<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GEORGIA GULF
CORPORATION FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1998, AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1998
<CASH>                                           5,149
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   67,905
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,400
<INVENTORY>                                     80,447
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               165,637
<PP&E>                                         658,555
<DEPRECIATION>                                 250,739
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 601,758
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          113,227
<BONDS>                                        398,840
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           319
<OTHER-SE>                                      20,852
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   601,758
<SALES>                                        232,705
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               232,705
<CGS>                                          187,699
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  187,699
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               7,126
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 27,135
<INCOME-TAX>                                    10,179
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             16,956
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    16,956
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .52
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .52