Got talked into using drywall with recycled materials for a basement redo, and honestly, I can’t tell if it’s really any different from the regular stuff. It seemed a bit more crumbly when we cut it? Or maybe that’s just in my head. Anyone else tried this “green” drywall and noticed any quirks, good or bad? Did it hold up for you over time?
USING ECO-FRIENDLY SHEETROCK FOR A RENO—WORTH IT?
It seemed a bit more crumbly when we cut it? Or maybe that’s just in my head.
You’re not imagining things. I’ve noticed the same thing with recycled-content drywall—especially the stuff with higher post-consumer content. It’s definitely a little softer around the edges, and sometimes you get more dust or those weird flaky bits when you score it. Not a dealbreaker for me, but it does feel different compared to the classic stuff.
On the plus side, I love knowing there’s less waste going into landfills. In my last project, we used eco-board in a wine cellar (humidity was a concern), and honestly, it’s held up just fine after two years. No warping or weird smells. If anything, I think the finish coat went on smoother than usual.
I will say, if you’re doing any fancy trim or built-ins, just be gentle with your fasteners—over-tightening can crush the edges more easily than regular sheetrock. But for most walls? It’s been solid for me. The peace of mind from using greener materials is worth a little extra care during install, at least in my book.
USING ECO-FRIENDLY SHEETROCK FOR A RENO—WORTH IT?
I’ve run into that crumbly edge thing too, especially when I was working on a multi-unit build last year. It’s a bit of a trade-off, but honestly, I’ll take a little extra dust if it means less environmental impact. Curious if anyone’s noticed any difference in soundproofing with the eco stuff? That’s one area I haven’t really tested yet, and it’s a big deal for some of my projects.
Curious if anyone’s noticed any difference in soundproofing with the eco stuff? That’s one area I haven’t really tested yet, and it’s a big deal for some of my projects.
Honestly, I’ve tried a couple of the “green” drywall brands on mid-rise projects, and I’ll be blunt—the soundproofing isn’t quite on par with the standard stuff. You can get close if you double up or use extra insulation, but that adds cost and labor. For me, it comes down to what the client values more: sustainability or dead-quiet walls. If it’s a rental or condo, I usually stick with traditional for that reason. The eco options are getting better, but they’re not quite there yet in terms of noise control.
Honestly, I’ve tried a couple of the “green” drywall brands on mid-rise projects, and I’ll be blunt—the soundproofing isn’t quite on par with the standard stuff.
USING ECO-FRIENDLY SHEETROCK FOR A RENO—WORTH IT?
Appreciate the feedback on soundproofing. That lines up with what I’ve seen—if you want solid noise reduction, you’re still better off with the classic stuff or adding extra layers, which kind of defeats the “eco” angle if you’re doubling up. I haven’t noticed major durability issues yet, but the crumbly edges when cutting are real. Maybe it’s just a tradeoff for now until the tech catches up. For resale, I doubt buyers would notice unless you point it out.