Question 1

1. What is plasterboard?

Accepted Answer

Plasterboard, also known as wallboard, gypsum board or drywall, is a construction material used to create smooth walls and ceilings. It’s widely employed in the UK construction industry, either to cover existing walls, or to create new structures by attaching the boards to a frame.
Plasterboard is commonly made of gypsum (the main ingredient in plaster), with a layer of paper on each side, although many specialist variations with different properties exist.

Question 2

2. What sizes do plasterboard sheets come in?

Accepted Answer

Standard plasterboard sizes in the UK include 2400 x 1200mm sheets (8x4 plasterboard), which are suitable for most internal finishing. Other common dimensions include lengths of 1800mm and 3000mm, with widths of 900mm or 1200mm. Thickness typically ranges from 9.5mm for ceilings to 12.5mm or 15mm plasterboard for walls, or higher performance situations.

Question 3

3. Can you paint plasterboard?

Accepted Answer

You can paint straight onto most types of plasterboard, although it’s best to fill or cover joints and fixings first with something like plasterboard tape or scrim. Some types of board do need preparation before they’re painted, so it’s always best to consult the documents for the product you’re using.

Question 4

4. How do you cut plasterboard?

Accepted Answer

Although it’s strong, plasterboard is quite easy to cut. You can use a regular utility knife or handsaw for a board that’s not been installed. A jab saw (also called a board saw) is the best option if you need to cut a hole.

See this article from Jewson for detailed advice on how to cut plasterboard.

Question 5

5. What are the different types of plasterboard colours?

Accepted Answer

Different types of plasterboard come in different colours to show what job they’re for. The main colours are:

White: Standard plasterboard – most common plasterboard is this colour.
Pink: Fire rated plasterboard - used where additional fire protection is needed.
Green: Moisture resistant plasterboard – used in areas with high moisture or humidity, like bathrooms or kitchens.
Blue: Acoustic plasterboard – used for soundproofing.

Question 6

6. Are drywall sheets different to plasterboard sheets?

Accepted Answer

No, drywall sheets and plasterboard sheets are essentially the same product. Both refer to gypsum-based boards used for drylining. The term ‘drywall’ is more commonly used in the US, while ‘plasterboard’ is the standard term in the UK. In some contexts, ‘drywall’ may also refer to the full system, including fixings and framework, but the boards themselves are the same.

Compare plasterboard prices

72.5mm Siniat Thermal PIR Insulated Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2400mm x 1200mm

37.5mm Siniat Thermal PIR Insulated Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2400mm x 1200mm

12.5mm Knauf Soundshield Plus Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2400mm x 1200mm

12.5mm Fermacell Gypsum Fibre Wall Board - 2400mm x 1200mm

15mm Fermacell Gypsum Fibre Wall Board - 2400mm x 1200mm

15mm Gyproc Duplex Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2400mm x 1200mm

12.5mm Knauf Fire Panel Plasterboard Square Edge - 2400mm x 1200mm

37.5mm Warmline PIR Insulated Plasterboard 2400mm x 1200mm

12.5mm Knauf Wallboard Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2700mm x 1200mm

15mm Gyproc SoundBloc Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 3000mm x 1200mm

19mm Siniat Plasterboard Plank Tapered Edge - 2400mm x 600mm

52.5mm Ecotherm Eco-liner Insulated Plasterboard - 2400mm x 1200mm

12.5mm Siniat Aqua Board Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2400mm x 1200mm

12.5mm Knauf Fire Panel Plasterboard Square Edge - 1800mm x 900mm

12.5mm Siniat Standard Plasterboard Tapered Edge 2400mm x 900mm

12.5mm Siniat Aqua Board Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 1200mm x 850mm

9.5mm Knauf Wallboard Plasterboard Square Edge - 2400m x 1200nm (Pallet of 92)

9.5mm Gyproc Wallboard Plasterboard Square Edge - 2400mm x 1200mm (90 Per Pallet)

9.5mm Gyproc Wallboard Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2400mm x 1200mm (90 per Pallet)

52.5mm Warmline PIR Insulated Plasterboard 2400mm x 1200mm

10mm Glasroc F Multiboard Plasterboard - 2400mm x 1200mm

15mm Gyproc Wallboard Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2400mm x 900mm

15mm Gyproc SoundBloc F Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2400mm x 1200mm

12.5mm Gyproc SoundBloc Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 3000mm x 1200mm

12.5mm Gyproc FireLine Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 1800mm x 900mm

15mm Gyproc SoundBloc Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2700mm x 1200mm

12.5mm Gyproc SoundBloc Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2700mm x 1200mm

12.5mm Gyproc FireLine Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2700mm x 1200mm

12.5mm Gyproc SoundBloc Moisture Resistant Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2400mm x 1200mm

15mm Gyproc SoundBloc Moisture Resistant Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2400mm x 1200mm

15mm Gyproc SoundBloc Moisture Resistant Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2700mm x 1200mm

9.5mm Siniat Base Board Plasterboard Square Edge - 1220mm x 900mm

93mm Gyproc Thermaline PIR Insulated Plasterboard - 2400m x 1200mm (Pack of 9 sheets)

27mm Resonate ResoBoard 3 Acoustic Plasterboard - 1200mm x 1200mm

30mm Resonate ResoBoard 4 Acoustic Plasterboard - 1200mm x 1200mm

48mm Gyproc Thermaline Plus Plasterboard Tapered Edge - 2400mm x 1200mm

42.5mm Kingspan Kooltherm K118 Insulated Plasterboard 2400m x 1200mm (Pack of 18 Boards)

19mm Siniat Plank Board Plasterboard Tapered Edge 2400mm x 600mm