What is Plasterboard? – Ultimate Guide to Drywall
When decorating your home, you have a few choices regarding lining your walls. You can opt for traditional plastering, though this can take time to apply and dry. Or you can choose plasterboard, begging the question: what is plasterboard, and when should I use it?
In this guide, you will discover the different types of plasterboard available, their properties and their ideal uses.
What is Plasterboard?
Plasterboard is a panel alternative to plaster and lath. These panels are cut to shape and drilled into the stud work of your walls, dramatically reducing the time required to decorate your home.
It provides an affordable way for builders to fulfil their obligations under fire safety, thermal efficiency and noise insulation regulations whilst also preventing damage caused by high levels of condensation.
What Materials are in Plasterboard?
Plasterboard is a panel made of gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate) sandwiched between a facer and a backer layer. Manufacturers experiment with this recipe to add additional properties to their plasterboard, increasing its versatility. They may include fibreglass to increase density and acoustic insulation or a foil backing for moisture and vapour resistance.
How is Plasterboard Used?
Depending on the type of plasterboard you opt for, its properties may dictate its use. Typically, we use plasterboard to line walls and ceilings inside buildings. You can fit the boards and then skim them with a thin layer of plaster for a smooth finish.
However, you can also use plasterboard to create partitions within a room without brickwork. Its acoustic-insulating properties add privacy and suit office spaces.
What are the Different Types of Plasterboard?
Due to the variety of scenarios and issues builders face, manufacturers have created several plasterboard variations. Here is a breakdown of the different types and why they are useful:
Dense Plasterboard
If your walls may suffer additional damage, choose dense plasterboard, especially for public buildings. Manufacturers add fibreglass to resist impacts and vandalism and use British Standard BS 5234 to measure this resistance.
External Plasterboard
You can use plasterboard as external insulation, though you need dedicated external boards that are airtight and extremely moisture-repellant to prevent damage from adverse weather conditions.
Fire-Resistant Plasterboard
Though most forms of plasterboard offer some fire resistance, dedicated fireproof plasterboard is an excellent choice for wooden stud walls. Be aware that some plasterboards will be entirely fireproof, but others will just resist fire for several hours.
Insulated Plasterboard
By including an insulating layer in the gypsum board, insulated plasterboard increases your home’s energy efficiency without being excessively thick.
Moisture-Resistant Plasterboard
If your home is prone to damp, a moisture-resistant plasterboard will combat this issue. It suits kitchens and bathrooms where you use (and spill) water daily.
Vapour Resistant Plasterboard
Utilising a foil backing, vapour-resistant plasterboard takes moisture repellency further and protects your plasterboard from condensation.
Sound-Resistant Plasterboard
Standard plasterboard leaks sound, disturbing other rooms. However, with higher-density sound-resistant plasterboard, you can acoustically insulate your home for added comfort. Typically, manufacturers produce this soundproofing by increasing the thickness of the plasterboard, though they can also add reinforcing materials like fibreglass or mineral wool.
Plank Plasterboard
Some manufacturers have started producing thicker ‘plank plasterboard’ that offers increased sound and heat insulation. Therefore, it is ideal for high-traffic areas like stairs and hallways, though it is also often used commercially in lift shafts and auditoriums.
Tapered Edge Plasterboard
Contractors often prefer plasterboard with edges that taper in thickness, as the taper allows the butts of the boards to fit together easily. Then, you can conceal the joints with some scrim and joint compound.
Untapered Edge Plasterboard
Straight or untapered edge plasterboard is easy to cut and fit into a particular space. However, if you want to conceal the joints between the sheets, you should apply a skim coat of plaster on top.
What are the Benefits of Plasterboard?
Plasterboard offers a host of advantages that make it an excellent choice for lining your home.
Reduced Installation Time
As you can simply drill plasterboard into your stud work, the installation time is dramatically shorter than traditional plastering.
Easy to Handle
The light materials used in plasterboard make it easy to transport. Then, you can cut it to shape to fit wherever you need.
Often Made from Recycled Materials
We can recycle every component used in plasterboard as long as it has not been exposed to contaminants, making it incredibly environmentally friendly.
Insulating Properties
Plasterboard is an affordable way of adding extra thermal and sound insulation to your home, lowering your energy bills and providing some peace and quiet.
Fire and Water Resistant
Fire and water-resistant plasterboard will last longer in your home as it is protected from unwanted damage.
Size and Thickness of Plasterboard
Your plasterboard’s size and thickness will vary depending on the type you buy and its properties. The sheets range from 0.9 to 1.2 metres wide, 1.8 to 3.6 metres long and 9.5mm to 15mm thick.
The thickness of your plasterboard has a more considerable impact on its properties than its length or width. For example, fire-resistant plasterboard is typically 15mm thick, compared to a standard plasterboard thickness of around 12mm. Then, noise and damage proofing adds thickness as well, potentially using additional layers of fibreglass in its construction.
How Much Does Plasterboard Cost?
Manufacturers sell plasterboard by the sheet, and you usually need three or four sheets for a single wall. A 12m2 plasterboard sheet costs around £35, and a 16m2 sheet costs around £48, meaning that a three-sheet wall will cost between £105 and £144 and a four-sheet wall will cost between £140 and £172.
Our Dry Lining Services
If you want to benefit from the properties of the different types of plasterboard but also need a professional installation and finish, A B Drylining is here to help. Providing for customers throughout the South West, our expert drylining services can revitalise your home, insulating any wall or ceiling ready for decorating.
We are an IPAF member, accredited by PASMA and use products from manufacturers like British Gypsum, Siniat, Knauf and Hilti.
To learn about how we can upgrade your walls, speak to our experts today.
FAQ
What are the alternative names for plasterboard?
Plasterboard is often referred to as gypsum board, drywall, wall panels and wallboard.
When should I use plasterboard?
Plasterboard is ideal for lining your walls and ceilings as well as creating partitions without additional construction. You can also install external plasterboard on the outside of your home.
Why should I use plasterboard?
Plasterboard takes less time to install than traditional plastering, can offer fire resistance, water repellency and thermal and acoustic insulation, and often consists of recycled materials.
How should I install plasterboard?
Firstly, measure the plasterboard so that it fits your wall. Mark a cutting line on the board’s ivory side, leaving a 10-12mm gap at the top of the board for the ceiling. Cut along this line.
To fit the board in place, you will need the help of one or two other people. Wedge a bolster chisel underneath the board, then press down to force the plasterboard up to the ceiling.
You can fix plasterboard to a wooden or metal frame using plasterboard screws made from case-hardened steel. The length of your screws depends on the thickness of your plasterboard: if you have a 9.5mm board, choose a 32mm long screw. For a 12mm board, opt for a longer 38mm screw.
Finally, finish over the joints with tape.
Does plasterboard meet Part B Fire Regulations?
Gypsum, a key component of plasterboard, is naturally fire-resistant. It locks in water to release during a fire, regulating temperatures and protecting the plasterboard for long periods.
Can plasterboard help me meet Part L Building Regulations?
Yes. Part L Building regulations refer to U Values that measure the insulating properties of a building. Insulated plasterboard traps heat, lowering the U Value and meeting the Building Regulations.
Is plasterboard safe for the environment?
Plasterboard is entirely recyclable as long as it has not been exposed to contaminants.
Can I paint directly onto plasterboard?
Yes, you can paint directly onto plasterboard, though adding a skim layer of plaster will provide a smoother surface and better finish. You should also conceal the joints between each sheet before painting.
Can I make my plasterboard waterproof?
You can buy water-resistance plasterboard to avoid damp and moisture damage.
How much does a sheet of plasterboard weigh?
Typically plasterboard weighs between 6 and 10kg per m2.
What type of plasterboard is best for a bathroom?
The most important property that bathroom plasterboard needs is vapour resistance. The natural exposure to water and water vapour will weaken your plasterboard if it is not water-repellent.
What type of plasterboard should I use for ceilings?
When installing plasterboard in the ceiling, you should consider a few requirements. Firstly, how thick is your ceiling? If it is thin, choose a thicker plasterboard that provides acoustic insulation and prevents the sound of footsteps from disturbing people downstairs.
In a kitchen, bathroom or any other room that sees large amounts of water, choose water-resistant plasterboard to prevent dampness and damage.
