Greenboard vs Fireboard: Advantages and Disadvantages

Written by Avantica David
on May 04, 2010

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Reviewed by
Charles Ramos, Jr.
on Mar 05, 2021

Greenboard is a type of drywall. Nowadays, interior walls, as well as ceilings, are constructed with panels made of gypsum plaster that is pressed between two sheets of thick paper and dried in a kiln. These panels are known as drywall. Drywall is one of the most basic materials used in building and construction. Today, there are various types of drywall available in the market.

Most people opt for the standard drywall in most of their applications. It is, however, better to make an informed decision and be aware of the alternatives that are available. Both greenboard and fireboard are similar in that they are both types of drywall, they can both be cut with the help of a saw, and they can both be used in similar situations. However, they are also very different. The difference lies in their compound properties and their make-up.

Greenboard – Advantages and Disadvantages

Greenboard is very similar to regular drywall, with the exception of the following two aspects. Greenboard is covered with a green-colored paper (from which it derives its name), and this paper is water-resistant. It's available in sizes that are different from regular drywall, and it is preferably used in areas such as the basement, bathrooms, etc., as these areas are generally prone to dampness and humidity. And it can be used on both floors and ceilings.

However, you should avoid using greenboard in areas that get wet as this might cause mold to grow or even lead to a total failure of your product. Greenboard is not resistant to fire, and thus, it should not be used in places like the kitchen, where chances of a fire are slightly higher.

Fireboard – Advantages and Disadvantages

Fireboard, on the other hand, is made using materials that are non-combustible as well as glass fibers. It also has a gypsum core. It does not disintegrate as your regular drywall does due to the fibers it contains. In short, fireboards do not disintegrate as easily as drywall and make for a good barrier in the case of a fire.

Fireboard also has properties that are resistant to moisture and can be used in rooms where the moisture content is very high such as your basement, bathrooms, etc. Moreover, fireboards also have sound resistant properties, making them a good option for soundproofing. The sound protection provided by a fireboard compares to a number of layers of your regular drywall.

Fireboard is more expensive as compared to greenboard.