Using drywall alternatives like wood paneling or corrugated metal is a way to differentiate your home from other interior wall designs. Many drywall alternatives offer more durability and eco-conscious choices.

Every home has unique considerations, so we’ve pulled together a list of the most popular types of drywall alternatives that work in different circumstances. By exploring all of these alternatives to drywall, homeowners can discover solutions that work for their specific needs, budget, and design goals.

Why Choose Drywall Alternatives?

Builders choose drywall because it is inexpensive and easy to install. Even though it is common for interior walls, it is not always the best option for everyone because of certain design aesthetics or durability concerns. Drywall absorbs a lot of moisture so it is not a good wall choice for areas that are damp, like basements and closed bathrooms. In areas like this, moisture-resistant drywall alternative options like fiber cement board are more durable.

Drywall alternatives also offer you the chance to be creative with your interior design. You can consider all sorts of wall coverings, from corrugated metal to rammed earth panels and solid wood options depending on your budget, DIY skills, and longevity needs.

Popular Drywall Alternatives

There are numerous alternative drywall options, each offering unique advantages based on factors such as aesthetics, ease of installation, and environmental impact.

Wood PanelingPlywood3D Panel OptionsExposed Stone, Brick, or Concrete BlockVeneer Surface OptionsConcrete OptionsVeneer PlasterRammed Earth PanelsCorrugated MetalFiber Cement Panels and Boards

1. Wood Paneling

Trimming walls with wood is one of the most stylish trends in wall covering. Wood offers more warmth, texture, and interest than drywall. Wood panels are popular with farmhouse and rustic home decor styles. Wood panels also offer options for sleek and contemporary design. Some wood panel options include shiplap, beadboard, tongue and groove, reclaimed wood, and geometric patterns.

Pros:

Aesthetic appeal – Offer a timeless, natural, and custom look that is unique from standard wall surfacesTexture and depth – Give walls texture and depth, breaking up the monotony of flat walls and adding visual interestVariety of styles – Takes different forms such as shiplap and beadboard surfaces to enhance a wide variety of interior styles including farmhouse, rustic, industrial, Scandi, and contemporaryAcoustic benefits – Help to improve the acoustics of walls because it absorbs and diffuses soundEase of installation – Easy for many DIY enthusiasts to install depending on the type and style of the panels

Cons:

Cost – Can be expensive depending on the type and quality of the woodTrend considerations – Styles such as shiplap may date your home more quickly than standard drywall designsDarkening – Stained wood or reclaimed wood absorbs light and makes rooms appear darkerEnvironmental concerns – Use sustainable and conscientiously harvested wood to mitigate environmental concerns

2. Plywood

Plywood is a type of wood sheet that manufacturers create by layering thin sheets of wood together. Plywood is less expensive than wood panels because it is not solid wood. You need to pay attention to how you finish the edges of plywood panels because an open cut leaves the layers exposed.

Pros:

Natural aesthetic – Attractive grain and texture provide a natural beauty and characterAffordability – Less expensive than solid wood paneling, while still giving the interior a warm and textured lookStrength and durability – Stronger and more durable than drywall, and less prone to damage than drywall, so it is suitable for high-traffic areasEase of installation – Easy for the average DIYer to install using nails, screws, or wall adhesive

Cons:

Limited texture options – Does not offer the same range of textures and designs as wood panel optionsSurface imperfections – Panels may have knots and grain irregularities that are not attractive on wall surfacesMoisture sensitivity – Must be sealed so that it does not warp and expand when exposed to moistureWeight – Heavier than drywall, so the surface must be able to support the extra weight

3. 3D Panel Options

3D wall panels are decorative wall panels made from diverse materials such as PVC, gypsum, metal, wood, or MDF. These panels have interesting three-dimensional designs ranging from natural-looking textures like wood panels to geometric shapes. These are popular in commercial spaces to heighten the visual interest and impact of a wall surface.

Pros:

Visual interest – Adds depth and texture that can radically transform the style of the roomDesign versatility – Available in a variety of forms that can work with diverse design stylesEasy installation – Many types designed for easy installationAcoustic qualities – Can provide acoustic insulation depending on the wall panel materialHides surface imperfections – Fit over a variety of wall surfaces and hide imperfections like bumpy or sloping walls

Cons:

Cost – Can be more expensive than flat wall surface options because of intricate designs or premium material useLimited coverage – All types may not be suitable for full coverage on perpendicular walls because of their dimensional textureMaintenance – May need extra maintenance because the crevices and groove collect dust and debrisDesign trends – May date more quickly than flat wall surfacesInstallation expertise – Some intricate wall panels will require professional installation

4. Exposed Stone, Brick, or Concrete Block

Stone, exposed brick, or a concrete block surface as a drywall alternative are popular design options. Whether it is a small accent wall or a larger portion of the main living area, the uneven character and warmth of brick, block, or stone walls provide an unmatched textural base for a room.

Pros:

Aesthetic appeal – Add unique texture and interest to interior walls that fit a variety of design styles without ever looking datedFire resistant – Naturally fire-resistantAcoustic benefits – Natural density provides good acoustic insulationDurability – Ideal for high-traffic wall areas as they will not damage and will last for centuries

Cons:

Moisture – Porous material that absorbs moisture, so sealing is necessaryCost – Materials and installation is more expensive than drywallWeight – Weighty materials, so the wall surface must be able to support the weight

5. Veneer Surface Options

Veneer wall options are thin layers of certain materials that homeowners can use to enhance walls. Some veneer options include materials like stone, brick, wood, tile, metal, or cork. Veneers offer a way to achieve a natural surface like stone or brick at a fraction of the cost and weight of the real thing.

Pros:

Aesthetic variety – Allows you to replicate the surface of many wall types including stone, brick, wood, and tile.Cost – Much less expensive to buy and install than authentic brick, stone, and woodWeight – Lightweight compared to their authentic counterparts, requiring less structural supportEasy installation – Less work to install compared with true thickness material

Cons:

Durability – Not as durable as authentic materials like brick, stone, and woodAuthenticity – Lack the full depth and texture of authentic materialsWall preparation – Requires extensive wall preparation to get the surface flat enough to make sure the veneer adheres well to the wall

6. Concrete Options

Fans of the modern minimalist, or industrial look may be drawn to concrete interiors. Concrete wall surfaces are prefabricated and available in size options such as panels, planks, or tiles.

Pros;

Aesthetic appeal – Enhanced design appeal for styles such as modern, contemporary, minimalist, and industrialTexture – Amazing amount of textural variety including smooth, rough or imitating the surface of another materialDurability – Can withstand impact and wear as well as moisture and fire-resistantAcoustic insulation – Density provides excellent sound insulation

Cons:

Weight – Heavy, so they require extra support during installation and for base wall supportCost – More expensive upfront due to the extra cost of materials and installationDesign limitations – Not as many concrete wall design options as other materials and may date sooner than drywall wall surfaces

7. Veneer Plaster

Veneer plaster walls involve coating a base wall layer with a thin layer of plaster. Thin-coat plaster walls are popular with homeowners who want to give their walls a historic style, such as Italianate or traditional. Common base wall materials include drywall but also concrete boards, cement backer boards, masonry walls, wood lathes, and fiber cement boards.

Pros:

Seamless finish – Creates a smooth and seamless finish on base walls that results in a high-end lookDurability – More durable than standard drywall, naturally fire-resistant, and less prone to crackingCustomization – Can be customized in terms of texture, color, and sheen

Cons:

Cost – More labor intensive and requires professional installationCuring time – Requires multiple coats with a drying and curing time between each coatMoisture sensitivity – Susceptible to moisture if it is not properly sealed

8. Rammed Earth Panels

Rammed earth panels are wall panels made from earth materials like soil, gravel, and sand, mixed with a stabilizing material such as cement. Rammed earth panels are prefabricated, meaning that they are made off-site and then brought to the building site and assembled into wall sections.

Pros:

Sustainability – Panels contain locally sourced natural materialsBuilding speed – Off-site prefabrication leads to greater efficiency during the building processThermal mass and insulation – Excellent thermal mass and insulation properties which allow for greater thermal efficiency and sound controlAesthetic appeal – Unique and organic appearance that showcases the colors and textures of the earth

Cons:

Cost – Rarity, transportation, and professional assembly increase the initial cost, though will generate long-term savingsComplex assembly – Skilled labor is necessary for wall transportation, alignment, sealing, and finishingStructural considerations – Adequate support is necessary to ensure walls are securely attached and structurally sound

9. Corrugated Metal

Corrugated metal walls are thin layers of metal with a wavy or ribbed pattern. This wall option has a distinct look that is ideal in industrial or farmhouse design styles. You can find corrugated metal in different materials, including steel, copper, and aluminum. For a more eco-conscious choice look for recycled corrugated metal sheets or panels to use on your walls.

Pros:

Aesthetic – Unique wall material that enhances certain design styles like industrial and farmhouseDurability – Highly durable, withstanding impact and abrasionsVariety of finishes – Available in a variety of finishes including galvanized, rusted, and paintedEasy installation – Easy to installRecyclability – Highly recyclable, reducing its environmental impact and product sustainability

Cons:

Heat absorption and radiation – Absorb and radiate heat which can lead to hot temperatures indoorsInsulation needs – Metal conducts heat, so extra insulation may be requiredSound transmission – Transmits and radiates sounds, so not suitable for environments where silence or quiet is desiredRust and corrosion – Untreated metal will corrode over time in humid environmentsDesign constraints – Limited design style

10. Fiber Cement Panels and Boards

Fiber cement materials are a composite made from cement, sand, cellulose, fiber, and water. Builders commonly use fiber cement boards as exterior siding, but you can also use these and the panels for interior walls.

Pros:

Durability – Highly durable to rot, moisture, fire, termites, and wear, so it can withstand harsh environments in interior and exterior spacesLow Maintenance – Requires minimal maintenance such as painting and is easy to cleanAesthetic variability – Variety of textures, finishes, and colors, offering some design flexibilityDimensional stability – Maintains shape and appearance without warping or bending in fluctuating weather conditionsSustainability – Made from recycled and sustainable materials, reducing its environmental impact

Cons:

Weight – Heavy, so it requires extra structural support on the wallsInstallation expertise – Requires proper installation to avoid issues such as moisture infiltration or detachment of the panelsCost – More expensive to buy and install than drywallCorners and edges – Requires special treatment along the corners and edges to get a polished finishStyle limitations – Will not suit every design style or have the same appeal and texture as natural drywall alternatives like wood or stone