GKL or GVL – which is better and why?

Selecting the appropriate materials for building and remodeling projects is essential to guaranteeing their quality and longevity. Gypsum Fiber Board (GVL) and GKL (Gypsum Plasterboard) are two common choices for wall and ceiling coverings. Due to their distinct qualities and benefits, both materials can be used for a variety of projects.

GKL, commonly referred to as sheetrock or drywall, is extensively utilized because of its smooth finish and ease of installation. It’s made of two layers of paper with a gypsum core in the middle, which makes it flexible and lightweight. GKL provides a clean, easily paintable or wallpaperable surface, making it perfect for creating ceilings and partitions.

However, GVL has more strength and durability because it is composed of cellulose and gypsum fibers. Compared to GKL, this material is stronger and more fireproof, which makes it appropriate for high-traffic areas and settings where extra structural integrity is required. Additionally, GVL offers superior impact resistance and sound insulation due to its fibrous composition.

The particular needs of your project should be taken into account when choosing between GKL and GVL. Your decision will be influenced by elements like fire safety, moisture resistance, and load-bearing capacity. You can choose the material that best fits your needs for building and remodeling by being aware of the advantages and differences between each one.

What is drywall (gypsum plasterboard)

The word "drywall," which comes from the term "plasterboard sheet," refers to a range of sizes and thicknesses of building material composed of cardboard (construction paper) covered on both sides by a layer of hardened gypsum dough (core). Dry gypsum plaster, or drywall in English-speaking nations, is the second name.

In the latter part of the 1800s, the material was initially acquired in the United States of America. It was in the twentieth century that it took on its current look. Once more, the American Utsman was the inventor of the device.

Compound

GKL only includes organic components.

• gypsum (core) – 93%;
• paper (cardboard lining) – 6%;
• water, starch (in gypsum) and sheet coating – 1%.

Note that the amount of water shown is depleted. The hygroscopicity of the gypsum board causes the indicator to change considerably while it is operating.

Kinds

Customarily, gypsum board is separated into three categories:

• classic (standard). Denoted by the abbreviation GKL. Cardboard color gray. Blue markings. Used for finishing work in rooms with normal operating conditions;
• moisture resistant (GKLV). Resistance to moisture is acquired after impregnation of the gypsum mixture (before molding) with a special waterproofing compound, as a result of which the gypsum absorbs water 10 times less, while quickly releasing. Recently, antifungal additives have been added to impregnation. Green leaves with blue markings. Used in damp areas;
• fireproof (GKLO). The addition of fire retardants, and from leading manufacturers of crystallized water, gives the material high heat resistance – such sheets can resist open fire for up to an hour. Color is pink, the inscription is bright red.

A different kind that receives less attention is moisture-resistant gypsum board with enhanced fire resistance (GKLVO). It is made of a combination of fire and moisture resistance materials. It has a green paint job. The marking text is in red.

For your information, gypsum board has been referred to as "gypsum building boards" (GSP) in construction documentation since 2015.

Shape and sizes

The following sizes of sheets are available for purchase:

• thickness – 8.0; 9.5; 12.5; 14.0; 16.0 mm. The most popular are 9.5 and 12.5 mm;
• width – 120 and 60 cm (rarely 90 cm);
• length – 2.0; 2.5; 3.0; 3.5 and 4.0 m. The most popular sheets are 2.5 and 3 m long, which is mainly due to the height of the ceilings in the house (apartment).

Sheets that are rectangular in shape. variations in the side edges. It might be:

• straight – designated in the marking by the combination of letters PK;
• thinned (UK);
• semicircular (PLC);
• semicircular thinned (PLUK);
• rounded (ZK).

Purpose

Drywall is used to build different partitions and to level ceilings and walls. It can be covered with liquid wallpaper, decorative plaster, and wallpaper and tiles. Additionally, practically any kind of paint can be applied to the surface.

Manufacturers

The following brands have the highest quality gypsum board:

• "KNAUF";
• "Saint-Gobain" is a trademark of the Gyproc concern;
• "Lafarge";
• "Volma";
• "BelGips".

What is GVL (gypsum fiber sheets)

Building gypsum, fluffed waste paper (cellulose fibers firmly bind the set gypsum in all directions, giving the material high strength and viscosity), and technological additives are combined to create gypsum fiber sheets (GVL). Water is added to the mass, stirred, pressed into sheets, and then dried.

Compound

The gypsum fiber sheet is free of a cardboard shell and has a consistent structure. comprises:

• from gypsum – 80-85%;
• cellulose – 10-15% (most materials indicate 20%, but this is not so);
• special additives (they are also called technological additives) – 5%.

Kinds

Gypsum board, like drywall, comes in four varieties:

• simple (GVL). Used in rooms with moderate humidity and slight temperature changes;
• moisture resistant (GVLV) — thanks to hydrophobic additives, practically does not absorb water. Recommended by manufacturers for use in wet areas (bathroom, shower, kitchen);
• fire-resistant (GVLO). The material itself does not burn. But in some cases, increased fire-resistant qualities are needed, for example, for lining air ducts, communication shafts, wooden walls when working in a room with an open fire, etc.d.;
• moisture- and fire-resistant (GVLVO) types are available for saunas, baths, etc.e. for those premises where extreme operating conditions.

Because every sheet is gray, it is impossible to identify the type based on color. The plate’s back has markings that are helpful.

Furthermore, GVL can be

• polished (in the marking it is indicated by the letter “Ш”) – the operation is performed for painting;
• unsanded (NS) – for wallpaper, tiles, dry floor screed, etc.d.

Shapes and sizes

Gypsum fiber sheets can have the following dimensions, per GOST:

• thickness – 10.0; 12.5; 15.0; 18.0; 20.0 mm;
• width – 50.0; 100.0; 120.0 cm;
• length – 1.5; 2.0; 2.7; 3.0 m.

A sheet measuring 10 x 1500 x 1200 mm is regarded as standard for the general public.

Be aware that KNAUF offers items in different sizes. For instance, 120 x 120 x 2 cm floor slabs. You should check the label or ask the seller before making a purchase. The edge may be folded (FC) or straight (PC). You can use a carpenter’s plane to independently thin the sheet’s edge if necessary (for reinforcing tape).

Purpose

When it comes to building types and structural elements, gypsum fiber sheets are more versatile than gypsum boards. GVL is used as a base floor for tiles, linoleum, laminate, parquet, and parquet boards, as well as for leveling (cladding) walls, installing partitions, and lining ceilings in both residential and non-residential buildings, balconies and loggias, baths, and saunas.

Furthermore, the material finds extensive application in industrial construction.

Gypsum fiber board can be completed on the walls using:

• wallpaper – paper, vinyl and textile hold up well. Glue based only on methylcellulose. Problems arise with non-woven trellises;
• paints. Here, firstly, you need polished slabs (putty is expensive and labor-intensive due to several layers), secondly, you cannot paint with silicate-based paints;
• decorative plaster – gypsum solutions with additives from artificial resins are allowed;
• ceramic tiles.

It’s important to prime the surface before finishing.

Manufacturers

Principal brands used by GVL producers:

• “Knauf” – about 70% of the market in Russia and the CIS countries belongs to the products of this company;
• “Gyproc”, “Nida Gips”, “Rigips” – another 10% for three;
• "Volma";
• "BelGips";
• "GIFAS" and others.

Advantages and disadvantages

If you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of competing materials, making a decision is always simpler. By doing this, you can steer clear of unpleasant surprises both during and after operation.

GKL

Years of utilizing gypsum plasterboard have created a comprehensive list of benefits, with nothing extraneous or lacking:

• affordable price for mass buyers. This plus is one of the most important for families on a limited budget. At the same time, the quality of work and durability do not suffer;
• low thermal conductivity coefficient – 0.30-0.34 W/ (m×K). According to this indicator, the material is comparable to wood. In combination with insulation, an excellent thermal insulation layer is obtained;
• Easy to install: no experience required. The main thing is to know the principles of working with the material, which can be easily found on the World Wide Web;
• flexibility. Many will be surprised. After all, the material easily crumbles upon impacts or strong bends. On the one hand, this is true. On the other hand, with the help of gypsum plasterboard you can make any semicircular arches and complex installations (as evidenced by the photo below);

• fire resistance. The gypsum itself does not burn, but only melts at +1450°C. Only cardboard can burn. But after it is treated with fire retardants, it becomes difficult to burn (painted pink);
• moisture resistance. In fact, gypsum board absorbs moisture very well. However, processing sheets with special compounds makes it possible to use the material in rooms with high humidity (kitchen, bathroom);
• high level of maintainability – dents, cracks, through holes can be easily repaired. As a last resort, the damaged area is replaced;
• versatility. Can be mounted in any room (residential, non-residential) under any finish (wallpaper, paint, ceramic tiles);
• ecological cleanliness. The material contains no additives harmful to health;
• the ability to easily and simply hide communications. But the main thing here is not to overdo it and arrange inspection hatches at the points of connections or adjustments.

Although drywall has many benefits, it’s important to consider its drawbacks as well.

• fragility is the main problem of gypsum boards. Sheets may crack during handling (carry only vertically), transportation, installation. Therefore, special care is needed when working with slabs;
• low strength under weight loads – you can’t hang anything heavy on gypsum plasterboard partitions. It is necessary to provide embedded slabs made of OSB or plywood in advance at the fastening points. In addition, you can use molly dowels. But they have limited weight – for a slab with a thickness of 12.5 mm, such a mount can withstand from 16 to 25 kg of load. This way you can hang a cornice and a TV, but there are no kitchen cabinets or shelves;
• low level of sound insulation, which is important for partitions – even a whisper is perfectly audible. Exit in mineral wool insulation (not polystyrene foam) between plasterboard sheets.

The reduction in space is another disadvantage, albeit one that is shared by the materials under comparison. This is particularly apparent in homes or apartments with low ceilings that are small in size.

Important: according to some experts, one drawback of not being able to cover dacha walls with gypsum sheets is that they will eventually tear in the winter from the lack of heat. It is difficult to concur with this. First of all, excessive humidity scares plasterboard instead of frost, which rips away moist sheets. Second, you can use drywall modifications that are moisture-resistant (GKLV). Thirdly, wintertime indoor humidity is lower than summertime humidity. Consequently, you can thoroughly dry the room and seal it for the winter following a wet autumn.

GVL

Own your advantages, and for GVL:

• high strength allows you to hang heavy objects on vertical structures (a simple self-tapping screw holds up to 30 kg of load), and on the floor to use it as a base under linoleum, parquet, laminate or tiles;
• The presence of viscosity, firstly, allows you to cut material without dust-does not crumble, and secondly, to tighten the fasteners without dowels-it will stay like in wood;
• low heat transfer coefficient, which allows you to use the material as a heater;
• good level of sound insulation – perfectly absorbs air and shock sound waves. This is confirmed by measurements: the noise force falls by 35-40 dB;
• fire resistance – does not burn, but only charred. Therefore, it is used as the protection of wooden structures;
• moisture resistance of sheets processed with special compositions (GVVV) is the same as that of cement-sand mortar;
• High frost resistance makes it possible to use in the country and in unheated rooms;
• Hygroscopicity allows, like wood, to regulate humidity in the room. With an increase in the amount of vapor -shaped moisture, it is absorbed by GVL, with a decrease – it is easily given;
• can be used in a “warm floor” system, but only from below;
• the material is safe in all respects – when heated, it does not emit harmful substances and does not contain allergens;
• there are no restrictions on use: private houses, apartments, cottages, unheated rooms, horizontal and vertical surfaces;
• easy to install – the work can be performed by a home craftsman without the help of specialists;
• not subject to deformation (change in linear dimensions) under the influence of temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Additionally, there are imperfections that you should be aware of:

• the price is prohibitive for some segments of the population;
• high specific gravity, as a result of which an assistant is needed during installation. Even though they are smaller in size than drywall, the sheets are much heavier;
• moisture-resistant gypsum fiber sheets can be affected by rot in places with constant high humidity;
• does not bend – can only be used on flat surfaces.

Technical and operational characteristics

Although gypsum is the base material, different technologies are used to produce gypsum boards, which in turn have different properties. For ease of reference, Table 1 provides a summary of all significant indicators.

Table 1 lists the fundamental technical and functional properties of materials.

Indicators / Materials	Drywall	Gypsum fiber sheets
Density, kg/m3	735-900	no more than 1250
Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/m*C	0.30-0.36	up to 0.36
Swelling in thickness over 24 hours, %	3	1.8
Hardness, MPa	5	at least 20
Impact strength, kJ/cm2	0.5-0.8	5
Ability of 12.5 mm thick material to hold a load on one screw (vertical surface), kg	7	40.8
Dry bending strength, MPA	2	5
Flexural strength in wet condition, MPa	0.01	0.3
Compressive strength, MPa	to 10	at least 10
Flammability class	G1 (low-flammability)	NG (non-flammable)

Be aware that information regarding the molly dowels that were inserted into the gypsum plasterboard could not be located during the project. They support up to 25 kg of weight in drywall. This number is obviously many times higher in gypsum fiber sheets, where a basic self-tapping screw can support up to 40.8 kg.

What is the main difference

Even with the gypsum foundation, the materials differ greatly:

• drywall is a three-layer sandwich made of paper and gypsum, GVL is a single piece of hardened gypsum mortar;
• The strength of gypsum fiber is many times higher. You can hang kitchen cabinets on it, which is excluded with gypsum board;
• GVL is less natural – contains magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride. But these components of the composition are harmless;
• drywall has a much smaller scope of application;
• When cut with a knife, gypsum plasterboard crumbles and becomes dusty when working with a grinder; gypsum board is cut without residue;
• breaks differently when cut: drywall down, gypsum fiber upward. Small thing, but important. If you don’t follow the technology, you won’t get smooth edges;
• It’s difficult to work alone with GVL due to the heavy weight. Need an assistant;
• plasterboard is puttied before wallpapering. For GVL such an operation is unnecessary. Here only the joints and heads of hardware are sealed;
• gypsum fiber sheets are more difficult to bend. Therefore, they are difficult to use for curved surfaces;
• heavy gypsum fiber boards need to be mounted on a stronger sheathing. Therefore, it is necessary to use a metal profile with a thickness of at least 0.5 mm.

Comparison of characteristics

Making a decision is impossible when all that is available are the advantages and disadvantages of the materials. A comparative study of the important indicators is required. Experts take into account the subsequent selection standards:

• price;
• density;
• strength;
• ease of installation;
• thermal insulation properties;
• sound insulation level;
• flexibility;
• environmental friendliness;
• sheet weight.

Cost. Cost is the most crucial consideration when selecting any building material. In this case, drywall clearly has an advantage. Its sheets are about two to five times less expensive than those of its rival. Thus, it is possible to purchase 1 m 2 of gypsum board (standard options are compared) for 70 rubles and more. Additionally, the cost of a sheet of gypsum fiber in the same area will range from 180 to 360 rubles per square meter, depending on the material’s polished or unpolished edge and surface.

It’s important to understand that moisture- and fire-resistant alternatives are comparable in price to regular gypsum plasterboard, and in certain circumstances, even more so. However, we stress this once more in comparison to basic gypsum fiber slabs that do not contain any additives. The cost of upgraded GVL options ranges from 750 to 910 rubles per square meter.

In conclusion, GVL is either purchased with an infinite amount of money for repair work or, if required, for instance, lifting or leveling the floor’s base in areas where gypsum board is not used.

Density. The density indicator has an impact on the sheet’s weight and fastener holding capacity, including self-tapping dowels, screws, and nails. Giving clear evaluations using this criterion is challenging. GVL (cm table 1) has a greater specific gravity, which is unquestionably advantageous when leveling kitchen walls because it makes hanging kitchen drawers on self-tapping screws a cinch. In other rooms: minus: challenging to use. Need assistance to cut and lift; difficult.

Conclusion: It is impossible to say with certainty which is better for walls, GVL or GKL, based on the criteria provided. It is essential to assess the information with particular regard to the workplace. The ceiling scenario is the same. However, the high density of gypsum fiber boards is an indisputable benefit for the floor.

Resilience. The same thickness of gypsum layer in GKL is brittle, cracks readily, and can’t bear dynamic (impact) loads before holes start to show. All that is supporting it is a cardboard shell.

GVL that has cellulose fibers infused into it can bear heavy static and dynamic loads. The distinction is evident in the way corners are sealed: GVL does not require plaster corners, whereas gypsum board does. Moreover, GVL is the best choice for leveling a floor, while GKL is not taken into consideration at all.

The industrial construction industry has utilized gypsum fiber for finishing the walls of workshops due to its resilience to large loads.

In conclusion, gypsum boards reinforced with cellulose fibers are superior to other options based on a stronger criterion.

Installation simplicity. Experience has shown that the consumer considers price and, strangely enough, manufacturing feasibility the most when selecting a type of dry plaster. This indicator suggests that drywall is superior to other materials at first glance. His:

• easier to cut;
• easier to carry;
• It’s more convenient to attach to the sheathing: firstly, no special screws are needed, and secondly, the hardware can be screwed in without much effort.

But the issue is not entirely one-sided. When gypsum fiber is used:

• the surface does not need to be puttied before wallpapering;
• when passing internal and external corners, painting corners are not required;
• before painting, unsanded sheets are puttied – sanded sheets are only primed;
• when sealing joints, reinforcing tape is not needed, therefore, sheets with straight edges can be used. Falset edges are needed when leveling the floor.

Conclusion: The materials are about equal in terms of manufacturability.

Qualities of thermal insulation. Both substances are made of gypsum. As a result, the heat conductivity indicators are roughly equal. In actuality, however, this is not noticeable because GVL has a slightly higher coefficient value due to its higher density.

In summary, both materials function well as insulators. For this reason, knowledgeable experts advise against installing gypsum fiber boards over a "warm floor."

Insulating against sound. Owing to variations in component densities and compositions, the compared materials exhibit disparate levels of noise insulation performance. Therefore, mineral wool must be placed between the walls when erecting partitions made of gypsum plasterboard. If not, practically every sound from the room next door will be audible. Furthermore, even in the absence of a soundproof layer, GVL will perfectly dampen sound waves.

In conclusion, GVL has an advantage in terms of noise insulation properties.

Adaptability. Plasterboard that is wet becomes pliable. It can be used to create semicircular arches, curved two-tier ceilings, and other shaped structures for wall and ceiling finishing using a specific technology.

Board made of gypsum fiber has a high degree of rigidity. It is not possible to bend it without breaking it, nor can it be made wet because the material’s structure prevents the creation of a plastic mass that is wet. GVL is therefore applied to flat surfaces.

In conclusion, GVL lacks flexibility while GCR does.

Ecological purity. When it comes to being environmentally friendly, the materials are identical since they don’t include any allergens or dangerous materials.

Mass. Home craftsmen find it challenging to work with GVL because of its heavier weight; an assistant is required. There is a significant chance of breaking the sheet during installation if it is absent. The site’s editors believe that cutting the gypsum fiber board in half is not a sensible solution because it makes the technological process much more complex. However, some experts claim to have found a solution by doing this.

In conclusion, it is important to consider the forces that will be performing the repairs when finishing the premises. If used alone, gypsum fiber boards are likely to present a number of challenges.

Overall conclusion: gypsum fiber boards have an advantage when compared based on the evaluation of all the results. Nevertheless, GKL prevails based on two primary factors: cost and technological complexity, even though drywall necessitates numerous extra steps like priming, puttying, and seam sealing. Thus, if you have a high income, you can use GKL from a practical standpoint. Average-income people shouldn’t spend more money than necessary when a basic GKL will do the job just fine.

It’s important to comprehend the main benefits and differences between Gypsum Fiber Sheets (GVL) and Gypsum Cardboard Sheets (GKL) when making this decision for building and remodeling projects. GKL is well-known for being lightweight and manageable, making it the perfect material for ceilings and partitions in dry areas. However, GVL is a better option for high-traffic areas, floors, and humid spaces because of its superior strength, impact resistance, and moisture resistance. In the end, the optimal option will rely on the particular needs of your project, striking a balance between environmental factors, durability, and ease of installation.

What and in what case is it better to choose

Specific recommendations for various building elements in each room can be made based on the comparative analysis.

Ground. The floor is leveled or raised using GKL. These are typically 20 mm Knauf slabs or sheets that are 10 mm thick and layered in two layers. The floor has nothing to do with drywall.

Walls. There is conflicting advice regarding plasterboard vs GVL for walls. Everything is reliant on the operational environment. Gypsum fiber sheets are therefore recommended for the kitchen, where wall cabinets are typically mounted, as they can support the weight of the attachments. Additionally, gypsum plasterboard can be used by first fastening an OSB strip to the wall. For a variety of reasons, GVL is preferred in the kitchen.

Given the high humidity in a bathroom, moisture-resistant gypsum board or gypsum fiber are required. Here, the owners have an option: purchase GVL if they are wealthy. The budget for drywall is tight. Wall arches can only be constructed from sheets of plasterboard.

Maximum. For the ceiling, both kinds of materials work well. But you need gypsum board for a designer ceiling with lots of curves. One alternative is to use gypsum plasterboard to cover linear surfaces; plasterboard can also be used to create curved inserts. Gypsum fiber will help muffle noise from above-ground neighbors, but you should consider the high cost and difficulty of installing gypsum fiber boards. The sheet is not secured if there is no clamp.

Sauna, bath. In baths and saunas, where temperature and humidity fluctuations are noticeable, GVL is the only available option.

Rural home. It is not advised by many experts to use drywall in unheated rooms. Gypsum sheets will be useful in these circumstances.

Loggia, balcony. Even though the moisture-resistant cardboard will do the job just fine, it is still preferable to mount the GVL on the walls and ceiling of a glazed but unheated balcony (loggia).

Aspect	GKL (Drywall) vs. GVL (Gypsum Fiber Board)
Material Composition	GKL is made from gypsum and paper, while GVL is made from gypsum and cellulose fibers, making GVL stronger and more durable.
Weight	GKL is lighter, making it easier to handle and install, whereas GVL is heavier due to its dense composition.
Fire Resistance	Both materials offer good fire resistance, but GVL has a slight edge due to its denser structure.
Moisture Resistance	GVL is more moisture-resistant than GKL, making it a better choice for damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Flexibility	GKL is more flexible and easier to cut, allowing for more versatile applications, whereas GVL is more rigid.
Cost	GKL is generally cheaper, making it a budget-friendly option, while GVL tends to be more expensive due to its enhanced properties.
Sound Insulation	GVL provides better sound insulation due to its higher density, making it ideal for noise-sensitive areas.
Ease of Installation	GKL is easier and faster to install because of its lightweight and flexibility, whereas GVL requires more effort and time.

The decision between GVL (gypsum fiberboard) and GKL (gypsum plasterboard) is mostly based on the requirements of your particular project. Although each material has advantages, they work best in certain situations. Making an informed choice can be aided by being aware of their main distinctions.

Because GKL is lightweight and simple to work with, it is perfect for interior walls and ceilings that are standard. Additionally, it’s less expensive, which can be a big deal if you’re on a limited spending plan. Nevertheless, GKL is not the best option for locations with high humidity or the possibility of impact damage because it is less resilient and more prone to moisture.

However, because GVL is more resilient to moisture and stronger, it’s a better choice for high-traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Moreover, it is more fire-resistant than GKL, adding an additional degree of security. The disadvantages of GVL are that it is usually more expensive than GKL and is heavier and more difficult to install.

In conclusion, GKL is a good option if you’re searching for an affordable, simple-to-install solution for standard interior walls and ceilings. GVL is a better choice, though, in areas that need more resilience to moisture, fire safety, and durability. The best material for your project will be determined by evaluating your priorities and unique needs.

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