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

SINIAT Standard Plasterboard SE 2400x1200x9.5mm

12.5mm Knauf Moisture Panel Tapered Edge Plasterboard 2400mm X 1200mm

British Gypsum Gyproc Thermaline Basic Plasterboard Tapered Edge 2400mm X 1200mm X 22mm (2.88m²/ Sheet)

GTEC Vapour Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x12.5mm

GTEC Db Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x15mm

GTEC Moisture Board Tapered Edge 2400x1200x12.5mm

British Gypsum Gyproc Fireline Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x15mm

Gyproc Standard Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x15mm

2400x1200x 12.5mm dB Board T/E Plasterboard

SINIAT Thermal XP Insulated Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x35mm

Gyproc FireLine Plasterboard Tapered Edge 2400 x 1200 x 12.5mm

Gyproc SoundBloc Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x12.5mm

12.5mm Knauf Wallboard Square Edge Plasterboard 2400mm X 1200mm

Gyproc Soundbloc Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x15mm

Fire Board Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x15mm

Knauf Tapered Edge Sound Panel - 12.5 x 1200 x 2400mm

SINIAT Fire Board Plasterboard 2400mm x 1200mm x 12.5mm Square Edge

SINIAT Moisture Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x15mm

Siniat Fire Board 1800 x 900 x 12.5mm Tapered Edge

Gyproc Plasterboard Tapered Edge 2400 x 1200 x 12.5mm

British Gypsum Soundbloc Plasterboard TE 3000x1200x15mm

British Gypsum Thermaline Plus Insulated Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x27mm

British Gypsum Gyproc Thermaline Basic Plasterboard Tapered Edge 2400mm X 1200mm X 40mm (2.88m²/ Sheet)

Siniat GTEC Contour Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x6mm

Knauf Fire Panel Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x12.5mm

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

GTEC Vapour Plasterboard SE 1800x900x12.5mm

Knauf Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x12.5mm

Siniat Standard Square Edge Plasterboard 1800 x 900 x 9.5mm

Siniat GTEC EPS Thermal Insulated Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x30mm

Siniat GTEC Thermal XP Insulated Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x27mm

British Gypsum Thermaline Plus Insulated Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x35mm

Knauf Plasterboard SE Plasterboard 1800x900x12.5mm

12.5mm Knauf Vapour Panel Square Edge Plasterboard 1800mm x 900mm

Knauf 9.5mm x 900mm x 1800mm Square Edge Wallboard

Knauf 9.5mm x 1200mm x 2400mm Square Edge Wallboard

Gyproc Fireline Square edge 12.5mm Plasterboard, (L)2.4m (W)1.2m

Siniat Standard Square Edge Plasterboard 2400 x 1200 x 15mm

BG Standard Plasterboard SE 2400x1200x12.5mm

Siniat GTEC Thermal XP Insulated Plasterboard TE 2400x1200x55mm