ToughRock 5/8-in x 4-ft x 8-ft Fireguard 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 8-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 × 8 ft (actual: ~0.62 in × 3.99 ft × 7.99 ft)

  • Thickness: 5/8 in (15.9 mm)

  • Core: Type X fire-resistant gypsum reinforced with glass fibers

  • Fire Rating: Meets ASTM fire standards with a flame spread rating of 15 and smoke development of 0

  • Surface: Smooth paper facing made from recycled materials; accepts paint, wallpaper, or texture

  • Sound Performance: Thicker core reduces sound transfer between rooms

  • Certifications: UL Classified, ASTM E136 non-combustible, GREENGUARD / GREENGUARD Gold for indoor air quality

  Best Uses:

  • This board is purpose-built for safety and strength, and you’ll often see it used in places where building codes require a higher level of protection:

    • Garages & Utility Rooms – Protecting living spaces from potential fire hazards.

    • Walls Between Units – Essential in townhomes, condos, or apartments to meet code requirements.

    • Stairwells & Hallways – Adding valuable minutes of fire resistance to escape routes.

    • Mechanical or Furnace Rooms – Creating a durable barrier around high-heat or electrical equipment.

    • Noise Control – Great in home offices, bedrooms, or shared walls where peace and quiet matter.Pros & Considerations

      ✅ Pros

      • Provides a 1-hour fire rating when installed as part of an approved assembly

      • Stronger and more rigid than thinner boards

      • Helps with soundproofing between spaces

      • Environmentally conscious with recycled facing and low-VOC certification

      ⚠️ Things to Consider

      • Heavier than standard drywall — usually requires two people to install

      • Not designed for moisture resistance (avoid bathrooms or damp basements unless paired with mold-resistant board)

      • Fire rating only applies if installed in a tested and approved wall or ceiling assembly

      Why Homeowners Choose Fireguard Type X

      Safety and code compliance are the main drivers, but this panel also delivers peace of mind. By slowing down fire spread, it gives families valuable extra time to exit safely. Add in better sound reduction and durability, and it’s an excellent investment for any remodel or new build where protection is a priority.

      ✨ Bottom Line: The ToughRock 5/8-in Fireguard Type X drywall panel is more than just another sheet of wallboard. It’s a safety upgrade — giving you fire resistance, strength, and sound control in one product. If you’re finishing a garage, building a rental unit, or upgrading areas where fire safety matters, this board belongs on your materials list.

  Practical Project Ideas for Homeowners:

  • The ToughRock Fireguard Type X panel isn’t just about meeting code — it can also give you peace of mind and extra performance where you need it most. Here are some practical ways homeowners can use it in real-world projects:

    1. Finishing a Garage

    Garages are one of the most common places where building codes require fire-rated drywall. Installing 5/8-in Type X panels on the walls and ceiling between the garage and your home creates a vital barrier against fire spread.

    2. Protecting a Furnace or Utility Room

    If you’re enclosing a mechanical room, boiler, or furnace space, Fireguard drywall helps contain potential hazards. This keeps your home safer and may even reduce insurance risks.

    3. Upgrading Between Shared Living Spaces

    In multi-family housing or even in-law suites, Type X drywall is often required between units. For homeowners, using it on shared walls provides an added layer of sound reduction and privacy too.

    4. Soundproofing a Home Office or Media Room

    Beyond fire protection, the extra thickness and density help block noise. That makes it a great choice for home theaters, offices, or bedrooms where quiet is essential.

    5. Stairwells and Hallways

    These areas often serve as escape routes in case of emergency. Installing Fireguard drywall here provides extra time and safety for your family if the unthinkable happens.

    6. Basement Remodeling (with care)

    If your basement is dry and not prone to moisture issues, Fireguard drywall is a smart option to finish the space, adding both safety and durability. Pair it with a moisture-resistant board in damp areas for best results.

    ✨ Pro Tip: Remember that the fire rating only applies when the drywall is installed as part of a tested fire-rated assembly. That means stud spacing, fasteners, and finishing methods all matter. Always follow manufacturer and code guidelines to ensure your project delivers the protection you expect.

• Why Choose Fire Resistant Type X Drywall Panel?

  • When it comes to building or remodeling, drywall isn’t just about creating smooth walls and ceilings — it can also play a big role in your home’s safety and durability. That’s where Type X fire-resistant drywall stands apart.

    1. Enhanced Fire Protection

    The biggest reason to choose Type X drywall is right in the name: fire resistance. Thanks to its thicker core reinforced with glass fibers, it’s engineered to slow down fire spread. In many assemblies, 5/8-inch Type X drywall can provide up to one hour of fire resistance, buying your family valuable extra time to escape in an emergency.

    2. Building Code Compliance

    Many local codes require Type X drywall in specific areas, such as garages, stairwells, utility rooms, or walls between units in multi-family housing. Choosing this panel means your project is more likely to pass inspections the first time.

    3. Better Sound Control

    The extra thickness and density don’t just resist fire — they also reduce sound transmission. That makes Type X drywall an excellent choice for home offices, bedrooms, and shared walls where noise can be a problem.

    4. Stronger & More Durable

    At 5/8-inch thick, these panels are sturdier than standard 1/2-inch drywall, resisting sagging on ceilings and standing up better to everyday wear and tear.

    5. Peace of Mind

    At the end of the day, choosing Fireguard Type X drywall is about more than meeting code. It’s about knowing your home is safer, stronger, and built to last. That peace of mind is priceless.

    ✅ Bottom Line: Fire Resistant Type X drywall is the smart choice when you want safety, strength, and sound control in one package. For garages, basements, stairwells, or any area where fire safety matters, it’s a reliable upgrade that protects your home and family.

  When This Board Really Shines

  • Not every project calls for heavy-duty drywall — but when safety, durability, and sound control matter most, the ToughRock Fireguard Type X panel is in a league of its own. Here are the scenarios where it really proves its worth:

    🔥 Creating Fire-Rated Barriers

    This is where Type X drywall earns its reputation. In garages, utility rooms, stairwells, and between living spaces, it provides an essential fire barrier. By slowing down flames and heat transfer, it buys valuable time in emergencies — often meeting the 1-hour fire rating required by code.

    🏠 Separating Living Spaces

    If you’re finishing a basement apartment, building a rental unit, or working on a townhouse, this board is a must. It helps you meet code requirements between units while adding sound control for greater privacy.

    🎧 Reducing Noise Transfer

    Beyond fire resistance, the thicker core provides excellent sound dampening. That makes it ideal for home theaters, offices, or bedrooms where peace and quiet are essential.

    🛠️ High-Traffic or Hard-Use Areas

    Because it’s denser and stronger, Type X drywall holds up better than thinner boards. It’s less prone to sagging on ceilings and provides added toughness in busy areas like hallways or stairwells.

    ✅ Code-Driven Projects

    In many cases, you don’t have a choice — building inspectors require Type X drywall for certain spaces. Choosing Fireguard upfront ensures your project passes inspection and stays compliant.

    ✨ Bottom Line: This board really shines in any project where fire safety, strength, and sound control intersect. Whether you’re finishing a garage, upgrading a rental, or just want the peace of mind that comes with safer walls, the ToughRock Fireguard Type X panel delivers.

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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