If drywall feels dull, an alternative wall covering can add unique charm
Drywall, aka plasterboard or gypsum board, has long been the go-to for wall construction in American homes. In North America, more than 20 billion square feet of drywall is manufactured annually. That said, just because something is the standard doesn’t mean it’s the only option. These 18 alternatives to drywall can give your renovation a unique twist.
Before drywall became the norm, most walls were plaster. Drywall rose to popularity because it was a convenient alternative. It’s quick to install, cost-effective, easy to repair, and fire-resistant—everything you’d want in a wall material.
That said, drywall alternatives are sometimes a better option, whether you want to add some interest with an accent wall or combat some of drywall’s common drawbacks. Drywall is susceptible to water damage and can harbor mold. The material is vulnerable to termites that feed on paper, and there are more eco-friendly options on the market.
A local drywall installer can help you choose the right wall material for your home, but here are some of the best drywall alternatives to consider.
Thanks to their durability and impressive moisture resistance, plastic panels are an ideal drywall alternative for garages and basements. When compared to drywall, these budget-friendly panels shine in areas that aren’t fully insulated or face the elements. You can even use them outdoors.
Plastic wall panels consist of PVC or recycled plant fiber. You can purchase various styles—from basic flat finishes to faux marble tile and decorative slats—or paint them as long as you use the right paint.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Highly durable and moisture-resistant | Not fire-resistant |
Low-maintenance | Not ideal for load-bearing walls |
Various textures and designs | Not suitable for fireplaces or near stoves |
Best for:
Rooms exposed to high levels of moisture
Garages and basements
There are two main types of barnwood. Reclaimed wood planks are the most authentic option, but they’re costly and harder to source. Engineered wood, which mimics natural wood planks, is the more practical option. It’s wallet-friendly, durable, and comes in a wide range of choices.
Barnwood is known for its rustic aesthetic, which lends itself to a modern farmhouse or cottage. Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase natural barnwood from a reputable dealer to ensure the lumber wasn’t treated with harmful chemicals in the past.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Rustic look | High cost for natural varieties |
High durability | Vulnerable to moisture damage |
Reclaimed varieties can be eco-friendly | Susceptible to pests |
Best for:
Homes with a rustic design aesthetic
Homeowners who prefer eco-friendly materials
Accent walls, backsplashes, and fireplace mantles
There was a time in the 2010s when shiplap was inescapable. Chalk it up to the popularity of home renovation TV shows. Though it’s no longer as trendy, it’s still a popular option that can add serious character to your home (think: coastal New England or farmhouse vibes).
Shiplap gets its name from its history. The planks originated in ships before becoming popular for barns and exterior siding. The rabbit joints on the planks allow for an easy and budget-friendly installation. On average, shiplap costs slightly more than drywall, but the trade-off is style. It won’t suit every design aesthetic, but when it works, it really works.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Trendy look adds character to a home | Doesn’t suit every design style |
Works on walls, ceilings, and backsplashes | Gaps collect dust and can be hard to clean |
Cost-effective and easy to install | Prone to warping or rotting |
Best for:
Coastal or nautical design styles
Modern farmhouses
Walls, ceilings, and backsplashes
Plywood remains a common building material for a reason. This versatile material is stronger than drywall, easily painted, and easy to install.
Though you get a similar look to natural wood, plywood and OSB walls manage to avoid some of the pitfalls of the real thing. They have a much higher moisture tolerance and aren’t as prone to warping and cracking. They’re also less expensive, though drywall is still the most affordable option.
The best way to use plywood or OSB is to marry style and utility. Certain varieties mimic wood planks, shiplap, or classic wood paneling at a fraction of the price.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Highly durable | Not fire-resistant |
Versatile | Costs more than drywall |
Cost-effective natural wood alternative | Can still sustain water damage |
Best for:
Sheds, garages, and workspaces
Homeowners who want budget-friendly wall paneling
If you like the look of natural stone but aren’t in the market for a high-end remodel, try a manufactured stone veneer. This drywall alternative is made from cement and natural aggregates or foam and imitates natural stone at a fraction of the weight and cost. Though it’s easier to install, it’s nowhere near as durable as the real thing. Nonetheless, it’s still an excellent option for a rustic look around a fireplace or a cottage backsplash.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Rustic look | Requires sealing in moisture-prone areas |
Wallet-friendly | Low-end varieties look less realistic |
Easy to install | Not as high quality as natural stone |
Best for:
Fireplaces and backsplashes
Rustic accent walls
Cottages or log cabins
Board and batten consist of panels (or boards) topped with thin pieces of wood molding (battens) that give it a unique look and add texture to a space. Originally, this material was used as barn siding, but it’s become one of the trendiest options for homeowners channeling a modern farmhouse style. It has almost surpassed the popularity of shiplap and works equally as well in historic homes.
Board and batten is made from all sorts of materials, but engineered wood and natural wood are the most popular. It’s sold ready-to-install, which simplifies the installation process. You can even place it over existing drywall to conceal imperfections.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Unique look adds character to a room | Doesn’t suit all design styles |
Highly durable | Susceptible to moisture damage |
Comes in various materials | Not fire-resistant |
Best for:
Victorian, Tudor, Colonial, and Cape Cod homes
Modern farmhouses
Entryways, hallways, and kitchens
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than the real thing. Natural wood planks are on the rise as homeowners embrace 1970s wood paneling and mid-century modern design. Though it’s considerably more costly than drywall, wood paneling is a great way to conceal flaws in your existing walls. It provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation and is easy to maintain.
Overall, natural wood planks can warm the look of a home, but they can also darken it. You’ll need to choose your paneling wisely to not overpower your space or make it look dated. Natural wood is also susceptible to moisture damage and isn’t fire-resistant, so keep that in mind.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Retro look | Prone to warping, cracking, and moisture damage |
Conceals flaws | Not fire-resistant |
Can be eco-friendly | Costs more than other wall coverings |
Best for:
Mid-century modern design
‘70s style homes
Living rooms
Beadboard is known for its vertical lines. This type of wall paneling consists of vertical boards separated by grooves. Like board and batten, beadboard comes in different materials. The most popular are engineered wood and natural wood.
Though most homeowners use beadboard over existing drywall, the drywall isn’t always necessary if you choose a thicker wood, which you can attach right to the studs.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Charming, classic look | Not fire-resistant |
Conceals flaws in existing walls | Not water-resistant |
Can cover all or a portion of a wall | Doesn’t suit all design styles |
Best for:
Accent walls in any room
Hallways
Victorian and Craftsman homes
Cork is an underrated wall material. Though it isn’t durable enough to hold a load-bearing wall or heavy objects like shelving, it’s a unique option for an accent wall. It can transform your space into a full-sized corkboard, where you can hang photos and notes.
Cork is considered an eco-friendly material. It’s also moisture-resistant and fire-resistant. Most cork comes with a plywood backing in the form of tiles or rolls. The plywood helps increase the durability, though you may want to install it over drywall, depending on the thickness.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Unique look | Only suitable for accent walls |
Great thermal and sound insulation | Low durability |
Eco-friendly | Cannot hold heavy objects |
Best for:
Home offices
Bedrooms or playrooms
Accent walls
Finding a home with exposed brick is like hitting the jackpot for some homeowners. This classic building material can add an industrial vibe to an otherwise standard space. Though most modern homes in the United States don’t have brick lurking behind their existing walls, you can attach a brick veneer to an existing structural wall for a similar look.
While brick walls are naturally fire-resistant and undeniably cool, they can crumble or flake, requiring more maintenance than drywall. It can also be difficult to hang photos or shelving on exposed brick without damaging the wall.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Striking industrial look | High maintenance |
Adds character to a home | Can crack or flake |
Naturally fire-resistant | Requires sealant |
Best for:
Accent walls
Industrial design style
Lofts and apartments
Veneer plaster is almost like a hybrid between drywall and traditional plaster walls. This type of wall consists of a thin layer of plaster applied over a substrate and does not have a joint like drywall. The end result is a smooth look that’s perfect for painting.
Veneer plaster is harder than drywall, which makes it more durable. On the other hand, drywall installation costs less and takes less time.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
More durable than drywall | Longer installation |
Smoother than drywall | Difficult to repair |
Mold-resistant | Higher cost |
Best for:
All types of ceilings
Interior walls
Over masonry walls
Cement boards are sheets made from cement and reinforcing fibers. They’re relatively easy to install, and their popularity has to do with their utility. They’re a first line of defense against mold, mildew, and rot, but they’re used as a substrate. That means you’ll want to put a material on top—like some wood paneling or plaster.
If left raw unfinished, cement board has an industrial look that may work well for a garage or workshop. You can also paint it, as long as you use the right type of paint.
Since cement boards are heavy, this is not a viable DIY project. You’ll want to hire a pro who installs drywall and other wall materials to tackle the installation.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Mold-resistant | Slightly more difficult to paint |
Low-mess installation | Requires professional installation |
Works well as a substrate for other materials | Unfinished look if not used as a substrate |
Best for:
Substrate beneath materials
Industrial design style
Workshops, garages, and basements
Textured wall panels are made of materials like wood, vinyl, MDF, and PVC, and they add dimension, beauty, and visual interest to your space. Designs range from floral patterns and waves to swirls and geometric shapes. People often use these panels as accent walls in living rooms, bedrooms, or family rooms. You can install multiple panels on a single wall or use panels for the bottom half of the wall as wainscoting.
Decorative wall panels have depth to them, ranging from 0.04 to 1 inch. The panels can also help cover up imperfections or rejuvenate a renovated space.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Aesthetic appeal | Can be expensive, especially for a large wall |
Durable and long-lasting | More difficult to repair |
Provides soundproofing | Requires extra cleaning |
Best for:
Accent walls
Modern styles
Wainscoting and backsplashes
If you’re looking for earthy alternatives to drywall, a natural mud finish could be the perfect fit. A mud finish uses a mixture of sustainable materials such as clay, sand, and straw to make a plaster. When dry, the finish has a subtle texture with slight ridges that give it an alluring look. Natural mud walls feel nature-inspired, warm, and earthy. They’re also eco-friendly.
Mud can allow the wall to breathe and prevent moisture buildup. However, the finishing process takes careful application and a sturdy base so that the mud doesn’t sag when it dries.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Sustainable and eco-friendly | Time-consuming and tedious to install |
Warm, natural look | Sensitive to water damage |
Can improve indoor air quality | Susceptible to cracks |
Best for:
Farmhouse, rustic, and earthy homes
Ceilings
Dry interiors
Metal wall panels are made of steel, aluminum, and copper, offering tremendous strength and durability. Consider corrugated metal for your walls and ceilings if you prefer an industrial, rustic, or modern look. The metal panels often come with ridges, waves, and finishes in a variety of colors to suit any style.
You can use corrugated metal for an accent wall, wainscoting, to cover up imperfections, or to create a dynamic ceiling.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Durable and long-lasting | Requires some maintenance |
Industrial or rustic aesthetic | Can look cold or industrial |
Fire-resistant | Can be more expensive than drywall |
Best for:
Farmhouses, country houses, and rustic styles
Mudrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens
Contemporary homes
If you want a sleek, modern vibe, consider exposed concrete as an alternative to drywall. It’s a durable, fire-resistant material that’s great for a minimalist look. You can stain or paint concrete any color and create finishes such as stamping or stenciling. Balance your concrete walls with cozy furnishings, such as plush rugs and soft furniture. Or, choose exposed concrete for a sleek home gym or basement hangout space.
Depending on the conditions, you’ll need to reseal your exposed concrete walls once every two to five years to prevent cracking and spalling.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Durable and long-lasting | Prone to cracking and spalling |
Unique, modern look | Requires regular resealing |
Fire-resistant | Susceptible to water damage and mold |
Best for:
Modern, minimalist, or industrial-style homes
Kitchens and bathrooms
Basements and home gyms
Hempcrete is a bio-composite building material made of hemp hurd and a lime-based binder. It offers insulation and soundproofing, along with fire and mold resistance. With its unique, earthy vibe, hempcrete is a standout in sustainable wall coverings.
You’ll need to prevent moisture damage and regularly check for cracks if you install hempcrete. But if you’re up for this unique, natural alternative, it’s bound to make a statement.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Sustainable and eco-friendly | Can be hard to find a skilled contractor |
Unique, earthy vibe | Susceptible to water damage |
Noise reducer | Requires some maintenance |
Best for:
Earthy, rustic aesthetics
Statement areas, such as entryways and living rooms
Homeowners focused on sustainability
Rammed earth walls are made of gravel, clay, sand, and silt that’s compressed together. Resembling a slice of the earth, the panels provide an eye-catching yet subtle nature-inspired vibe. The panels offer insulation and sound-dampening benefits.
Rammed earth panels are expensive since the panels are difficult to find, haul, and install. But they offer a sustainable, eco-friendly statement piece that will be unlike anything else.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Statement look | Expensive |
Earthy aesthetic | Difficult to obtain and install |
Durable and sustainable | Susceptible to cracks and moisture damage |
Best for:
Accent wall, such as behind a fireplace
Focal point of an entryway or living room
Load-bearing walls