Drywall Partitions vs. Masonry Walls (AAC/Brick)
One-line title (under image)
Drywall vs Masonry Walls
What they are
- Drywall partitions (stud + gypsum board): Non–load-bearing framed walls (metal/wood studs) with gypsum boards, optional acoustic/mineral wool infill.
- Masonry walls (AAC/brick): Solid block/brick walls built with mortar; can be load-bearing or non-load-bearing depending on design.
Quick take
- Speed & flexibility: Drywall is faster to build, easier to reconfigure and to route MEP.
- Mass & robustness: Masonry is heavier and more impact-resistant; good for abuse-prone zones.
- Acoustics & fire: Both can meet high ratings; masonry relies on mass, drywall uses layered build-ups and insulation.
- Thermal & moisture: AAC insulates better than brick; drywall needs proper moisture detailing in wet areas.
Where each fits best
- Drywall: Offices, residential interiors, hotels, clinics—any space needing speed, clean finishes, services access, future changes.
- Masonry (AAC/brick): Perimeter walls, shafts/cores, high-abuse areas, wet rooms with heavy fixtures, or where mass is desired.
Performance notes
- Load-bearing: Drywall is non-load-bearing; masonry can be load-bearing if designed.
- Acoustics: Masonry gains from mass; drywall achieves similar or better isolation using double layers, staggered studs, and acoustic infill.
- Fire: Gypsum boards are inherently fire-resistant; multi-layer drywall assemblies reach high fire ratings. Masonry is non-combustible and performs excellently under fire.
- Impact & fixings: Masonry accepts heavy anchors easily. Drywall supports heavy loads with backing plates/anchors if planned.
- Seismic: Lighter drywall reduces inertial loads; masonry needs proper reinforcement/ties.
- MEP routing: Drywall is simpler (inside stud cavities). Masonry needs chasing and patching.
Installation & program
- Drywall: Clean, dry trade; minimal curing; excellent speed and predictable quality.
- Masonry: Wet trade; requires curing and drying; more site logistics (mixing, cutting, hauling).
Finishes
- Drywall: Smooth, paint-ready quickly; easy to integrate reveals, access panels, concealed doors.
- Masonry: Robust substrate for tiles/heavy finishes; may need plaster/render for a perfect plane.
Moisture & wet areas
- Drywall: Use moisture-/mold-resistant boards, proper membranes, and detailing around showers.
- Masonry: Naturally tolerant; still needs waterproofing where water is present.
Costs (percentages only; Drywall = baseline 0%)
(Ranges vary by country, wall height/thickness, acoustic/fire rating, finishes, and site access.)
- Materials per m² (standard internal partition)
- Masonry AAC: +10–35% vs Drywall
- Masonry Brick: +25–60% vs Drywall
- High-spec Drywall (double layer + acoustic infill): +10–30% vs standard Drywall
- Labor & installation time
- Masonry AAC: +20–50% vs Drywall
- Masonry Brick: +40–80% vs Drywall
- High-spec Drywall: +5–20% vs standard Drywall
- Program/turnaround to paint-ready
- Masonry (AAC/Brick): typically +20–60% longer vs Drywall (curing, plastering)
- Structural load (dead load on slabs)
- Masonry AAC: +200–400% vs Drywall
- Masonry Brick: +400–900% vs Drywall
(Impacts slab design and seismic loads.)
- Change/modification later (rework cost impact)
- Masonry: +30–70% vs Drywall for comparable changes (openings, MEP reroutes)
Benefits (owner outcomes)
- Drywall: Faster handover, cleaner site, easy future changes, good acoustic/fire ratings with the right build-up.
- Masonry: High durability and perceived solidity, excellent anchor capacity, great performance in wet/abuse-prone areas.
Key risks & how to avoid them
- Acoustic leaks (both): Penetrations and junctions can ruin ratings. Fix: acoustic sealant, putty pads, boxed services, continuous detailing.
- Moisture (drywall): Wrong board or poor waterproofing in wet zones. Fix: moisture-/cement boards, membranes, correct trims.
- Cracking (masonry): Shrinkage/settlement or weak mortar. Fix: proper joints, curing, reinforcement/ties.
- Fixing loads (drywall): Heavy items without backing. Fix: specify plywood/metal backing at fix-point zones or use rated anchors.
- Planarity (masonry): Uneven walls increase finishing costs. Fix: string lines, quality control, plaster/render as needed.
Quick choice guide
- Speed, flexibility, easier MEP, lighter structure? → Drywall
- High abuse, heavy fixings, wet areas, mass required? → Masonry (AAC/Brick)
One-line FAQ
- Can drywall match masonry acoustically? Yes, with double layers, staggered/independent studs, and acoustic infill.
- Is AAC better than brick? For interiors, AAC is lighter and thermally better; brick is tougher and more impact-resistant.
- Bathrooms? Either works: use moisture-resistant drywall/cement board or masonry with proper waterproofing.
