Plasterboard

Plasterboard comes in various thicknesses, the most common are  9.5mm/12.5mm/15mm The usual sheet size is 2400 x 1200, smaller sizes may be specified for roof work because of their reduced weight and ease of handling.

‘Standard’ plasterboard is a layer of hardened plaster sandwiched between two layers of paper and used to line stud partitioning, ceilings and used in dry lining. Most plasterboards come with a white paper face and the other side a grey, thicker paper face. The white paper side is the front and will accept plastering and other finishes – the grey side is not suitable for any finish.

All gypsum based plasterboards offer some fire protection, but Gyproc FireLine offers improved performance. Other more specialist plasterboards including Gyproc Moisture Resistant, Gyproc SoundBloc and Wallboard Duplex fire check .

Plasterboards used for Plastering on to are Square Edged, but tapered edge boards are also available and should be avoided if you are planning to plaster the walls.

These are some examples, but for a complete overview, go the British Gypsums Website

     9.5mm standard square edge (2400mm x 1200mm)
     12.5mm standard square edge (2400mm x 1200mm)
     9.5mm & 12.5mm standard square edge (1800mm x 900mm)
     12.5mm Moisture Resistant Plasterboard (2400mm x 1200mm)
     12.5mm SoundBloc Plasterboard (2400mm x 1200mm)
     12.5mm FireLine plasterboard (2400mm x 1200mm)
     12.5mm Wallboard Duplex Vaporcheck plasterboard (2400mm x 1200mm)

Specialist plasterboard types include;

Aquaboard for wet areas such as showers that are to be tiled.

Fireline where enhanced fire protection is required.

Moisture Barrier in areas of condensation such as window bays.

Insulation board where foam is bonded to the board to increase the heat insulation properties of a project.

Soundboard enhancing the acoustic and sound insulation properties of a surface.

Cutting Plasterboard

When applying plasterboard to a stud wall it will usually be measured and cut to joist or noggin centres, usually 600mm centres.

A full width of plasterboard can be scored with a blade knife creating a straight point of weakness. Pressure applied to the back of that line will cause the board to break along the desired line.

When cutting pieces of board less that 1cm wide we suggest that the plasterboard is scored on both sides

To cut part way into a board use a combination of a pad saw and then the blade knife.

To shape the edge of board use a small rasp or surf form to shave off small amounts of board.