What is the minimum length of drywall screw for installing 1/2-inch gypsum board to wood studs?

When installing 1/2-inch gypsum board to wood studs, it is essential to use drywall screws of appropriate length to ensure a secure attachment. A screw that is too short may not penetrate the wood stud sufficiently, while a screw that is too long could protrude through the other side of the stud or not provide proper support.

The correct length for drywall screws in this scenario is 1 1/8 inches. This length allows the screw to securely fasten the gypsum board to the wood studs while providing enough depth to penetrate the stud without excessive length, which might compromise the integrity of the structure. Additionally, it adheres to standard construction practices that recommend using screws that are at least 1 inch longer than the thickness of the board being installed. For 1/2-inch gypsum board, the 1 1/8-inch screw provides just the right balance of length to secure the board effectively without any of the issues that longer or shorter screws might introduce.