Gypsum board (drywall) and cement board (fiber-cement board) are both sheet materials used for walls and ceilings, but they are not interchangeable. Choosing the wrong one leads to premature failure — especially in wet areas. Here is the practical comparison every buyer needs.
| Feature | Gypsum Board | Cement Board |
|---|---|---|
| Price per m² | US$0.70 – 1.25 (FOB China) | US$3.50 – 7.00 (FOB China) |
| Water resistance | Moisture-proof grades ≤10% absorption | 100% waterproof — suitable for exterior & wet areas |
| Fire performance | Class A1, up to 120-minute ratings | Non-combustible but lower insulation value |
| Weight | Lightweight (8–12 kg/m²) | Heavy (12–20 kg/m²) — structural rigidity |
| Cutting & installation | Fast — score & snap, drywall screws | Slow — requires scoring both sides, carbide tools |
| Surface finish | Ready for jointing & painting | Rough — needs coating/skimming for smooth finish |
| Best application | Interior walls, ceilings, dry areas, fire-rated partitions | Wet areas, exteriors, tiles substrate, showers, facades |
The rule of thumb is simple: interior, dry areas → gypsum board. Wet areas, tile substrates, exterior exposure → cement board. Gypsum board is faster, cheaper, and has superior fire ratings. Cement board is heavier, more expensive, but waterproof and ideal as a tile substrate in showers and on facades.
For interior wet areas that are not continuously wet — kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms — moisture-proof green gypsum board is a cost-effective middle ground. It resists moisture absorption (≤5%) and mold growth, is cheaper than cement board, and installs with standard drywall tools. Use cement board only for continuous water exposure (shower walls, exterior).
Working with a supplier who can provide both gypsum board and the full ceiling system (T-grid, screws, access panels) simplifies logistics and reduces freight cost per square meter. For large projects, one container can combine multiple product lines.