Can what drywall is made of be recycled after removal? A: Yes, what clean drywall is made of—primarily gypsum and paper—can be separated and recycled into new drywall or used as agricultural soil amendment, supporting sustainable construction practices.

Professional Drywall Solutions for Las Vegas

Understanding what drywall is made of helps homeowners make informed decisions about repairs, replacements, and new construction. Professional installation ensures appropriate material selection for Las Vegas's unique climate conditions.

Need expert drywall services? First Quality Roofing & Insulation provides professional drywall installation and repair throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, and surrounding Nevada communities. Our experienced team understands what quality drywall is made of and delivers expert installation for lasting results.

📞 Contact First Quality Roofing & Insulation today for professional drywall consultation and service. Trust Nevada's experts who understand what drywall is made of and how to install it properly—quality materials and proven craftsmanship.