ToughRock 1/2-in x 4-ft x 8-ft Lite-Weight Regular Drywall Panel

Charlotte Wood Middle School, Danville, California

It was 1991, and our company was framing the entire middle school. The Charlotte Wood Middle School was built out of Douglas Fir Lumber, Pressure Treated Plates, and different kinds of Plywood. I negotiated a contract with a lumber mill in Oregon to provide all the dimensional lumber for the project. I had lumber being delivered from their mill for months. GREAT PROJECT! Rick Aguilar - Cost Estimator

Overview

• What It Is

  • A ½-inch thick gypsum board (drywall) panel, nominally 12.7 mm.

  • Panel dimensions: 4 ft × 8 ft (≈ 1.22 m × 2.44 m).

  • “Lite-weight” version: lighter than standard drywall, making handling, lifting, cutting, and installation easier.

  Key Features & Specs

  Weight & Handling Up to ~20% lighter than standard ceiling or wall boards, so less fatigue during install. Core Type Regular gypsum core, which provides natural fire resistance (because gypsum contains water) though this particular panel isn’t fire-rated Certifications / Emissions GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning low VOC emissions.

  Sag Resistance Good sag resistance, suitable for ceilings with framing up to 24″ on center.

  Finish Surface Smooth face paper, works well for paint, wallcoverings, and textured coatings. Easy to score, snap, cut.

  Moisture / Mold / Fire• Not moisture or mold resistant (standard version) — for wet or high-humidity areas, a different variant (like “Mold-Guard”) is needed.
  • Not fire rated beyond what the gypsum core naturally provides; doesn’t carry special fire-rating.

  Best Uses:

  • Underlayment for Tile Floors – Perfect as a thin, stable base under ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile without raising floor height too much.

  • Bathroom & Laundry Floors – Provides moisture-resistant support in areas with splashes, humidity, or occasional spills.

  • Kitchen & Entryway Floors – Helps protect subfloors from incidental moisture under tile or resilient flooring.

  • Backsplashes & Wainscoting – A thin, durable substrate for tile in kitchens and bathrooms where space is limited.

  • Basement Renovations – Works as an underlayment beneath finished flooring to handle damp conditions.

  • Transition Projects – Ideal when remodeling, where a ½-inch board would create uneven transitions with adjacent flooring.

  ⚠️ Note: While it’s moisture-resistant, ¼-in Fiberock is not recommended for constant water exposure (like inside shower or steam room walls/floors). For those applications, use ½-in Fiberock AquaSmart, DensShield, or cement board with a waterproofing membrane.

  Practical Project Ideas for Homeowners:

  • Interior Walls in Dry Areas – Ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and offices where standard drywall is sufficient.

  • Ceilings with Wide Framing Spacing – Good sag resistance makes it suitable for ceilings framed up to 24 in. on center.

  • Renovation & Remodeling Projects – Lighter weight makes handling easier for DIYers and reduces fatigue on larger jobs.

  • Multi-Room Installations – When speed and efficiency matter, its lighter design allows faster installation with fewer helpers.

  • General Residential or Light Commercial Construction – A versatile choice for most non-specialty interior applications.

  ⚠️ Not Recommended For: Wet or high-humidity areas (bathrooms, showers, laundry rooms) or areas requiring enhanced fire ratings — in those cases, you’d want a specialty board like ToughRock Mold-Guard or Type X Fireguard.

• Why Choose Waterproof Gypsum Backer Board?

  • Much Lighter Weight
    It’s up to ~20% lighter than typical standard gypsum ceiling/wall boards. Easier to carry, lift, maneuver — great for ceiling work or when you’re working alone.

  • Improved Handling & Installation
    Because it weighs less, there’s less fatigue, fewer helpers needed, faster positioning. Also easier to score, snap, and cut precisely.

  • Sag Resistance
    Good for ceilings, especially with framing members spaced up to 24 in on center; reduced deflection and sagging under its own weight.

  • Consistent, Smooth Finish
    The face paper is designed for joint treatment, painting, textures or wall coverings. Provides a clean, reliable surface.

  • Versatility
    Works in many interior applications: walls, ceilings, renovations, new builds. Especially useful where moisture isn’t high and special ratings (fire, mold, moisture) are not required.

  • Lower Transportation / Handling Costs
    Because of lighter panels, shipping, lifting, staging cost less in labor and risk. Less wear & tear on workers.

  • Certification & Compliance
    Meets standards (ASTM C1396 Section 5 & 12) for gypsum wallboard and ceiling board. GREENGUARD / GREENGUARD Gold certified for low VOC emissions. Good for healthy-home or interior air quality.

  • Better for Certain Applications
    Since it’s light, you can handle ceilings better, especially overhead, in retrofit or remodel projects. Also helpful in curved surfaces (where you need to flex or curve a panel) because less stiffness weight makes it easier to manipulate.

  When This Board Really Shines

  • Ceilings with Wide Framing (up to 24" o.c.)
    Its sag-resistant core performs well overhead, where lighter panels reduce stress on framing and installers.

  • Large Remodeling or New-Build Projects
    When handling dozens (or hundreds) of sheets, the reduced weight means less fatigue, fewer injuries, and faster installs.

  • DIY or Small-Crew Jobs
    Easier for one person to maneuver compared to standard drywall, especially in tight spaces or overhead installs.

  • Walls & Ceilings in Dry Areas
    Ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways where you don’t need special fire-, moisture-, or mold-resistant ratings.

  • Projects with Tight Deadlines
    Because it’s easier to cut, carry, and hang, crews can complete jobs faster with fewer breaks and less strain.

  • Retrofit & Repairs
    Lighter panels are easier to get into basements, attics, or other tricky spaces without damaging existing finishes.

Ask Rick, example:“What’s the best Gypsum Board for this application? or “ When should I use fire-rated (Type X) drywall?”

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