Plasterboard

What are Plasterboards? Are they Gypsum based?

A plasterboard is a panel made of gypsum, sandwiched between a facer and a backer. Gypsum board is the building material for wall, ceiling, and partition systems. The calcined gypsum mixed with water and additives to form a slurry is applied on layers of paper and then bonded to the core to create a gypsum board. Gypsum board is a generic name for family of panel boards like plasterboards. 

Construction companies use plasterboards to make ceilings and interior walls. Previously, companies would use lath and plaster, a traditional method to make ceilings and interior walls. However, plasterboards (drywall construction) quickly became a popular alternative.

The standard size of plasterboards is between 9.5 and 12.5 mm – i.e. 3/8 and ½ inches of thickness. Plasterboards with greater thickness have more rigidity. For ceilings and stud partitioning, it has become standard – making it easier for people to install plasterboard as a DIY project.

Professional contractors use plasterboard to line masonry walls internally. The professionals simply attach the sheets to the masonry with a dab of adhesive such as wall linings.

Types of Plasterboards

Choosing the right plasterboard sheets

Compare plasterboard sheets by thickness, edge profile and intended use before you order. Standard plasterboard is suitable for many everyday wall and ceiling projects, while acoustic plasterboard can help reduce sound transmission when used as part of an appropriate wall or ceiling system. Fire-resistant plasterboard is designed for applications where improved fire performance is required, and moisture-resistant plasterboard is intended for rooms that experience higher humidity. Insulated plasterboard combines a board with an insulation layer to support thermal performance. Check the product information to choose options that match the room, building specification and installation method.

Insulated board: A type of Insulated Plasterboard that incorporates an insulating foam layer to the rear side. The purpose is to improve thermal insulation.

Damp-proof board: It has a damp-proof membrane such as a coloured silver foil on the rear face.

Moisture-resistant board: These types of plasterboards are used in showers, bathrooms, and kitchens. It is resistant to dampness and moisture.

Sound insulation board: These are composed of sound-proofing materials to reduce noise transmission.

Fire rated plasterboard: These are designed to offer resistance to fire. Other types of plasterboard also offer some sort of fire resistance but these boards provide much better resistance.

Tapered edge plasterboard: Tapered boards taper in thickness toward the edges. It is the most common style used and in many situations, contractors find it easy to use given that the taper on both pieces butts together. A standard tapered edge board is used in concealing of the joints, which is done using scrim and joint compound in order to fill the depression caused by the tapers.

Untapered board: These boards have square edges. You must skim the surface with plaster to achieve an easily hidden seam. A standard square edge board is mostly used for ceilings because of its uniform edge on each sides. For surfaces with texctured finishes or for direct decorations, square edge plasterboard is recommended.

Size of Plasterboard: Most types of plasterboard comes in 9.5 and/or 12.5 mm thickness. The usual size of a sheet is between 0.9m to 1.2m wide and 1.7 m and 3.6 m in length and 2.7m plasterboard. Other sizes are available too but cutting down the sheets can result in non-tapered edges.

Square edge and tapered edge plasterboard

The edge profile affects how plasterboard joints are finished. Square edge plasterboard has a straight edge and is commonly used where the full surface will be skimmed with plaster. Tapered edge plasterboard has a recessed long edge that provides space for joint tape and filler, helping create a smooth surface with less finishing build-up at the joint. Both profiles are available in different board sizes and thicknesses, so check the product details before selecting the right plasterboard for your walls, ceilings or partition panels.

Plasterboard application

Plasterboard is used to build ceilings and partition walls in any building – such as houses, shops, schools, hospitals, offices, and domestic properties. Today, we have advanced plasterboards with innovative technology, which are used for external sheathing. Plaster boards are a versatile and essential building material used to create smooth walls and ceilings in residential and commercial projects. Constructed with a gypsum core encased in durable paper layers, plaster boards are lightweight, easy to install, and ideal for drylining applications.

Plaster board is a highly versatile and widely used building material designed for creating smooth, durable internal walls and ceilings in both residential and commercial projects.

The use of plasterboard provides a number of benefits. Primarily, it gives a smooth finish. It is used to create innovative features like curved walls. Most of the time, it is regarded as a simple solution for meeting Building Regulations for thermal, moisture, fire, and acoustic performance.

Innovative technologies used in plasterboard manufacturing give a high-end finish to your interior projects. Because of this, we have increased durability, better thermal efficiency, and sound control with improved fire and moisture resistance. For example, a full range of products from the British Gypsum gyproc series can be an ideal choice for many interior projects.

The installation process requires less time and labour. Plasterboards are good for reducing noise and have fire-resistant properties. Most of the plasterboards are not susceptible to water damage – even if exposed to increased levels of dampness or moisture over longer periods. Some plasterboards with additives are designed to provide much better water resistance.

Plasterboard is lightweight, which means they are easy and safer to handle. It likewise reduces the risk of injury and provides a safe, clean, and simple installation process. If you have a small budget, still you can use plasterboard for decoration. It is extremely affordable and provides quality standards for construction or home improvement.

Plasterboards, typically, are made from recyclable materials, which are sustainable resources – providing for a healthy living environment as it is free from hazardous chemicals.

They are easy to repair. They are also very adaptable. You can move or transfer them easily for changes in the layout – for instance, the renovation purpose.

Drywall vs plasterboard

Although both terms are used interchangeably, there is a considerable difference between the two. Drywall, also known as gypsum board or wallboard, is a sheet used to make ceilings and walls. In contrast, plasterboard has the same function but it is much thicker and harder than drywall.

Plaster vs drywall

Plaster walls provide more durability in finishing than drywall. Drywall is more commonly used in buildings because its installation is easy and affordable. But for a higher quality finish, we recommend plaster.

Can you paint directly onto the plasterboard?

You can paint directly onto plasterboard but make sure you don’t skim it. Some experts recommend the use of a sealer on the plasterboard before painting. For instance, you can use diluted PVA – so once sealed, start the paint job!

Can you waterproof the plasterboard?

Yes, but for this, you need to use moisture-resistant plasterboard. This type of plasterboard is submerged completely in water and is mould resistant.

How to fix plasterboard to walls

The process is easy. The first step is to prepare the wall and cut the boards. Secondly, mix all the required adhesives – i.e. dotting and dabbing the adhesive. Add the plasterboard, fix it taking into consideration the required standards, and finish the wall.

Types of plasterboard

• Standard, moisture resistant, fire rated, acoustic and foil backed plasterboard
• Which board for which room
• Insulated plasterboard

Plasterboard sizes and thickness

• 9.5mm for ceilings on close joists, 12.5mm for most walls and ceilings, 15mm for extra strength, sound or fire performance
• Common sheet sizes: 2400 x 1200mm and 1800 x 900mm
• Tapered vs square edge

Fixing plasterboard

• Screws into timber or metal studs
• Dot-and-dab adhesive onto masonry
• Joint tape and filler, or skim

Benefits of Our Plasterboards

Plasterboard products, materials and delivery

Our range includes plasterboard products for standard lining, sound control, fire performance and moisture-prone areas, alongside related materials for completing the job. Depending on the project, you may also need timber or metal framing, plasterboard screws, joint tape, jointing compound and suitable adhesives. Check quantities and sheet dimensions before adding items to your order, particularly when covering several rooms or building new wall panels. You can collect suitable items or arrange delivery according to the options shown at checkout. For specialist requirements or help choosing the correct board, review the product specifications or contact the team before ordering.

• Smooth, Finished Surfaces – A sleek canvas ready for paint, wallpaper, or tiles.
• Improved Thermal & Acoustic Performance – Especially with insulated and foil-backed options.
• Fire & Moisture Safety – Helps meet regulations and enhances building integrity.
• Quick & Cost-Effective Installation – Lightweight, easy to fix, and finished rapidly.
• All-in-One Solution – Everything from boards to jointing tapes and adhesives in one place.

How to install Plasterboard

It is easy to install plasterboard. You just need some good plaster-boarding skills if you opt to plan for your home improvement project.

First of all, you need a tape measure, drill, spirit level, craft knife, screws, bolster chisel, and plaster scrim tape. Let us tell you about the installation process step-by-step.

In the first step, you need to measure the sheets. Make sure the sheets are 10-12 mm less than the floor-to-ceiling height. The next step is to mark the cutting line of the plasterboard’s ivory side. Use a knife craft to cut along it.

Now, turn the plasterboard over and at the same time, fold the end along. This will allow you to have snapped the board by cutting. Cut through the paper backing using a craft knife.

Get help to attach the plasterboard to the frame. It needs two or three people to get the job done.

At the foot of the board, you need to wedge a bolster chisel – then slide a wood off-cut and use your foot in order to press down and use some force to hard it up against the ceiling. You must ensure to fit the plasterboard outwards with the ivory side.

Next, use 32mm screws to fix the board in place. Make sure the intervals are 150 mm and 15 mm away from the edges. Continue fitting the boards in the same manner – cut them and fit them against the adjacent walls and the doorway.

Moreover, if you have a skirting board, notch the plasterboard around it so that it accurately fits. The last step is to finish the joints with tape – in order to give the wall a smooth finish.

With over a decade in supplying high-quality building materials, we're trusted by homeowners and contractors alike. Our curated range, expert advice, and UK-wide delivery ensure your plasterboard projects go smoothly, on budget, on time, and above expectations.

FAQ

What thickness of plasterboard do I need?

12.5mm is the most common choice for walls and ceilings. 9.5mm is lighter and is sometimes used on ceilings with close joist spacing, while 15mm gives extra strength and better fire and sound performance.

What is the difference between tapered edge and square edge plasterboard?

Tapered-edge board has thinner long edges so joints can be taped and filled flush, ready to decorate without a full skim. Square-edge board is usually skimmed all over with plaster.

Which plasterboard should I use in a bathroom?

Use moisture-resistant plasterboard in bathrooms and kitchens. For areas that get wet, such as showers, use a cement board or a tile backer board instead.

Can I paint directly onto plasterboard?

Yes, once the joints are taped and filled. Seal the board first with a mist coat or primer so the paint finish is even.