Gold Bond 3/8-in x 4-ft x 8-ft Classic 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 gypsum drywall panel (“regular drywall”) with a 3/8-inch thickness (~0.375 in).

  • Size: 4 ft × 8 ft sheet.

  • Classed as the Classic Regular line from Gold Bond.

  Key Features & Specs

  Core & Facing Fire-resistant gypsum core; the panel is bound in heavy natural-finish, 100% recycled face and back paper.

• Edges & Finish Long edges may be tapered or square; ends cut square and finished relatively smooth.

• Guide Marks Includes GridMarX guide marks on the face paper to help with stud layout / cutting. Certifications / Emissions GREENGUARD Gold certified (low VOC emissions) for better indoor air quality.

• Dimensional Stability Designed to resist warping, rippling, buckling, sagging under typical temperature/humidity changes.

  Pros & Trade-Offs

  Advantages:

  • Thinner 3/8-in thickness is lighter and easier to handle, especially in retrofit or over existing surfaces.

  • Cost-effective for single-layer wall or ceiling use in dry interior areas.

  • Its lighter profile causes less buildup over existing surfaces, helpful in remodeling where matching adjacent heights matters.

  • Good for patching, repairs, and finish work due to its lighter weight and ease of handling.

  Limitations:

  • Not moisture- or mold-resistant in this version; not suited for areas with constant water exposure (like inside shower walls).

  • Not fire-rated beyond the basic gypsum core; if stricter fire code is required, another board type (Fire Shield / Type X) is needed.

  • Less sag resistance compared to thicker or specialty boards, especially on ceilings or where framing is spaced widely.

  Best Uses:

  • Interior walls in dry residential rooms: bedrooms, living rooms, hallways.

  • Repair work or overlay over existing walls where adding full thickness is not desired.

  • Renovations where minimizing sheet weight helps (e.g. handling overhead, limited labor).

  • Areas where the appearance finish (paint, texture) is the main goal, not moisture or heavy wear.

  Practical Project Ideas for Homeowners:

  • Patch or Repair Damaged Walls – Perfect for replacing sections of drywall in hallways, bedrooms, or living rooms.

  • Create a New Partition Wall – Lightweight enough for adding a small dividing wall in basements, attics, or garages.

  • Basement Refinishing – Use on framed walls in dry basement areas to create a smooth, paintable surface.

  • Cover Outdated Paneling – Install directly over old wood paneling to give a room a fresh, modern look.

  • Ceiling Updates – Ideal for lightweight ceiling installs in dry areas with closely spaced framing.

  • DIY Home Office or Craft Room – Quick way to finish a converted space with a clean wall surface for painting or decorating.

  • Closet or Storage Room Finishing – Simple, cost-effective option to enclose small spaces neatly.

  ⚠️ Note for Homeowners: This board is for dry areas only — avoid bathrooms, laundry rooms, or other high-moisture environments.

• Why Choose Regular Gypsum Board?

  • Affordable & Widely Available
    Regular gypsum board (drywall) is cost-effective and easy to find at any home center or lumber yard, making it the go-to choice for most wall and ceiling projects.

  • Smooth, Paint-Ready Surface
    Provides a clean, even finish that accepts paint, wallpaper, or texture, giving homeowners flexibility in design.

  • Quick & Easy Installation
    Lightweight, easy to score-and-snap, and fast to install compared to plaster or lath, saving time and labor.

  • Fire Resistance Built In
    Gypsum’s natural core contains water molecules that help slow the spread of flames, offering basic fire protection even in standard panels.

  • Versatile for Interior Use
    Works well on walls and ceilings in dry spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and basements (where moisture is controlled).

  • Good for Repairs & Remodels
    Thin panels (like 3/8-in) are excellent for patching holes, covering old surfaces, or remodeling projects where minimal buildup is preferred.

  ⚠️ When Not to Use Regular Gypsum Board
  Avoid using it in high-moisture or specialty environments such as showers, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or garages where fire ratings are required — for those areas, pick moisture-resistant (green board/purple board) or fire-rated Type X boards.

  When This Board Really Shines

  • Dry Interior Living Spaces
    Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways where moisture isn’t a concern.

  • Quick Remodels & Repairs
    Easy to cut and patch, making it the go-to choice for filling holes, repairing walls, or covering outdated paneling.

  • Cost-Sensitive Projects
    When budgets matter, regular drywall offers the most economical option without sacrificing finish quality.

  • Large-Scale New Construction
    Standard drywall is fast to install and provides consistent results, ideal for entire homes or multi-unit projects.

  • Ceilings & Walls in Controlled Environments
    Works well where humidity and temperature are stable — like finished basements, home offices, and closets.

  • Paint-First Projects
    Provides a smooth, ready-to-finish surface that accepts paint, wallpaper, or texture easily.

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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