Temporary Walls Compared to Temporary Drywall: 5 Questions Answered

Temporary drywall is a familiar choice for jobsite barriers—but it’s rarely the most efficient. It’s slow to install, labor-intensive, and ends up in the dumpster after one use.

If your project demands speed, sustainability, or frequent reconfiguration, there’s a better way.

In this article, we’ll compare traditional temporary drywall with reusable wall systems, answering five key questions to help you choose the right solution for your next build.

1. What Is Temporary Drywall?

Temporary drywall refers to short-term, stick-built wall systems commonly used during renovations and phased construction projects. These walls are typically framed with wood or metal studs and finished with gypsum wallboard.

They may offer the appearance of permanence—but they’re meant to be removed. Once removed, the entire system—framing, wallboard, fasteners, and joint compound—is usually demolished and discarded.

2. When Is Temporary Drywall Used in Construction Projects?

Contractors often choose temporary drywall when dust and debris need to be contained in high-traffic or sensitive spaces such as hospitals, airports, or commercial interiors.

It’s considered the “default” option largely because crews are familiar with it and materials are often already on-site. But that doesn’t make it ideal.

Common drawbacks include:

• Time-consuming installation requiring multiple trades
• No reusability—materials are landfilled after each use
• Messy teardown that generates debris and noise
• Limited flexibility for multi-phase or fast-changing project scopes

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 26 million tons of gypsum drywall waste are generated annually in the U.S.—much of it from construction and demolition waste.

3. When Should You Choose a Reusable Temporary Wall Over Drywall?

Reusable wall systems offer a faster, cleaner, and more sustainable solution. If your project requires any of the following, they may be the more effective choice:

• When speed matters
  STARC’s modular wall systems can be deployed at rates of 100 linear feet per hour, by a single crew with one tool—far outpacing the framing, sheathing, mudding, and taping required for drywall.
• When barriers need to move
  If you’re renovating in phases, a stick-built wall becomes a sunk cost every time you shift locations. Reusable systems are designed to be reconfigured quickly without creating waste.
• When occupant experience counts
  STARC walls install cleanly, reduce dust and noise, and provide a professional look that occupants notice.
• When sustainability is part of the plan
  STARC products can be reused hundreds of times and are up to 95% recyclable by weight—a compelling alternative to single-use drywall.

4. How Does a Reusable Temporary Construction Wall Compare to Temporary Drywall on Technical Performance?

Reusable wall systems not only match drywall for dust and debris control—they often deliver better performance across categories that directly affect timelines, safety, and costs.

5. Which STARC Product Is the Best Alternative to Temporary Drywall?

STARC offers four purpose-built, reusable wall systems—each designed to outperform drywall in specific environments.

RealWall™
The original, award-winning STARC solution. Ideal for healthcare, commercial, and public spaces where sound reduction, ICRA Class IV/V compliance, and a polished, real-wall look are essential.

• Up to 50% noise reduction
• Built-in gaskets and airtight seals
• Gloss-white aluminum surface that’s easy to disinfect

LiteBarrier™
Lightweight, fast, and highly adaptable. Best for projects that demand quick deployment, frequent reconfiguration, and labor savings—without sacrificing performance.

• Installs 100’ in about an hour
• Panels weigh as little as 18 lbs
• Meets ICRA Class IV/V guidelines

FireblockWall™
The first reusable, one-hour fire-rated wall system. Perfect for healthcare, life safety, and code-sensitive projects where ASTM E119, NFPA 241, and ICRA Class IV/V compliance are required.

• Installs 4x faster than fire-rated drywall
• Meets multiple fire and safety codes
• Rugged galvanized steel + proprietary fire core
• Airtight seals for infection control

StackBarrier™
For projects that demand height, flexibility, and speed. Engineered for tall wall needs (up to 40’) and wide, open spaces.

• Half the weight of drywall
• Built-in angled flex and cornering options
• ASTM E84 Class C (Class A available)
• Ideal for airports, lobbies, and high-bay areas

Conclusion

Drywall may be the traditional go-to, but it’s no longer the best tool for temporary walls. If your team is managing complex renovations or fast-moving jobs in sensitive environments, it’s time to rethink the “default” approach.

Reusable wall systems from STARC deliver better outcomes for your budget, your crew, your timeline—and the planet.

FAQs: Temporary Drywall vs. Reusable Walls

Have a question about a specific project? Talk to our team of temporary construction wall experts.