Alternatives to Sheetrock for a Closet

Natural Products

• New environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional drywall are available to consumers. These products usually cost more than sheetrock, but may last longer, resist moisture, or even have anti-microbial properties. Additionally, they generally contain no solvents, heavy metals, toxic materials or asbestos, and are safe to place in landfills.

Cedar Liner

• Cedar is commonly used to line closets because of its ability to repel moths. Nail tongue-and-groove cedar paneling directly to the studs in the closet as an alternative to sheetrock. Cedar stays dry and has a pleasing, aromatic aroma. Use Eastern red cedar to repel moths since Western red cedar does not have the same moth-repelling attributes.

Paneling

• Consider less expensive paneling options if you aren't worried about repelling moths. Beadboard wainscoting comes in large panels and is fairly easy to cut and install. Home improvement stores carry other types of wood or wood composite paneling, as well. Installing paneling is a project simple enough to complete yourself.

Plaster

• Before the mid-20th century, most homes had walls made of plaster secured on a frame of wooden lathes. Modern home builders rarely use plaster because it is costly and more difficult to work with than sheetrock. However, custom home builders still employ the technique and it is a potential, although expensive, alternative to sheetrock for a closet. Unless you have experience installing plaster, hire a professional.