CertainTeed 5/8-in x 4-ft x 12-ft Fire Resistant Type X 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

  • ToughRock 5/8-in x 4-ft x 12-ft Fireguard Type X Drywall Panel: A Homeowner’s Guide

    When it comes to building safe, code-compliant spaces, not all drywall is created equal. For areas where fire resistance is a must, the ToughRock Fireguard Type X panel is a trusted solution. Designed and manufactured by Georgia-Pacific, this drywall offers enhanced fire protection, added strength, and better sound control compared to standard boards.

  • Product Overview

    Unlike regular drywall, the Type X designation means this panel has a special gypsum core reinforced with glass fibers. At 5/8-inch thick, it’s heavier and stronger than common 1/2-inch board, giving it a crucial edge in fire resistance and durability.

    With a UL-classified fire rating and GREENGUARD Gold certification for low VOCs, this drywall is engineered to perform in both safety and indoor air quality.

  Key Features & Specs

  • Size: 4 ft × 12 ft (actual: ~0.62 in × 3.99 ft × 11.99 ft)

  • 5/8-inch Type X Fireguard core reinforced with glass fibers for superior fire resistance

  • Mold-Guard protection with specially treated paper facings and core to resist mold growth

  • Moisture resistant design for use in areas with moderate humidity (bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, kitchens)

  • Non-combustible gypsum core per ASTM E136

  • Smooth, paintable surface that accepts paint, texture, or wall coverings

  • Recycled paper facings for an eco-friendly finish

  • GREENGUARD & GREENGUARD Gold certified for low VOC emissions and better indoor air quality

  • UL Classified for fire-rated assemblies

  • Tapered long edges for easier joint finishing and smoother seams

  Best Uses:

  • Fire-Rated Walls & Ceilings – Required by code in many areas such as attached garages, stairwells, corridors, and between dwelling units.

  • 🏠 Basements & Utility Rooms – Provides added fire resistance around furnaces, boilers, and electrical panels.

  • 🚪 Shared Walls in Multi-Family Housing – Essential for townhouses, condos, or apartments to meet fire-separation requirements.

  • 🛗 Commercial Spaces – Commonly specified in offices, schools, hospitals, and retail buildings for safety and code compliance.

  • 🔇 Noise Reduction – The extra thickness and density also help cut down on sound transfer, making it useful for bedrooms, media rooms, or office partitions.

  • 🪵 Taller Walls & Long Ceilings – The 12-ft length reduces the number of joints, which improves strength, fire performance, and finish quality in large spaces.

  ✨ Pro Tip: Always install Type X drywall as part of an approved fire-rated assembly (specific framing, fasteners, and finishing methods). The fire rating only applies if the whole system is built to code.

  • • Why Homeowners Choose 5/8" Fire-Resistant Type X Drywall Panel

      When it comes to protecting your home and family, not all drywall is created equal. The 5/8-inch Type X panel is thicker, stronger, and specifically engineered to deliver fire protection that standard drywall can’t match. Here’s why homeowners often choose it:

      🔥 1. Superior Fire Protection

      The biggest reason is right in the name: fire resistance. Type X drywall has a specially reinforced gypsum core that helps contain fire and slow its spread. In many assemblies, it provides up to one hour of fire resistance — giving your family precious extra time in an emergency.

      🏡 2. Required by Building Codes

      For many projects, especially in garages, basements, stairwells, or shared walls between units, local building codes mandate Type X drywall. Choosing it upfront ensures your project passes inspection and meets safety requirements.

      🔇 3. Better Soundproofing

      The extra thickness and density not only resist fire but also help reduce noise transfer between rooms. This makes it a smart choice for bedrooms, offices, and media rooms where quiet matters.

      💪 4. Stronger & More Durable

      At 5/8-inch thick, Type X drywall is sturdier than 1/2-inch panels. It resists sagging on ceilings, stands up better to everyday wear, and delivers a more solid wall feel.

      🌎 5. Health & Environmental Benefits

      CertainTeed Type X panels are GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning they meet strict standards for indoor air quality with low VOC emissions. Plus, they use recycled paper facings, making them a more eco-conscious choice.

      ✨ Bottom Line: Homeowners choose 5/8" Type X drywall because it’s a smart upgrade that combines safety, strength, sound control, and code compliance. Whether you’re finishing a garage, upgrading a basement, or building a multi-family unit, it’s the dependable choice that protects your investment and your family.

  Practical Project Ideas for Homeowners:

  • The 5/8-in Type X drywall panel is more than just a construction material — it’s a way to make your home safer, stronger, and quieter. Here are some practical ways homeowners can put it to work:

    • 🔥 Finish an Attached Garage
      Most building codes require Type X drywall between a garage and the home. Installing it on the walls and ceilings adds a fire barrier that protects your living space.

    • 🏠 Remodel a Basement
      Basements with furnaces, water heaters, or electrical panels are prime candidates for Type X drywall. It delivers both safety and durability in these utility-heavy areas.

    • 🚪 Create Fire Separation Between Units
      If you’re building an in-law suite, rental unit, or duplex, this panel is essential for shared walls to meet fire codes and provide peace of mind.

    • 🛗 Upgrade Stairwells & Hallways
      Escape routes like staircases and corridors benefit from the added fire resistance of Type X drywall — an upgrade that buys valuable time in an emergency.

    • 🎬 Build a Home Theater or Office
      The extra thickness and density help block sound, making it a great choice for media rooms, bedrooms, or workspaces where noise control matters.

    • 🏢 Tackle Large Walls & Ceilings
      At 12 feet long, these panels reduce the number of joints in tall walls or expansive ceilings, creating smoother finishes and stronger fire-rated assemblies.

    ✨ Pro Tip: Always pair Type X drywall with the correct fire-rated assembly details (framing, fasteners, joint treatment) — the fire rating only applies when installed to specification.

• Why Choose: CertainTeed 5/8-in x 4-ft x 12-ft Fire Resistant type X Drywall Panel

  The 5/8-in Type X drywall panel is more than just a construction material — it’s a way to make your home safer, stronger, and quieter. Here are some practical ways homeowners can put it to work:

  • 🏡 Practical Project Ideas for Homeowners

    CertainTeed 5/8-in x 4-ft x 12-ft Fire Resistant Type X Drywall Panel.

    🔥 Finish an Attached Garage
    Most building codes require Type X drywall between a garage and the home. Installing it on the walls and ceilings adds a fire barrier that protects your living space.

    🏠 Remodel a Basement
    Basements with furnaces, water heaters, or electrical panels are prime candidates for Type X drywall. It delivers both safety and durability in these utility-heavy areas.

    🚪 Create Fire Separation Between Units
    If you’re building an in-law suite, rental unit, or duplex, this panel is essential for shared walls to meet fire codes and provide peace of mind.

    🛗 Upgrade Stairwells & Hallways
    Escape routes like staircases and corridors benefit from the added fire resistance of Type X drywall — an upgrade that buys valuable time in an emergency.

    🎬 Build a Home Theater or Office
    The extra thickness and density help block sound, making it a great choice for media rooms, bedrooms, or workspaces where noise control matters.

    🏢 Tackle Large Walls & Ceilings
    At 12 feet long, these panels reduce the number of joints in tall walls or expansive ceilings, creating smoother finishes and stronger fire-rated assemblies.

    ✨ Pro Tip: Always pair Type X drywall with the correct fire-rated assembly details (framing, fasteners, joint treatment). The fire rating only applies when installed to specification.

    ✅ Wrap-Up: From garages to basements, and from home theaters to hallways, the 5/8-in Type X panel shines anywhere you need safety, strength, and sound control. It’s a smart investment in both protection and comfort.

  When This Board Really Shines

  • The 5/8-in Type X drywall panel is at its best in spaces where safety, strength, and peace of mind matter most. It’s not just another wall covering — it’s a critical part of building a home that protects your family.

    • It shines in garages and basements, where fire hazards are higher and codes demand added protection.

    • It shines in stairwells, corridors, and escape routes, buying you valuable time if an emergency ever occurs.

    • It shines in shared walls and ceilings, keeping families safe and meeting fire-separation requirements in multi-family homes.

    • And it shines in living spaces where comfort matters, reducing noise while delivering a more solid, durable wall finish.

    ✨ Bottom Line: This board really shines when you want one product that does it all — fire protection, durability, and sound control. For homeowners who value safety and comfort, it’s the drywall upgrade worth making.

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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