20 Alternatives to Regular Drywall Walls & Ceilings

Are you curious about making different choices for your walls and ceilings instead of regular drywall?

We’re here to show you some great alternatives to drywall that can give your spaces a fresh and exciting look!

While drywall is commonly used, there are other materials you can use that have special benefits.

From wood panels to modern 3D tiles, these options can change how your rooms look and make them more practical too.

You’ll learn about things like stylish shiplap, affordable plywood, and strong cement boards that can fit different styles and needs.

Whether you want a cozy, old-fashioned feeling, something tough, or stuff that’s easy to put up, this guide will show you lots of choices.

By learning about these options, you can pick the best things to cover your walls and ceilings. 

Let’s check out these options together and get creative with how we design the insides of buildings!

1. Plastic Sheets

Plastic sheets are a good choice instead of regular drywall because they’re light and cheap. You can find them in different looks, prefer smooth or bumpy, so they work for all kinds of designs. Putting up plastic sheets is simple – you just need glue or basic mounts. They don’t get hurt by wetness, which means they’re good for places like bathrooms and kitchens. These plastic sheets are really good other options for drywall because they’re easier to use, they don’t cost as much, and you can use them in lots of different ways.

Whether you choose a smooth style or something with more bumps, plastic sheets have you covered. This could be helpful to people who are looking for non-drywall solutions. They stick on the wall easily, and you can put them in rooms where things might get a bit wet without worrying. It’s one of the best alternatives to drywall.

2. Pegboard

Pegboard is like a super helper for keeping things organized and looking nice. It’s made from a special kind of board with lots of tiny holes, like a big cheese grater. This board is strong and tough. You can hang up your tools, pretty things, or even small shelves on it very easily. And guess what? You can change it however you want and even paint it to match your room’s style.

People prefer pegboards, especially in places where they work on projects or make crafts. Like in workshops or rooms where people get creative. It’s super good at helping you keep everything neat. If you’re thinking about walls, you might know about drywall. These are also good alternatives to drywall as well as wall paneling options. But there are other options too, like pegboard.

3. Insulated Panels

Insulated panels act like super walls that keep your space comfy. These layers trap heat and cold, which makes your room feel just right. You can set up these panels easily, and they help you save energy by keeping your place warm in winter and chill in summer. They’re awesome for homes and even big buildings. Insulated panels are like magical walls that make your space feel super friendly and comfy.

Think of them as huge sandwiches with different layers inside. These layers work wonders; they lock in warmth when it’s cold outside and keep things cool when it’s hot. This way, your room always feels perfect without using too much energy, and are good non-drywall solutions. Specially, these insulated panels can help in winter to keep the room at a normal temperature.

4. Wooden Planks

Wooden planks bring a nice feeling to any room. They can be put up flat or standing, and people often use them to make walls or ceilings stand out. It’s important to cover the wood properly so it doesn’t bend, and it’s a good idea to treat it to keep it safe from fire. When you’re thinking about other options instead of drywall, wooden planks are a good choice. They give a classic look and make your place feel comfortable.

You can put them on the wall straight across or up and down, and lots of times, they’re used to make one wall special. These wooden planks are considered one of the best alternatives to drywall and the best wall covering alternatives. When it comes to options instead of drywall, wooden planks are a good idea. They bring a classic look and a warm feeling to any place.

5. Masonry and Brick

If you want your space to have a tough look, you can let the walls made of bricks and stones show. This makes the inside feel bumpy and like it’s been around for a long time. You might have seen this kind of style in old factories turned into homes or city apartments. These kinds of walls are strong and can last a long time. People prefer to do this because it gives their place a unique look that’s not like regular walls.

Drywall is the usual stuff used to make walls inside houses. But using bricks and stones is the best option instead of drywall. Think of walking into a room where the walls are made of these substitute materials for walls. This is often considered by people looking for non-drywall solutions.

6. Textured Wall Paneling

Textured panels are like different puzzle pieces that make your walls look attractive and interesting. They add a 3D effect, which is like giving your walls a fun bump. Picture having walls that seem like they’re made of fancy stones, rough bricks, or comfy wood. These panels are like magic; they copy the look of these materials without needing them for real.

These panels are a fantastic choice as alternatives to drywall. Drywall can be a bit boring, right? But these textured panels add a splash of excitement to your home. They’re easy to put up and can change any room into a style haven. So, whether you’re decorating your living room, bedroom, or even your kitchen, these textured panels bring a touch of creativity.

7. Plaster

Long ago, people used an old method called plaster and lath to make walls. They would put plaster on a frame of wooden strips, making the walls classic looking. This was a common way to do it in the past. But did you know there are other choices to use instead of drywall? Drywall is what most people use now to make walls inside homes. It’s like big, flat pieces that you put together to make walls.

One interesting choice is shiplap. It makes a room feel old-fashioned. Another option is using wood panels. These are flat pieces of wood that cover the wall. If you are looking for alternatives to drywall, then this should be your choice. They can make a room look nice.

8. Plywood

Plywood sheets can work instead of drywall. They make your place look simple and nice, which fits well with today’s homes. To make them look good, you need to finish them the right way. When you decide what to use on the walls, most people pick something called drywall. You could also use plywood sheets instead. Plywood is strong wood glued together in layers. It might sound a bit fancy, but it’s just tough wood.

Here’s the best part, when you put plywood sheets on your walls, they look really neat and clean. These are also good alternatives to drywall and good wall paneling options. It’s like having a simple, smooth background for your furniture and decorations. They’re like a new way to cover walls, giving you that modern, clean look.

9. Fiberglass Composite Panels

These panels are durable and can handle wet places like bathrooms or utility rooms without any problem. They’re not bothered by moisture at all. They’re super easy to keep clean, which is great. Plus, you’ve got lots of colors to pick from, so you can choose the one that looks best in your space.

Drywall is what’s usually used to make walls, but these panels can step in and do the job just as well. They’re solid, and they don’t mind a little water, which is a big plus in places where things can get wet. So, if you want a good-looking option for your walls that won’t get all messed up by moisture, these panels are a top choice.

10. Veneer Plaster

Veneer plaster is a combo of two things, tough drywall and smooth plaster. Think of it as a way to make your walls stronger and extra smooth. This classy stuff is put on your walls in thin layers, creating a nice surface that you can color or give a textured design to. Drywall is like the usual stuff people use to build walls, but there are other cool picks too.

One pick is veneer plaster, as we already chatted about. Another choice is to use wall paneling options for covering your walls with special wooden boards. You can also use something called gypsum board, which is like drywall but a bit different. Another option is metal panels; they make your walls look modern and shiny. Lastly, there’s a pick called fiberboard; it’s durable and made from plant fibers. Veneer plaster is also one of the best alternatives to drywall.

11. Exposed Concrete Blocks

Rough and tough, exposed concrete blocks bring a different city feeling to the insides of buildings. They need good protection and covering to handle the temperature and stop problems with wetness. Taking care of them is important.

When we talk about exposed concrete blocks, we mean those rough, natural-looking blocks you might see in big cities. They give a stylish, modern look to rooms. But there’s a catch, these blocks can let in cold or heat, and they might get wet if we’re not careful. These exposed bricks look beautiful and are considered one of the best alternatives to drywall.

12. Corkboard

Cork panels offer a super cool way to silence noises and give you a spot to pin up your notes and awesome artwork. You can find them in places like home offices, play spaces, and places where you let your creative side loose. Think about being in your home office, trying to pay attention to your work, but there’s a bunch of noise around, people walking, chatting, and more.

That’s when cork panels come to save the day. They’re like superhero walls that trap the noise and make your space quieter, so you can focus way better. It’s like having a special wall that tells your story. These are good alternatives to drywall or the best wall-covering alternatives. And these are also low-cost wall finish alternatives to drywall.

13. Corrugated Metal

Corrugated metal panels provide a modern style for your indoor spaces. They have a wavy pattern and are often seen in trendy and industrial-style indoor designs. If you like modern and up-to-date interiors, you might like these panels. Think of walking into a room that feels like it’s from the future, where the walls aren’t plain and boring.

Instead, they have a rough and edgy look that quickly gets your attention. These corrugated metal panels are often chosen by people who want their interiors to stand out differently. It is also one of the alternatives to drywall. Speaking of being different, if you’re tired of regular walls made of drywall, these panels could be great options to try.

14. Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding panels can be used indoors to make things look nice and not need lots of work. They come in many colors and textures to choose from. These panels are also good for saving money. Instead of regular walls, think about using these vinyl panels inside your home. They’re a good choice if you want something easy to take care of and doesn’t cost too much. They’re different from drywall, which is what people usually use for walls.

Drywall can be a bit hard to work with, and it might need fixing often. But vinyl panels are strong and not too hard to take care of. You can keep them clean without too much trouble. And remember, you’ve got lots of choices for how they look. You can use this if you’re looking for a substitute material for walls.

15. Stone Walls

Natural stone panels bring a fancy and nature-connected feel to a room. They can make you feel like you’re in a special castle or surrounded by nature; it’s like magic. But, like a superhero needing a solid base, these panels also need help to stay put. They’re quite heavy, like a big elephant, and need good support from the building’s structure.

Think about giving your friend a piggyback ride; you need to be strong enough to carry them. And if you’re feeling brave, there are plenty of different choices instead of drywall that can give your space a whole new style. Stone walls are not the best alternatives to drywall, but it is lasting and durable.

16. Ceiling Panels

Ceiling panels, like tin or acoustic tiles, can add a different look and texture up above. They’re practical because they help with reducing noise and keeping hot inside. Tin tiles, for instance, are like shiny jigsaw puzzle pieces for your ceiling. They make things look interesting and less loud. They can keep sounds from the upper floors or outside from bothering you, which is nice.

Then there are those special sound-absorbing tiles. They’re like sponges for sound waves. Imagine wrapping yourself in a soft blanket; that’s what these tiles do for sounds. They make your place feel more peaceful by soaking up echoes and chattering sounds. These could be a good option if you are looking for a substitute material for walls or low-cost wall finish alternatives.

17. Basement Wall Finishing Systems

Special systems are created for basements, making them better in three important ways, insulation, handling dampness, and giving them a finished look. Let’s start with insulation. Insulation keeps temperatures steady. When it’s cold, it keeps warmth inside. When it’s hot, it keeps coolness in. The special systems have good insulation and are good substitute materials for walls, so basements feel comfy all the time.

Now, let’s talk about dampness. Basements can sometimes get wet, which can cause problems. But these special systems are built to handle wetness. They don’t get harmed, and they also stop bad things like mold from growing. Lastly, these systems make basements look complete.

18. Lath with Woodchip Clay

Think about an old-style European technique that uses a combination of wood chips and clay to create an attractive, textured wall with a pleasant feel. This special method brings out the beauty of natural substitute materials for walls and gives a unique touch that feels warm and inviting. It’s like giving your home a cozy hug.

Drywall is the usual stuff we use to build walls indoors, but there are other options you might like. For example, you could try wall paneling options. It’s like putting together a puzzle, and it can make your room look like a cozy cabin in the woods. Another option is using decorative plaster.

19. Fiberglass Mat Gypsum Panels

These unique panels are super because they can handle places that are often wet and humid. So, if you’re worried about yucky mold and moisture, these panels could be just what you need. They’re like a strong shield against these problems. Think about a room where things tend to get wet, like a bathroom or a basement. They don’t let the wetness in easily. It’s like they have really good protection.

For example, there are panels made from durable stuff that can handle wetness, just like the ones we talked about earlier. They are kind of like heroes for your walls and one of the best alternatives to drywall or best wall covering alternatives while keeping walls safe from the bad effects of wetness.

20. Cement Board Tape

Cement board is essential for bathrooms and kitchens. It’s the tough, dependable friend that helps your tiles stay in place and your walls safe from water damage. Imagine it as the foundation that holds everything together.

When you’re getting ready to add tiles to your bathroom or kitchen walls, cement board steps up to the plate. It’s like a shield against moisture, making sure that your walls don’t get all soggy and weak. There are some alternatives to drywall that can bring a new twist to your walls. One option is cement board, which we’ve already talked about. And it comes among the low-cost wall finish alternatives.

Conclusion

All in all, we’ve suggested you many choices besides regular drywall that you can use.

These choices can give you flexibility when it comes to building or renovating your space.

From wooden panels to innovative materials like gypsum boards and fiberglass, there’s a solution for every need.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, materials like reclaimed wood and recycled metal panels are worth considering.

They not only reduce environmental impact but also add glamour to your space.

Each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so take your time to research and choose your options.

Just remember, the choice you make depends on what you need, how much you can spend, and how you want things to look. 

Check out our different options to modify your drywall and turn your walls into a canvas for your unique creativity!