What kind of drywall do you use around a fireplace?

Fire-rated Drywall Type X

It slows down the passage of fire rather than stops passage completely. The drywall has a total thickness of 5/8 inches and is reinforced with glass fibers to help it retard fire.

What material do you use around a fireplace?

Steel, concrete and stone are the most modern options, tile is a more traditional option, and brick can be either modern or traditional (depending on the design) for a fireplace surround.

Can drywall be used around a fireplace?

Drywall + Fireplace = House Fire

Unfortunately, this is highly flammable and is not an appropriate or safe fireplace surround. The sheetrock had to be removed and replaced with any type of non-combustible surround - stone, tile, marble, or metal.

Can you drywall around wood burning fireplace?

Most wood stove fires are caused because combustible materials are placed too close to a hot stove. Only use drywall that displays a UL (Underwriter's Laboratory) label, certifying that the drywall is fire-retardant and safe to use behind your wood stove.

What can I use for fireplace walls?

Non Combustible Building Materials Around Fireplace Opening

Can MDF be used around fireplace?

You can use paint-grade wood (such as MDF) or finish wood (cherry, maple, oak).

Is there fire resistant drywall?

Fireproof drywall is the common term; its industry name is Type X drywall. The thickness of this drywall is 5/8-inch, including all layers. Glass fibers are added to the board to help it slow down the fire. Also, because it is denser than normal gypsum and paper drywall, it takes longer for the fire to degrade it.

What is code for wood around fireplace?

The National Fire Code dictates that any combustible material (e.g., wood mantel or similar trim) must be at least six inches from the firebox opening. An additional inch of clearance is needed for every 1/8 inch the combustible material or trim protrudes.

What is the fire rating of 5/8 Sheetrock?

The 5/8-inch, “fire-code” drywall (called Type X) increases a wall's fire rating to a minimum of 1 hour, from the 30-minute rating for standard ½-inch drywall. And it's not just thickness that makes the difference.

Do you need backer board for fireplace?

If the surface is in poor repair or you don't want to apply a skim coat, cover it with backerboard. Backerboard must be used when applying tile to a metal surround because most metal surrounds are not strong enough to support the weight of tile.

What's the difference in sheetrock and drywall?

Drywall is a flat panel made of gypsum plaster sandwiched in between two sheets of thick paper. It adheres to metal or wood studs using nails or screws. Sheetrock is a specific brand of drywall sheet. These terms are often used interchangeably.

Is fire rated drywall combustible?

Yes, drywall is naturally non-combustible. It is made up of a material called gypsum. Gypsum contains 22% water; for this reason, drywall made of gypsum is fire retardant.

Can you use cement board around fireplace?

Using Hardiebacker on Fireplaces

It cannot be replaced and should not be covered up with more flammable materials. However, using fiber cement board like Hardieboard is acceptable in locations including the mantel and fireplace surround.

What do you put around a fireplace insert?

Generally speaking, fiberglass sealant strips are the most common sealant used in a variety of fireplaces in homes and residences. However, some home and property owners may opt to use refractory cement in lieu of fiberglass.

Can a fireplace surround be wood?

One of the most common materials used for fireplace surrounds can be wood.

How hot does a fireplace surround get?

In general, most fireplaces reach temperatures between 700 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. This can provide plenty of warmth for a room, but it's important to keep in mind that the temperature will vary depending on the type of fuel being used.

How do I know if my drywall is fire rated?

Type X drywall has special core additives that allow it to be used in fire rated designs and usually comes in 5/8” thickness. Type X drywall products will have a UL/ULC Marking printed on the back of each board identifying it as a fire-resistance rated board.

How do you know if a wall is fire rated?

If it's an exterior – an interior/exterior wall – an inside surface of an exterior wall, like a garage wall, then you would use a 5/8-inch-thick, fire-rated drywall.

How do I build a fireproof wall?

Attach a layer of plasterboard to the interior of the ICF wall. Use concrete screws to attach the plasterboard to the ICF wall. Plasterboard is rated for roughly half an hour of fire resistance on its own, and combined with the ICF wall, it will only make the total wall more fire resistant.

Is MDF fire resistant?

Fire safety of the whole panel, including veneer, lacquer and perforations. With veneer FR-MDF drops to fire class C or lower. FR-Lacquers can be used, but the salts and thicknesses required, make them non-clear.

Can you have shiplap around a gas fireplace?

For maximum security, consider using a noncombustible material in your fireplace surround before adding shiplap. Many people will use tile, marble, stone, brick, or steel as surround materials directly around the fireplace opening for their gas or wood-burning fireplaces.