Housing Trivia: Who Invented Sheetrock

by Michael on April 1, 2012

Who invented Sheetrock is kind of a trick question, because Sheetrock® is really a product brand invented by United States Gypsum Company, and patented in 1917. However, Augustine Sackett is recognized as the the actual inventor of gypsum board (drywall) in 1894.

History Timeline

Here’s a brief timeline of the development of drywall as we know it today:

  • 1894 Austine Sackett is credited with inventing gypsum board (drywall).
  • 1902 The United States Gypsum Company (USGC) is formed.
  • 1909 USGC purchases the Sackett Plaster Board company
  • 1917 USGC patents Sheetrock® brand
  • 1925 Cloth mesh tape for concealing joints
  • 1953 Sheetrock® Ready-Mixed joint compound

As you can imagine the there’s been quite a transformation from the drywall invented in 1894, which was sheets 36″ x 36″ in size and 1/4″ thick, to the plethora of lengths and thicknesses available today. 

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