Rounded vs Square Drywall Corners: Key Differences
Corners make a bigger impact than you think
Highlights
Aesthetics are the biggest difference between rounded and square corners.
Rounded lends itself to modern styles while square is best for traditional homes.
Rounded corners are generally easier to maintain, but are slightly more expensive.
The choice between rounded vs. square drywall corners is not only a matter of personal preference but rather a critical decision that can greatly impact the overall appearance and practicality of your space. While rounded corners bring a soft elegance with their graceful curves, square corners exude a timeless, structured appearance that conveys a sense of tradition. Read on to learn the significant differences between these two styles to help you make a well-informed choice for your upcoming construction or renovation project.
What's the Difference Between Rounded and Square Drywall Corners?
While the general appearance of rounded vs. square drywall corners is the most obvious difference, there are a few other factors to bear in mind.
| Type of Difference | Rounded Corners | Square Corners |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Curved profile | 90-degree angle |
| Durability | Less likely to chip | Prone to damage |
| Installation | Labor-intensive | Easy to install |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean | Frequent cleaning |
Round vs. Square Drywall Corners: Aesthetic Differences
As the names suggest, the biggest difference between rounded and square drywall corners is how they look within the home and the way they incorporate the style.
Appearance
Rounded corners, also known as bullnose corners, have a curved or rounded profile. They create a softer look in rooms throughout a home. Square corners feature a sharp 90-degree angle to create a clean and crisp appearance.
House Style
Rounded corners are a preferred design for homeowners seeking a contemporary or modern interior design. The style features soft curves and fluid lines that create a sense of openness in the home. On the other hand, square corners are popular with traditional or formal home styles. The design complements architectural details like crown molding and wainscoting while maintaining a sense of order and symmetry in a room.
Design
When opting for a color scheme, rounded corners work best in homes that will feature a single color not only in a room but throughout the home. While it's more challenging to create a seamless transition to different colors, this is a benefit for homeowners who prefer a minimalist style. With square corners, homeowners have the flexibility of creating accent walls or changing colors from room to room in shared spaces.
Differences in Lifecycle Management
To the naked eye, viewing the difference in appearance is most noticeable. However, the varying factors to consider from installation to maintenance make these two drywall corner options different.
Installation
Installing rounded corners is a more labor-intensive process, requiring additional steps. For example, a flexible corner bead or a bullnose corner bead is needed to accommodate the curved shape. Square corners are typically easier to install. They are created using a standard corner bead and are well-suited for professional installations and homeowners. If you're looking to DIY the project, gather up these essential drywall tools, and you will be able to manage the project on your own.
Cost
With the added complexity of installing rounded drywall corners comes an increase in cost due to extra materials and labor. The drywall installation cost for square corners will be slightly less expensive.
Durability
The curved shape of rounded corners makes them less likely to chip or dent when impacted. This can be an advantage in high-traffic areas or homes with active children or pets. With more exposed edges, square corners are more susceptible to chipping or damage from accidental bumps or impacts. This can be mitigated with properly installed corner bead reinforcement.
Maintenance
Rounded corners tend to accumulate less dust and dirt, making them much easier to clean. Square corners, on the other hand, may require frequent cleaning, especially if they have decorative trim that can easily collect dust.
Frequently Asked Questions
With structural home styles, it's difficult to build based on design trends, as they are constantly changing. While this style is popular in 2023, consider which home decor style you're aiming for as you plan your project. If you prefer modern or contemporary interior designs, rounded corners are the way to go to help you achieve a soft minimalist aesthetic.
Metal corners, often referred to as corner beads for square corners, are used on drywall installations to provide structural reinforcement to vulnerable outside corners. Their usage safeguards against chipping, denting, or other forms of damage, enhancing the overall durability of the wall. Metal corners also offer a precise and straight edge that facilitates sharp and clean lines, crucial for achieving a polished and professional finish.
Yes, taping inside corners is a critical step in the drywall installation process. Properly taping inside corners is essential for achieving a professional look, and an installation that resists cracking and maintains its integrity over time. Taping the corners involves the application of a joint compound along the seam where two drywall pieces meet. This process provides reinforcement, conceals the seam, and prevents future gaps or cracks from developing.