What is the difference between drywall and plasterboard and do Toronto contractors use them interchangeably?

Drywall and plasterboard are the same product with different regional names — Toronto contractors use these terms interchangeably, though "drywall" is far more common in the GTA construction market.

In the Toronto construction industry, you'll hear both terms used for the same gypsum-based wallboard, but "drywall" dominates local usage by about 90%. Most GTA contractors, suppliers, and homeowners say "drywall" when referring to the standard 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch gypsum board used throughout residential and commercial construction. "Plasterboard" is more commonly used in the UK and some Commonwealth countries, but you'll occasionally hear older Toronto contractors or those with European backgrounds use this term.

The product itself is identical — sheets of gypsum plaster core sandwiched between paper facings, manufactured by companies like CertainTeed, Georgia-Pacific, and USG. Whether you call it drywall, plasterboard, wallboard, or gypsum board, you're referring to the same building material that forms the interior walls and ceilings in virtually every GTA home built since the 1950s.

Regional terminology differences do exist within the Toronto construction market. Contractors who learned the trade in Europe or worked with European-trained tradespeople might say "plasterboard," while those trained in North America almost exclusively say "drywall." Some older Toronto contractors use "wallboard" or "gypsum board," particularly when discussing specifications or dealing with building inspectors who prefer the technical terminology.

Material suppliers in the GTA typically list products as "drywall" in their pricing and inventory systems. Home Depot, Lowes, and local suppliers like Federated Co-operatives or Winroc all use "drywall" in their product descriptions and pricing. However, the same suppliers will understand if you ask for "plasterboard" — they're selling the same CertainTeed or USG sheets regardless of what you call them.

The confusion sometimes extends to related products that are technically different. True plaster (the wet-applied lime or gypsum mixture used in pre-1945 Toronto homes) is a completely different material and installation process than modern drywall. Many heritage Toronto neighbourhoods like Cabbagetown, Riverdale, and the Annex still have original plaster-and-lath walls, which require specialized repair techniques and materials. When contractors discuss "plaster repair" versus "drywall installation," they're talking about fundamentally different approaches.

For GTA homeowners planning projects, using either term will be understood, but "drywall" will get you faster, clearer communication with local contractors. When getting quotes for basement finishing, garage conversions, or ceiling repairs, ask for "drywall installation" rather than "plasterboard installation" to align with local terminology. This is particularly important when discussing specific products like "Type X fire-rated drywall" for garage separations or "moisture-resistant drywall" for bathrooms — these technical specifications are universally referenced using "drywall" terminology in Ontario Building Code documentation.

The practical takeaway is that Toronto contractors understand both terms but default to "drywall" in estimates, contracts, and day-to-day communication. Whether you're finishing a Scarborough basement, removing popcorn ceiling in a North York bungalow, or repairing water damage in a downtown condo, the material specifications, installation techniques, finishing levels, and costs remain identical regardless of terminology.

Need help finding a drywall contractor for your Toronto-area project? Toronto Drywall Installers can match you with local professionals who understand both the technical requirements and regional terminology preferences in the GTA market.