Plasterboard

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What is plasterboard?

Plasterboard, also referred to as gypsum board, drywall, and wallboard, is a sheet of material that can be applied to walls and ceiling to provide a quick and seamless solution to the surface, ready for plaster or decoration. The boards can create new walls or cover existing walls.
Plasterboard consists of calcium sulphate dihydrate (gypsum) usually pressed between a facer and a backer of heavy-duty paper

The variety of plasterboards available can help to meet different specific building regulations such as fire protection, thermal efficiency, acoustic levels, and so on. Some products can also be used in areas of high humidity such as kitchens and bathrooms to avoid damp and condensation forming.

The different types of plasterboard can be applied to meet different specifications or building regulations within the property.

Standard Plasterboard Wallboard

A standard plasterboard or wallboard is versatile and can be applied to most walls and ceiling applications. Available in a tapered edge or square edge with thicknesses of either 9.5mm, 12.5mm and 15mm. The boards light ivory facing makes for easy decoration. This page is dedicated to all our standard wallboard plasterboard products.

Fire Resistant Plasterboard

This pink board is available in 12.5mm and 15mm, designed with excellent fire protection to be installed within walls and ceilings to prevent the spread of fire such as partition walls and ceilings. Although all plasterboards have fire resistant properties, this board provides the best, making the building and neighbouring buildings safer.

Moisture Resistant Plasterboard

Commonly sold in 12.5mm and 15mm thicknesses. These boards are designed for areas with high moisture levels such as kitchens and bathrooms. This Green board is made with unique additives to prevents condensation and damp forming.

Acoustic Plasterboard

A blue plasterboard with high density levels that minimises sound levels travelling between rooms. Generally applied to walls, partition walls, and ceilings to reduce noise. Available in thickness of 12.5mm and 15mm and creates a more comfortable living or working space.

Insulated Plasterboard

A 2-in-1 product of insulation bonded to a sheet of plasterboard designed for interior wall applications. Each size insulation board is bonded to a 12.5mm plasterboard. Sizes available are 27.5mm, 37.5mm, 52.5mm, 62.5mm, 72.5mm, and 77.5mm. This board is time saving and cost-effective and creates a more temperature-controlled space that prevents heat from entering or escaping the property. You can find insulated plasterboard available to buy on our website.

Some plasterboard products are also available with the option of a squared edge or tapered edge. Tapered edge plasterboards are commonly used for walls and are not recommended for ceiling applications. The tapered edge has a narrower edge that requires joining or skimming. Square edge plasterboard is a more common choice for ceilings as the seams are less visible and require less skimming. The tapered edge is thought to give a smooth and cleaner finish than the squared edge which is easier to complete when decorating.

Plasterboard Applications

The plasterboards can be applied directly to the wall and ceiling structures, or they can be installed over insulation products. The boards are lightweight and easy to cut, handle, and install.

Plasterboards construct the walls to complete a room. It provides a smooth finish ready for decoration. Wallboards can be used for lining walls, constructing ceilings, and building wall partitions. They can be applied to many domestic and commercial buildings including office spaces, schools, hospitals, shops, residential properties, and so on. Some of the newer drywall products can also be used to achieve external sheathing.

Prior to installing plasterboard ensure the surface is clear and ready for installation. It is essentials to take sockets and opening into account such as door frames, window frames and light switches.

Plasterboards can be applied onto surfaces that used to require plaster directly such as over insulation boards fitted within a timber frame. By applying plasterboards instead of plaster, it keeps the insulation within one protected space and means that if an issue should arise within the property, it can be targeted and resolved by section. Whereas previously the plaster would need to be pulled away therefore damaging the insulation, now particular selections of plasterboard can be removed, and sections of insulation removed if required.

When the plasterboard has been installed, the joins must be taped to prevent the boards edges crumbling or breaking away. The boards can then be skimmed to ensure a smooth finish, particularly on boards with a tapered edge. Once the boards have been taped and skimmed, they can be plastered or decorated directly. A light coat of plaster or skim is an option. Paint or wallpaper can then be applied along with fixtures and fittings such as skirting boards.

What are the benefits of using plasterboard?

Plasterboards are quick to Install.

The plastering process will stretch over several days with more time needed to ensure a smooth finish and allow the walls to dry. Plasterboards are quick and easy to install and the board itself will not need time to set or dry. The board are also lightweight and easy to cut.

Plasterboard is versatile

Plasterboards can be applied to walls and ceilings within domestic and commercial buildings in a range of different application methods. It is one of the most used and versatile building products available today. Plasterboards can be skimmed or decorated directly.

Plasterboard is cost-effective.

Buying plaster itself may be cheaper than buying plasterboards however, when it comes to plaster it is the time required and the craft itself that costs money. Plasterboards are quick and easy to install, therefore more cost-effective.

Plasterboard Sustainability

Plasterboards are eco-friendly as they are lightweight and easy to handle, reducing transport costs. The paper encasing the plasterboard is made up of recycled paper and the entire board itself it recyclable.

How to Cut and Install Plasterboard

Plasterboard can be cut by measuring and marking the board to size, and simply running a sharp knife or blade along the marking. The board can then be scored the other side and snapped over a hard edge if required. A ruler, solid block, or level can also be used as a guide to ensure a straight cut.

Installing plasterboard depends on the walls or ceiling construction.

For timber or steel frame applications, the plasterboard can be fitted directly to the frame. The plasterboard should join and be fixed at the centre of each timer batten or metal frame. Start in the far corner of the space. The board must be tightly butted together at the joints. The joins of the boards can then be taped using a mesh tape a minimum of 100mm wide.

For dot and dab applications, the plasterboard can be applied directly to the masonry wall using adhesive.  Once you have applied adhesive to the walls and the boards in the recommended positions, press the plasterboard against wall and hold it firmly until you are sure it is attached. To ensure a straight and level fit, before adding adhesive hold the board against wall. If unlevel fix by applying the adhesive in specific places to make the board level. If you have any concerns about the plasterboard being straight and level, a featherhead tool can also be used to ensure a smooth surface, as its edges are straight by design.

What you need when installing plasterboard

When installing plasterboards, we recommend having the essential tools. This includes:

  • Tape
  • Tape knives
  • Clamps
  • Trowels
  • A knife or sharp blade
  • Drywall fixings
  • Adhesive – for dot and dab applications
  • Spirit level
  • Pencil
  • Tape measure