How to Plasterboard a Wall

How to Plasterboard a Wall the Right Way

There are several types of wall that are suitable for plasterboarding, which all have slightly different considerations in terms of what is the most effective approach. Annoyingly, some of the nuances of the various wall types can make it difficult for people to understand exactly how best to apply their plasterboard to a wall. 

The overall process of plasterboarding a wall is simple. Although there are many subtle variations, the basic plasterboarding process is as follows:

1. Preparing the wall
2. Preparing the boards
3. Attaching the plasterboard
4. Finishing/decorating

The most important part of how to plasterboard a wall correctly is always using high-quality plasterboard products and materials. This includes the boards, taping, beading, and joint filler - as well as any other extra finishes.

How to Plasterboard a Brick Wall

Block or brick walls are relatively easy to attach plasterboards to and will provide a sturdy surface to work with. You will usually want to use insulated plasterboards for internal walls made from brick, but you could also use moisture-resistant plasterboards - such as in a windowless laundry or boiler room.

Brick walls respond well to plasterboarding and insulated boards greatly improve comfort. Keep the following tips in mind when plasterboarding a brick wall: 

• Consider battens: Battens are an excellent fixing method for brick walls as it avoids direct contact with the plasterboards and this results in a bit of extra warmth. However, battens are not good for a poorly ventilated room as this can cause condensation to collect - so the battens can easily warp.
• Use mechanical fixings: Solid exterior walls like brick walls can often have timber frame ceilings above them. With clever use of mechanical fixings, you can keep the support for the boards almost centred entirely on the wall and protect the structure from any accidental movement from above.
• Try foil-backed boards: In older houses, it is still possible for moisture to penetrate bricks over time, typically through window frames or cracks in the mortar. With moisture-resistant, foil-backed boards you can lower the risk of any issues down the line, such as mould, damp and warped boards.

If you are wondering how to plasterboard a wall made of brick, just think of the performance you want in the room, such as extra warmth. With high-quality insulation boards, you can make cold external brick walls very comfortable.

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How to Plasterboard a Garage Wall

When you are working to convert a garage space to be more habitable, insulated plasterboard is the most appropriate choice, as a garage is typically an environment with little if any existing insulation. You could convert a garage entirely or use it as a hobby/workshop and car parking space at the same time.

Keep the following in mind during the installation process for a better result on your garage wall plasterboarding project: 

• Do more thorough cleaning: The problem with a garage conversion is that they are used as a garage before converting. As a result, they can be filthy places, leaving walls that will require significant cleaning and preparation. You may need very strong cleaning chemicals and mechanical washers.
• Remove moisture: Garages made from blocks are typically difficult for plasterboarding as they tend to contain a lot of moisture, as they previously had no insulation and regular exposure to the elements. Try a hair dryer or dehumidifier, or just save your conversion until the drier summer months.
• Consider adhesive: Many garages use blocks, which offer a nice chance to fix insulated plasterboard with adhesive. Plasterboard adhesive binds very strongly to the wall surface and does not cause any increase in load. The wall is only as thick as the boards, so you will have room for skirting boards. 

A garage wall is often also a brick or block wall and there are many different types of plasterboard you can use. Typically, insulation boards, fire boards or moisture-resistant boards are most appropriate. 

How to Plasterboard a Stud Wall Partition

With a partition wall, it is simple to divide a space into a very private and comfortable room. The complications that arise normally centre around issues with additional electrical sockets or plumbing. If you choose to use nails, stud partition walls can be the most simple type of wall to attach your plasterboard.

If you apply plasterboards to a stud wall during your project consider the following options for a better result:

• Take extra care to secure the frame: Partition walls need to be fixed to the floor and ceiling joists via the floor plate, ceiling plate (head plate) and footplate of the frame. Although the stud can support the boards the timber frame gains lots of its structural support from the floor and ceiling.
• Use drywall screws: Whether you are plasterboarding a timber or metal frame screws provide secure fixings for the plasterboards and can help to brace the timber frame together even more tightly. Screws securely fix into all pieces of timber in a stud wall, so you can strengthen the entire frame
• Use acoustic boards: Although insulated plasterboards are excellent for stud walls,  if you attach acoustic boards you will get better results in terms of noise reduction - something tricky for partition walls. When building a stud wall you can also stick extra insulation in between the boards.

Stud partition walls can be irritating to work with because they have the added complication of the timber frame system, which makes it a much bigger job. However, once the frame is in place the plasterboarding process is simple.

General Plasterboarding Tips

The following are some general plasterboarding tips that apply to all types of walls:

• Use quality merchants: Building Regulations for fire resistance, heat insulation, moisture insulation and noise insulation make sure UK products are all of the same standards. But still, use a reputable merchant with flexible delivery and diverse stock so you can get everything you need.
• Measure and cut with a spirit level: If you are using plasterboard for a DIY purpose you may not need to cut large numbers of boards with a mechanical saw. However, if you are using the score and snap method - you should always make sure that it is straight by using a spirit level.

The above tips will help make sure you have a quality wall ready for decoration.