Walls and Ceilings - Drywall: 1/2" vs 5/8"

Years ago I worked for a contractor who always used 5/8" drywall on walls. He claimed it made for sturdier walls and greater sound insulation.
Since then, I have noticed that 1/2" is more commonly used on walls and that 1/2" often conforms better to architectural expectations as well as other manufatured fixtures.
What are other pros and cons of 1/2" as well as 5/8" drywall as applied to interior residential walls?

Welcome to the forums!

Generally 5/8" is only used where specified by code. It's heavier and costs a little more [both buying and installing] It should be used on the ceilings as it lays flatter and almost always provides a better looking ceiling when finished.

While 5/8 might look a little better on the wall, IMO it isn't worth the extra effort....... but I might have given a different answer back when I was young and had plenty of energy:D

5/8" is stiffer so it sometimes works better on ceilings to prevent sagging. Joists 16" on center or less generally can be spanned by 1/2" without problem. 5/8" is too heavy to use if you don't have to.

Your door jambs are milled for 1/2" wallboard. No doors, no problem. As per manufacturer, 5/8" on ceilings if 24" o.c. joists. Also if more insulation above per square foot than 1/2" is rated for, read this: http://www.gypsum.org/pdf/GA-216-07.pdf
Be safe, G

Most time code calls for 5/8" rock it is for fire supression. I know in some counties in colorado fire code calls for 75% of the house to be 5/8 so contractors just use all 5/8. Also most commercial applications call for 5/8 for fire code as well. Here in the Kansas City area most all houses are hung with 1/2". The only exception being the garage where you have to hang 5/8" on all party walls with house and ceiling if there is living space above, again for fire.

5/8" is better than 1/2" for sound isolation. Because it's heavier