Thinking of giving your tiny house a facelift? Drywall might just be the solution you're looking for! Tiny homes have gained immense popularity in recent years (re: tiny house movement) due to their affordability, sustainability, and versatility. However, a burning question many homeowners have about tiny living is: 'Can you drywall a tiny house?'.

In fact, we had that very same question before we built our tiny house build. And guess what we used on our interior wall? Yup, you guessed it - drywall! And we haven't had any issues with it over the past three years!

In this article, we will jump right into the topic of drywall in tiny houses and provide some valuable tips and tricks to consider before undertaking such a project.

Can Drywall Be Installed in a Tiny Home?

The short answer is yes, drywall can be installed in a tiny home. Drywall is a widely used material for interior walls due to its affordability, ease of installation, and durability. It can be found in any major hardware store, such as Home Depot, Lowes, etc. 

Sheetrock provides a smooth and finished surface that can be painted or decorated according to personal preferences. However, there are certain factors unique to tiny homes, given their small space, that need special attention before proceeding with the installation.

Considerations for Installing Drywall in a Tiny Home:

Weight: One crucial factor to consider in a tiny home design is weight. Drywall is relatively heavy, and in a space where every pound is equivalent to a golden treasure, it's vital to ensure your tiny home's structure can bear the weight without compromising its integrity. 

If it's a tiny house on wheels or a shed that you are converting to a home, there are alternative options for interior walls (such as PVC wall panels) that help reduce the overall weight of your THOW. However, sheetrock is not out of the question for a THOW. 

Space Optimization: Tiny homes are all about maximizing space efficiency. Thinner drywall will save space and give you a few more inches for that cozy armchair you've been eyeing! So, consider using thinner sheets (like 1/4 inch) over the standard 1/2 inch ones if it makes sense for your specific build-out.

Moisture Resistance: No one wants a soggy wall! Moisture-resistant drywall (often referred to as green board or cement board, explicitly designed to resist water penetration) is your best friend in areas prone to turning into mini rainforests, like the bathroom or kitchen.

Flexibility: Given that some tiny homes might shake, rattle, and roll, it's essential to account for movement and vibrations during transportation. To prevent cracks or damage, use flexible drywall tape and joint compound specifically designed to accommodate some movement without compromising the wall's integrity. Our tiny house alternative foundation has "shifted" ever so slightly over the course of three years and has only resulted in one barely visible crack about 2" long—an easy repair.

Soundproofing: Noise reduction is essential in a confined space. Before installing drywall, consider adding an extra insulation layer between the studs to enhance the house's soundproofing capabilities. When we built our tiny house, we had extra rock wool insulation and decided just to put it all into the interior walls... we're very glad we did! It was probably one of the best "accidental decisions" we made during the construction of our tiny home.

Insulation Options: If you're still trying to figure out your options for insulation, consider Foam insulation or rigid foam. Both options are great, especially for soundproofing interior walls. Foam insulation, in particular, is also great for roof insulation, as well as insulating the exterior wall. Before you close the interior walls in with sheetrock, it's also typically a good idea to insulate wherever plumbing may be present.

Tips and Tricks for Installing Drywall in a Tiny Home:

Plan Ahead: Proper planning can save a lot of headaches later, especially when working with limited space. Creating a well-thought-out tiny house design is always a good idea. 

If you have a solid design for your tiny house building, it's time to execute the plan. 

Measure, double-check, and mark wall locations accurately. Don't forget to account for electrical outlets and other fixtures before installing the drywall. If you have surface areas that require "curves" in the drywall, hopefully, you know how to do that. If not, YouTube videos are your best friend! Or, pay someone else to do it, who knows how! =)

Seek Professional Advice: If you're scratching your head over the structural integrity or weight-bearing capacity of your tiny abode, don't hesitate to seek advice from a seasoned tiny home contractor or engineer. It's better to avoid mistakes than to make them and have to fix them later on. Installing new drywall is one thing - replacing or repairing existing drywall is quite another.

Use Lightweight Alternatives: If the weight of traditional drywall feels daunting, consider the featherweight champions of the drywall world, like gypsum boards, PVC panels, or magnesium oxide boards. They're light, efficient, and provide similar benefits.

Optimize Storage: In a tiny home, storage is gold. Prior to installing drywall, think about built-in storage solutions and include them in your overall design with intention. Recessed shelves, drawers, or cabinets can be a game-changer, blending seamlessly during the drywall installation. You'll thank me later for this one ;).

Conclusion:

Installing drywall in a tiny home is not only feasible but can also be a transformative experience for the interior. With careful consideration of weight, space, moisture, flexibility, and sound, you're well on your way to achieving a polished look for your compact living space. Ready to give your tiny home a fresh look with drywall? Or have you already taken the leap? Please share your experience with us!