At this point of the build, you’re really getting close to the finish line. You’d think that all the dirty work is over and it’s pretty well smooth sailing from this point on. Well, maybe. I’d save the champagne for later.

So you’ve washed the insulation off you, now you can cover it up and forget this stage ever happened. Typically there are two ways you cover this up – drywall or wood.

Drywall

Before drywall existed, a process called lath and plaster was extensively used. This process involved nailing strips of wood called lath onto the studs creating a substrate for plaster to adhere to. This process took a great amount of time and a great set of skills to do.

In 1916, the U.S. Gypsum Corporation introduced Sheetrock®, which revolutionized the construction industry. Sheetrock® signaled a significant change from the traditional plastering methods, making the process more efficient, cost effective, easy to install while adding fire resistance.

Today, drywall is the most cost-effective way to finish the inside of your home, therefore it is the most widely used.

Wood

More often seen in cottages or older homes, wood interior panelling offers attractive, textured, and stylish finish. These wood cladding styles can be used both on the exterior or the interior. There are many profiles to choose from (like V-groove, shiplap, board and batten etc.) and for the most part can be applied horizontally or vertically .

With the use of drywall, wood cladding is not as widely used due to cost, but many are using this finish on “feature walls” to add character into the space. 

Drywall on Moveable homes

Drywall is not an ideal product to use on structures that will be subject to a lot of movement as it may crack. Though easy enough to repair, it won’t be our choice of material to use as it will not add rigidity to the wall either. Drywall is also heavier than wood, so installing drywall will add more weight to a tiny home on wheels with limited load capacity.

Drywall Tips:

1. Remember the mask you put on while insulating? Clean it up and put it on again.
2. Drywall is susceptible to mould when exposed to water/moisture. Ensure that you use moisture resistant drywall boards in areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
3. Grab a friend and install the ceiling sheets first before installing the walls.
4. When driving screws in, don’t go through the paper. The paper on the sheet is what gives drywall its structural integrity. Countersink the screw head just enough that you can put mud over it.
5. Create the least amount of joints possible. Why? Because this will make life easier during the mudding part.

Wood Cladding Tips:

1. If you’re staining, stain prior to installation. This will give you a nicer and even staining result.
2. Ensure that the first board you install is either plumb or level. This board will determine how the rest of the wall will look like.
3. Never start with one full board. Work out the math so that you don’t end up with the last piece being 2” wide. This is just straight up, not going to look good.
4. Always keep ¼” gaps between your boards where they meet on the inside corners. This will give the wood a space to expand and contract without interfering with the board perpendicular to it.
5. Nail where you can hide it with the next board. You wouldn’t want to go back to fill all the holes you made.