Choosing Drywall (sheetrock)

Choosing drywall aka sheetrock is an important part of a building project. It can be a little confusing and sometimes intimidating. However, look at it as a fun way to start a journey into design and renovation.

Here are some pointers to get you started:

The most popular sizes for drywall are 1/2", 5/8" in thickness and 

4' long x 8' wide. There is also green board which is used in spaces that are moist--like bathrooms and basements.

Although, 1/2" is okay to use, 5/8" is thicker and provides more of a barrier. The advantages of 1/2" is the cost is less than 5/8".

Now, let's talk Fire-rated.

When you are installing drywall, often building code dictates certain types of drywall that must be used. One type of drywall that shows up in building code is fire rated drywall, also known as Type X drywall.

Fire-Rated Is Not Fireproof
Type X is by no means 100% fireproof; simply it is drywall that will stand up against flame longer than regular drywall. If a conventional 1/2" thick sheet of drywall will stand up to 30 minutes of fire, then the added 1/8" (5/8") found in the Type X drywall, along with its other properties, will increase your margin of safety another 30 minutes. For this reason, fire-rated drywall is sometimes called one hour fire wallboard.

Places to Install Type X Drywall

In residences, fire rated drywall is typically required by building codes to be installed near furnace and utility rooms; places where a wood stove is used; in garages; and on ceilings that up against the main living structure.

Thickness, Composition
Drywall typically comes in 1/4" and 1/2" thicknesses. But Type X drywall is 5/8" thick. In addition to the usual gypsum found in regular drywall, fire rated drywall contains glass fibers to form a super-tough core. Not only that, the gypsum and fiberglass are packed in tighter and denser than in regular drywall.

Cost and Availability
Fire rated drywall costs more than the regular drywall. As a rule of thumb, you can count on it costing about 5% to 7% more than conventional drywall of the same thickness. Type X is not a specialty product; it is available at local home improvement stores or contractors' supply houses.

Two added benefits to Type X drywall: it inhibits sound transmission and it stands up well to impact.

If you want fire rated drywall to be installed throughout your home, please request that it is installed. You can also have 1/2" or 5/8" standard drywall installed throughout, type x for the kitchen and furnace area and of course green board for the wet/moist areas. A mix can be cost effective.

Tips to remember about fire rated drywall:

Always 5/8"

Glass fibers added

Denser than normal gypsum-only drywall

Up to 1 hour fire rating

Also called Type X drywall

Absorbs sound well (for all of the music lovers)

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR A FREE CONSULTATION

DESIGNRENOVATION@HIBISCUSFLOWERSHOP.COM

February Birth Flower

the Violet
The meaning of the February Birth Flower, the Violet symbolizes faithfulness, humility, and chastity. They can be found in these colors; Blue, Yellow, Cream
and Mauve / Violet.


The Violet is fascinating. There are many myths and legends about the origins of this tradition. It is believed that birthday celebrations originated in the Roman Empire and the origins of birth month flowers, such as the Violet, could be said to date back to these times. During Roman birthday celebrations family and friends offered congratulations and brought gifts. The sweet-scented Violet appears at the end of February and finishes blooming by the end of April.

The Language of Flowers

The language of flowers developed during the highly conservative period of the Victorian era. The Victorians were strongly restricted by the rules of etiquette when it was considered totally inappropriate to express feelings of love or affection. The "Language of Flowers" therefore evolved when a message was assigned to specific flower such as the Violet. A lover could then send flowers which conveyed a hidden romantic meaning.


The Hidden message of the Violet:

Color Violet - I'll Always Be True
Color White / Cream - Let's Take a Chance

People give Birth Month Flowers as gifts to celebrate special occasions or events. Flowers, such as the Violet, are always given to celebrate the birth of a new baby and included in wedding flowers or a wedding bouquet. Many people also like to give the February Birth Flower, including the Violet, to celebrate special events at different times and months of the year and especially during holiday periods. Knowing the flowers which are associated with the February Birth Flower and their meaning adds to the significance of the flowers.


The February Birth Flower, the Violet also has several species which are known as pansies. There are more than 400 species throughout different areas of the world. 

Celebrating Black History Month-King Protea

The King Protea (Protea cynaroides) is a flowering plant. It is a distinctive member of Protea, having the largest flower head in the genus. The species is also known as giant protea, honeypot or king sugar bush. It is widely distributed in the southwestern and southern parts of South Africa in the fynbos region.


The king protea is the national flower of South Africa.

The king protea has several color forms and horticulturists have recognized 81 garden varieties, some of which have injudiciously been planted in its natural range. In some varieties the pink of the flower and red borders of leaves are replaced by a creamy yellow. This unusual flower has a long vase life in flower arrangements and makes an excellent dried flower.

Protea cynaroides has adapted to survive wildfires by its thick underground stem, which contains many dormant buds; these will produce the new growth after the wildfire has subsided.