Quick Answer

Fire-rated drywall (Type X, 5/8 inch) is required by the Ontario Building Code for garage ceilings, multi-unit party walls, and mechanical rooms. HB Build Pro stocks Type X drywall in 4x8, 4x10, and 4x12 sheet sizes, ULC S101 rated for 45-minute to 1-hour fire resistance, at the Cambridge yard. Same-day delivery available across Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, and the wider GTA for orders before 11 AM. Contractor pricing on bulk orders.

Where Does the Ontario Building Code Require Fire-Rated Drywall?

The 2012 Ontario Building Code (with current amendments) requires Type X or equivalent fire-rated drywall in several specific situations. Knowing which surfaces need Type X versus regular drywall avoids both code violations and unnecessary cost overruns.

Common Code-Required Locations

• Garage ceiling separating garage from living space above (typically 5/8 inch Type X, 1-hour rating)
• Common wall between attached garage and house
• Party walls between dwelling units in semi-detached, townhouse, and multi-unit residential
• Mechanical rooms containing furnace, boiler, or hot water tank
• Stairwell enclosures in multi-storey buildings
• Corridors in apartment buildings and commercial spaces
• Storage rooms in residential and commercial buildings over a certain size
• Penthouse mechanical rooms

Where Regular Drywall Is Still Fine

• Standard interior walls within single-family dwellings (not party walls)
• Interior partitions in commercial spaces with no rating requirement
• Decorative ceiling surfaces below a structurally separated assembly
• Closets, pantries, and non-mechanical storage areas in single dwellings

What Is Type X Drywall and How Is It Different?

Type X drywall contains glass fibers and additives that delay fire penetration. In a standard wall assembly with single-layer Type X on each side and 3-1/2 inch insulated cavity, the wall achieves a 1-hour fire resistance rating per ULC S101 testing. Regular drywall provides only 15 to 20 minutes of fire resistance.

Type X Specifications

What Type X Drywall Is Stocked at HB Build Pro?

Sheet Sizes

• 5/8 inch Type X, 4x8 , most common, fits standard residential bays
• 5/8 inch Type X, 4x10 , fewer seams on tall walls and ceilings
• 5/8 inch Type X, 4x12 , minimum seams on long runs

Manufacturers Stocked

• CertainTeed ProRoc Type X
• CGC Sheetrock Brand UltraLight Firecode X
• USG Sheetrock Brand Firecode X
• Continental Building Products Type X
• Gold Bond Fire-Shield (Type X)

Specialty Type X

• Type C (extra fire resistance for 2-hour rated assemblies)
• Type X mold-resistant (purple board) for damp areas requiring fire rating
• Type X cement board for tile substrates with fire rating

How Much Type X Drywall Do I Need for a Garage Ceiling?

A standard 2-car garage in Ontario has a ceiling roughly 22 x 22 ft = 484 sq ft. With 4x8 sheets covering 32 sq ft each, you need 16 sheets to cover the ceiling. Add 10% for cuts and waste, so order 18 sheets. For a 3-car garage at 30 x 22 ft, plan on 25 sheets including waste.

Important: garage ceiling Type X also needs to extend up the common wall to the underside of the floor above, fully separating garage from living space. Most contractors order 25 to 30 sheets for a 2-car garage code-compliance package.

What Does Type X Drywall Cost in Ontario?

Wholesale Price Ranges (Spring 2026)

Contractor pricing kicks in on order one for verified accounts.

FAQ

Is 1/2 inch Type X enough for a garage ceiling in Ontario?

No. The Ontario Building Code requires 5/8 inch Type X (or equivalent rated assembly) for garage ceilings in attached residential garages. Some 1/2 inch Type X products exist but typically achieve only a 30-minute rating, insufficient for the code requirement.

Can I substitute regular 5/8 inch drywall for Type X to save money?

No. Regular 5/8 inch drywall achieves around 30 minutes of fire resistance, less than the code-required 45 minutes to 1 hour. Substitution will fail inspection.

Do you stock 2-hour Type C drywall for commercial assemblies?

Yes, on quote. Type C is special-order for most projects; we can land it within 3 to 5 business days.

Can Type X be used on ceilings as well as walls?

Yes. Type X is the standard for fire-rated ceiling assemblies, including garage ceilings, mechanical rooms, and stairwell tops.

What about fire-rated assemblies with insulation?

Mineral wool insulation (Roxul Safe-n-Sound) in a 2x4 cavity behind Type X both sides typically achieves the 1-hour rating. Confirm assembly with your designer or building inspector for the specific occupancy class.

Call HB Build Pro for Type X Drywall in Cambridge

Contractors in Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Mississauga, Toronto, and the wider GTA: Type X stocked, same-day delivery before 11 AM, contractor pricing on order one. Code-compliant 5/8 inch Type X for every garage, party wall, and mechanical room job.

Call 647-669-4035 or WhatsApp 905-691-6160 for stock + price + delivery slot.