Where is Type X drywall required?

On the garage side of walls and ceilings separating the garage from living space. Also party walls in duplexes and townhomes, and around furnace rooms.

Can I use Type X everywhere instead of regular?

Yes, but it is heavier and more expensive. There is no benefit beyond fire-rated areas unless you want extra soundproofing.

Does one layer of Type X give 1-hour fire rating?

One layer on each side of a wall gives 1-hour fire resistance in a UL-listed assembly. A single side alone provides less than 1 hour.

Fire-Rated Drywall (Type X)Generating image…

Drywall & Plaster

Type X

$14-$18 per 4x8 sheet

Fire-Rated Drywall (Type X): Code-Required Fire Protection (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Building Materials Team

|Last updated May 15, 2026|Sources & methodology

Type X fire-rated drywall is a 5/8-inch thick gypsum board with glass fiber reinforcement that provides a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating. It is required by code for garage-to-house walls, multi-family party walls, and other fire-rated assemblies. The glass fibers hold the gypsum core together during fire exposure.

Key Features

1-hour fire resistance rating; 5/8 inch thick; Glass fiber reinforced core; Required for garage-to-house walls; UL fire-rated assemblies

Specifications

Thickness: 5/8 in. Weight: ~70 lbs per 4x8 sheet. Fire rating: 1 hour (single layer on each side of steel studs). Must meet ASTM C1396 Type X requirements.

Applications

Garage-to-house walls; Party walls in multi-family; Furnace room enclosures; Stairwell enclosures; Commercial fire-rated assemblies

Installation Overview

Install with 1-5/8 inch Type S drywall screws for steel framing or 1-5/8 inch coarse-thread for wood. Screw spacing: 12 inches on ceilings, 16 inches on walls. All joints must be taped and finished. No penetrations in fire-rated assemblies without approved firestop.

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓ Code-required fire protection; Readily available; Standard installation methods; Better soundproofing than regular; Glass fiber core integrity

Cons

✗ Heavier than regular drywall; Only available in 5/8 inch; More expensive; Harder to cut; Must maintain assembly integrity

Top Brands

USG

National Gypsum

Georgia-Pacific

CertainTeed

Code Requirements

Required per IRC R302.6 for garage-to-house separation. Must meet ASTM C1396 Type X. Fire-rated assemblies per UL or GA listings. No unapproved penetrations per IRC R302.11.

Buying Tips

Only buy Type X where code requires it to avoid unnecessary weight and cost. Verify your fire-rated assembly matches a UL or GA listed design. Do not compromise fire assemblies with unapproved penetrations.