When installing drywall, one of the most important steps is protecting and reinforcing the external corners. The two most common options for corner reinforcement are paper corner bead and metal corner bead. Both have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, ease of installation, cost, and finish result. This article examines the key differences between paper vs metal corner bead to help you determine which is the better choice for your next drywall project.
Page Contents
What is Corner Bead?
Corner bead is a thin strip of material that is installed over external corners formed by two adjoining drywall sheets. It serves several purposes:
- Reinforces the corner for impact resistance
- Protects the corner from damage during handling and installation
- Provides a clean, straight edge and crisp corner
- Acts as a stop for joint compound when finishing the corner
The two most common types of corner beads are:
Paper Corner Bead
Paper corner bead consists of paper-faced beads of perforated metal or plastic attached to a strip of paper. The paper face acts as a tape and joint compound absorber. Paper-faced metal corner beads are the more durable option, while plastic beads are cheaper but less rigid.
Metal Corner Bead
Metal corner beads are thin strips of galvanized steel, aluminum, or stainless steel. They have small perforations or channels that allow joint compound to adhere and creating a mechanical bond. The metal provides strength and straightness.
Ease of Installation
Overall, paper corner beads are easier to install than metal beads:
- Paper beads are more flexible and can be bent by hand to fit inside or outside corners.
- The paper flanges can be embedded easily into joint compound.
- Paper beads are less likely to get kinked or warped during installation.
- Metal beads require bending or crimping tools to shape them before mounting.
- It can be tricky getting joint compound into the perforations of metal beads.
However, metal corner beads are available in pre-formed angles for both inside and outside corners, which eliminates the need for bending on-site.
For DIYers with less drywall experience, paper corner beads tend to be the easier option to install. Pros who are highly skilled at working with metal beads can install them quickly.
Durability
Metal corner beads are significantly more durable than paper beads. The metal material resists cracking, warping, and deformation under impacts or bumps:
- Metal corner beads maintain their shape over time.
- They are highly resistant to damage from kids, pets, door impacts, furniture, etc.
- Metal provides greater shear strength at the corner joint.
In contrast, paper corner beads are prone to cracking and peeling over time when subjected to repeated impacts. The paper material is easily warped when bumped or exposed to moisture.
Metal beads are recommended for high-traffic areas and commercial spaces where durability is paramount. The exception is stainless steel metal beads, which offer the highest strength for residential applications.
Appearance
When installed correctly, both paper and metal corner beads can produce crisp, straight corners and edges.
However, paper beads are more forgiving and flexible, making it easier for DIYers to achieve a smooth, seamless finish. With metal corner beads, any imperfections in installation or finishing are very obvious.
Paper corner beads also provide a more uniform surface for painting, with the paper tape helping to minimize uneven absorption. Metal beads can sometimes create faint shadows or visibility beneath the paint.
Cost
Paper corner beads are generally the more economical choice. Plastic paper-faced beads are the cheapest, while paper-faced metal beads have a slightly higher cost.
Metal corner beads typically cost two to three times as much as paper alternatives. However, the higher initial investment is justified by their longevity.
Here is a rough pricing comparison:
| Corner Bead Type | Cost per Foot |
|---|---|
| Plastic paper bead | $0.10 – $0.30 |
| Paper-faced metal bead | $0.30 – $0.70 |
| Galvanized metal bead | $0.70 – $1.20 |
| Stainless steel bead | $1.50 – $2.50 |
These prices can vary between manufacturers and suppliers. But it shows metal beads costing about 2-3 times more than paper alternatives.
Ease of Repair
One advantage of paper corner beads is that they are easier to repair or replace if damaged:
- The paper facing can be cut out and patched with joint compound.
- Minor cracks or deformations can be filled and sanded smooth.
- Heavily damaged sections can be cut out and replaced relatively easily.
With metal corner beads, repairs are more challenging:
- It’s difficult to remove and replace small sections of metal bead.
- Cracks or deformations may require replacing the entire length or reinstalling over the existing bead.
- Repairing damages often leads to inconsistencies in the finish.
So while metal beads are more durable, paper beads can be patched up more easily when damage does occur.
Mold Resistance
Mold growth is a concern with any wet areas, such as bathrooms. Metal corner beads provide better mold and mildew resistance than paper alternatives:
- Metal does not provide any food source for mold to grow.
- Joint compound can be applied more thinly over metal.
- Perforations allow airflow and drying.
Paper beads are more prone to mold development:
- Paper facing and joint compound provide cellulose that mold can feed on.
- Thicker joints for embedding paper take longer to dry out.
- Any cracks allow moisture ingress and trapped moisture.
For bathroom walls and other damp areas, metal corner beads are the best choice to reduce mold risks.
Manufacturer’s Recommendations
When selecting corner beads, it’s always wise to check manufacturer specifications for applications:
- Drywall manufacturers often recommend paper-faced metal corner beads for warrantied installations.
- Paint manufacturers may advise certain corner beads to minimize visibility or shadowing.
- Tile manufacturers will indicate suitable corner beads for installing tile backerboard.
Following the recommendations ensures you don’t void any warranties and get optimal results.
Summary of Pros and Cons
| Corner Bead Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Paper |
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| Metal |
|
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Conclusion
For most DIYers and residential applications, paper-faced metal corner beads provide the best combination of affordability, easy installation, and sufficient durability. The paper facing creates an excellent taping surface for a seamless finish.
Metal corner beads are worth the extra investment for high-traffic areas prone to impacts, as well as wet areas where mold resistance is important. Pre-formed metal beads also make sense for experienced pros working on commercial projects.
The best selection depends on your specific project requirements, budget, and skill level. Evaluate the pros and cons of paper vs metal carefully to choose the right corner bead type.
