Gypsum board is the common finish material of choice for a wide variety of building types and styles. As such, it has a notable impact on the interior appearance of a space depending on the degree of finish applied to it. Further, because of its prevalence in buildings, finished gypsum board can have a significant impact on the indoor environmental quality of the spaces inhabited by people, both during construction and subsequent occupancy. Architects that specify and design gypsum board into projects are best served when they understand the differences between the different standardized levels of finish and the corresponding approach to having positive impacts on the indoor environmental quality.

This presentation will review some of the basic relevant standards and the common materials and terminology used for gypsum board finishing work. Further, the 5 standard levels of finish will each be defined and discussed followed by an equally detailed discussion on indoor environmental quality standards and procedures.