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

Gyproc Thermaline Basic Tapered Edge Wallboard - 2400 x 1200 x 22mm

Kingspan Kooltherm K118 Insulated Plasterboard - 2.4m x 1.2m x 42.5mm - Pack of 18 Boards

Gyproc Plasterboard Wallboard Square Edge - 2.4m x 1.2m x 12.5mm

Knauf Plasterboard Square Edge Fire Panel - 2.4m x 1.2m x 12.5mm

British Gypsum Gyproc WallBoard Square Edge 1800mm x 900mm x 9.5mm

Glasroc X Sheathing Board - 2400mm x 1200mm x 12.5mm

ProBead Standard Angle 6mm x 3m - Ocean (Pack of 34)

Gyproc Profilex Handi Access Panel 300 X 300mm White

British Gypsum Gyproc WallBoard Square Edge 1800mm x 900mm x 12.5mm

British Gypsum Gyproc WallBoard Tapered Edge 1800mm x 900mm x 12.5mm

Knauf Moisture Plasterboard Square Edge 12.5mm x 2400mm x 1200mm

Gyproc Plasterboard Straight Edge 3000 x 1200 x 12.5mm

Gyproc Plasterboard Straight Edge 2400 x 900 x 12.5mm

Gyproc Plasterboard Straight Edge 2700 x 1200 x 12.5mm

12.5mm Gyproc MR Tapered Edge Plasterboard 2700mm x 1200mm (9' x 4')

12.5mm Gyproc MR Tapered Edge Plasterboard x 1200mm (8' x 4')

19mm Gyproc Plank Square Edge Plasterboard x 600mm (8' x 2')

British Gypsum Gyproc Moisture Resistant Plasterboard Tapered Edge 2400mm x 1200mm x 12.5mm | 2.88m2

12.5mm Moisture Resistant Plasterboard Tapered Edge 2400mm x 1200mm

12.5mm Standard Plasterboard Tapered Edge 2400mm x 1200mm

British Gypsum Gyproc ThermaLine PLUS Plasterboard Tapered Edge 2400mm x 1200mm x 40mm | 2.88m2

12.5mm Knauf Moisture Panel Tapered Edge Plasterboard 3000mm x 1200mm

Gyproc Standard Square edge 9.5mm Plasterboard, (L)2.4m (W)1.2m

Gyproc Standard Tapered edge 12.5mm Plasterboard, (L)1.8m (W)0.9m

Knauf XPS Laminate Plus Insulated Plasterboard Tapered Edge 2400mm x 1200mm x 40mm | 2.88m2

Gyproc Drywall Plasterboard Adhesive 25KG

Warmline PIR Insulated Plasterboard 1.2m x 2.4m 72.5mm

Moisture Resistant Plasterboard Tapered Edge (2.4m x 1.2m) 15mm

Standard Plasterboard Tapered Edge (2.4m x 1.2m) 15mm

Siniat Wallboard Tapered Edge 1200mm x 2400mm 15mm