Short Answer:
If you are installing drywall over wood studs, use coarse thread drywall screws.
If you are installing drywall over metal studs, use fine thread drywall screws.
For standard 1/2-inch drywall on wood framing, 1-1/4-inch screws are the right size.
That handles most residential projects.
Now let me explain why that matters and where people mess this up.
Why You Should Not Use Regular Construction Screws
I see this mistake all the time.
Someone grabs deck screws or general-purpose wood screws and thinks they will work.
They do not.
Drywall screws are designed to:
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Grip framing without splitting it
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Sink cleanly below the paper
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Hold the drywall tight without cracking
The head design matters. The thread pattern matters.
Using the wrong screw can cause cracking, screw pops, and loose panels.
If you are building your full tool and supply list, here is mine:
https://shoplowes.me/4qXiCjQ
Coarse Thread vs Fine Thread Drywall Screws
This is the most important distinction.
Coarse Thread Drywall Screws
Use these for wood studs.
Why
The deeper threads bite into wood fibers and hold better.
If you try to use fine thread screws in wood studs, they can strip out or not grab well.
When I Use Them
Almost every residential remodel with standard wood framing.
Basements. Bedrooms. Living rooms.
Coarse thread is the default for most homeowners.
Fine Thread Drywall Screws
Use these for metal studs.
Why
Metal studs are thin and harder than wood.
Fine threads cut into the metal better and hold tight.
Coarse thread screws struggle in metal framing.
When I Use Them
Commercial jobs or remodels with steel stud framing.
If you are unsure what your studs are, remove an outlet cover and check.
Wood framing is still most common in residential homes.
What Length Drywall Screws Should I Use?
Length depends on drywall thickness and framing.
For 1/2-inch drywall over wood studs:
1-1/4-inch screws are standard.
For 5/8-inch drywall:
1-5/8-inch screws are typically used.
The rule is simple.
You want the screw to penetrate at least 5/8 inch into the framing.
Too short and it will not hold.
Too long and you risk hitting pipes, wires, or nothing at all.
If you are unsure about drywall thickness, read this:
[INTERNAL LINK]
How Far Apart Should Drywall Screws Be?
Spacing matters as much as screw type.
On walls:
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Every 16 inches on studs
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Along edges and seams
On ceilings:
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Closer spacing is better
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Usually every 12 inches
Too few screws and the drywall moves.
Too many screws weaken the panel and waste time.
Follow consistent spacing.
How Deep Should Drywall Screws Be?
The screw head should sit just below the paper surface.
Not flush.
Not deeply buried.
You want a small dimple that can be filled with compound.
If you break the paper, that screw loses strength and may pop later.
This is where a drywall depth-set bit or screw gun helps.
If you are learning how to hang drywall properly, start here:
[INTERNAL LINK]
What Are Bugle Head Screws?
Drywall screws have a bugle-shaped head.
That shape:
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Compresses the paper slightly
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Reduces tearing
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Allows smooth mud coverage
Flat-head screws are not designed for drywall.
The bugle head is intentional.
Can I Use Nails Instead of Screws?
Technically yes.
But I do not recommend it.
Drywall nails can loosen over time.
Screws provide:
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Stronger hold
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Less popping
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Better long-term performance
Most modern drywall installs use screws for a reason.
Why Do Drywall Screws Pop?
Screw pops happen when:
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The screw was overdriven
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The framing shifted
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The drywall moved
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There were not enough screws
If you are dealing with screw pops, read this:
[INTERNAL LINK]
Most screw pops are installation errors, not material defects.
Black vs Gold Drywall Screws
Most drywall screws are black phosphate coated.
This coating helps resist corrosion in dry interior spaces.
If you are installing drywall in a damp environment, make sure moisture conditions are handled first. Screws are not the solution to moisture problems.
For standard interior walls, black drywall screws are correct.
What I Use on Most Jobs
In most residential projects around Cleveland, I use:
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Coarse thread screws
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1-1/4-inch length for 1/2-inch drywall
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Proper spacing
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A drill with a depth-set bit
Simple and consistent.
If you are unsure about knife selection for finishing after hanging, read:
[INTERNAL LINK] Drywall Knife Guide
Final Advice
If you are standing in the aisle wondering what type of screws to use for drywall, remember this:
Wood studs equals coarse thread.
Metal studs equals fine thread.
Match screw length to drywall thickness.
Set screws just below the surface without tearing the paper.
Drywall is simple when you follow the basics.
And if you are in Northeast Ohio and want drywall installed correctly the first time, Colin Can Help handles drywall installation and repair professionally.