Plasterboard

What is Plasterboard?

Plasterboard offers a "dry" alternative to traditional wet plastering, which is why it's often called "drywall". Instead of building up a wall surface with multiple coats of wet plaster that need time to dry, plasterboard provides a pre-made, dry panel. This panel has a gypsum plaster centre encased in strong paper, and it's simply cut and fixed into place to quickly form interior walls and ceilings.

It comes in a variety of specialised types to suit different needs, including moisture and fire resistance, as well as acoustic and thermal insulation. This makes plasterboard a reliable base for a wide range of interior finishes.

The most common thickness is 12.5mm, and it is available in both square and tapered edge forms, offering flexibility for various construction and design requirements.

Standard Plasterboard Application

Standard plasterboard sheets can be easily fixed to the wall, timber/metal partitions (with mechanical fixings) and various brick/masonry constructions using the "dot and dab" method, in which plasterboard is applied to the surface of the walls or insulation with adhesive.

Benefits of Using Plasterboard Over Plaster

• You don’t need to be an expert to install the boards correctly. Whilst it may take patience and effort to get the boards into the correct position on the wall, you’ll catch on fast.
• The straight, smooth finish of the boards promises a clean and flush base on which to decorate.
• It is faster, cheaper, and less labour-intensive than applying plaster.
• In terms of thermal efficiency, drywall has a slight edge over plaster.
• Drywall can easily be cut into when making in-wall repairs - these holes are then easy to fix.

Types of Performance Plasterboard

• Fire-Resistant Plasterboard: Buys vital time for residents to escape and survive fire break-outs. It feature an aerated gypsum core reinforced with glass fibre and other elements before being strongly sealed to pink paper, hence the common “pink plasterboard” label. 
• Moisture-Resistant Plasterboard: Use moisture-resistant plasterboard where it is specified for the wall or ceiling system. For tiled areas, follow the selected board and tiling system’s requirements for surface preparation, permitted tile loading and waterproofing. Moisture resistance alone does not establish suitability for a shower or wet-room installation.
• Sound-Proof Plasterboard: Acoustic plasterboard is a component of sound-reducing wall and ceiling systems. The tested acoustic performance belongs to the complete assembly, including the boards, framing, insulation, junctions and workmanship. Select the named board and construction details required by the specified system rather than assuming that an individual sheet provides a fixed reduction in noise.
• Insulated Plasterboard: Comprise standard drywall plasterboard pre-bonded to an insulant. Although plasterboard is not most commonly known for its thermal performance, insulation plasterboard offers the user the ability to install both the insulation and plasterboard in one operation, offering drylining and added thermal insulation benefits.
• Vapour Control/Vapour Barrier Plasterboard: Is a specialised type of drywall or plasterboard used to manage moisture and prevent the movement of water vapour between different building spaces. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and insulation of a building by controlling the flow of moisture, which, if not properly managed, can lead to various issues such as condensation, mould growth, and reduced energy efficiency.

Edge Types

• Tapered Edge (TE): The long edges of a tapered edge plasterboard sheet are slightly tapered inwards. This design allows for joint tape (paper or fibreglass mesh) and jointing compound to be applied within the taper. When correctly filled and sanded, this creates a flat, seamless surface ready for direct painting or wallpapering. This is the most common edge type for general wall and ceiling applications where a "dry-lined" (tape and jointed) finish is desired.
• Square Edge (SE): All edges of a square edge board are cut square. These boards are typically used when the entire surface is going to be skimmed with a thin (2-3mm) coat of finish plaster to achieve a traditional smooth plastered look. They can also be used for applications where visible joints are acceptable or will be covered by trim, or in multi-layer systems where the joints are staggered.

Working with Plasterboard: Installation Techniques

• Handling: Plasterboard sheets are large and can be heavy and prone to damage if mishandled. Ideally, they should be carried on their edge by two people. Store sheets flat and dry, well-supported to prevent bowing.
• Cutting:
  • Score and Snap: The most common method for straight cuts. Use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge (like a T-square) to score deeply through the face paper and slightly into the gypsum core. Then, apply firm pressure to snap the board along the scored line. Finally, cut through the backer paper.
  • Plasterboard Saw (Pad Saw): A fine-toothed hand saw used for cutting more intricate shapes, curves, or openings for electrical sockets, switches, and light fittings once the board is in place or before fixing.
  • Power Saws (Jigsaw/Drywall Cut-out Tool): Can be used for speed and complex cuts, but generate more dust. Always use appropriate blades and dust extraction.
• Fixing:
  • To Timber Studs/Joists: Use specialised drywall screws (typically black phosphate drywall screws coated with a bugle head). Select a length that allows for at least 25mm penetration into the timber framing. Screw heads should be driven slightly below the paper surface without tearing it, creating a slight dimple for filling.
  • To Metal Studs/Framing: Use fine-thread, self-tapping drywall screws specifically designed for metal framing.
  • "Dot and Dab" (Direct Bond to Masonry): Apply dabs of plasterboard adhesive (gypsum-based) to the masonry wall at regular intervals. Press the plasterboard sheet firmly and evenly into the adhesive, using a long straight edge and spirit level to ensure it is plumb and flat.

How to Choose the Right Plasterboard

Choose plasterboard to match the specified wall or ceiling construction. Start with the required fire, acoustic, moisture or thermal performance, then select the board type, thickness, edge and fixing method identified in the manufacturer’s complete system specification.

For general internal lining, compare standard wallboard. Where a particular performance requirement applies, explore the relevant range of fire-rated plasterboard, moisture-resistant plasterboard, soundproof plasterboard or foil-backed plasterboard, then check the exact product against that specification.

For tiled or wet areas, follow the selected board and tiling system’s requirements for surface preparation, tile loading and waterproofing. A room name alone is not enough to determine the correct board or complete construction.

For an explanation of the different board types, read our plasterboard types guide.