7th Dec 2022 -

When installing plasterboards, edge beads and angle beads are used to reinforce corners or edges, allowing for a smooth finish. Angle beads are also used in corner edges around windows, stairwells, and support beams, while edge beads are used when plasterboard meets solid surfaces like doors. Plasterboard edging is easy to damage, and beading helps protect it from everyday wear and tear.  

On this page, we’ll look at the various plaster beading products, the materials they are made out of, and the installation process. 

Angle Beads:

Sometimes called corner beads, angle beads are used to create a smooth edge when plasterboard sheets meet each other on an external corner. They are long strips made of metal such as galvanised steel, or plastic, with a centre line and two wings on either side. They are designed to attach to both sheets of plasterboard, leaving a perfect corner at the join. They also protect the corners of your walls that an exposed edge of plasterboard would not be able to give. Angle beads come in a range of lengths, but tend to be between 2 and 3 meters.

View All Beads, Tapes & Jointing

Edge Beads: 

Edge beads, sometimes called stop beads, are used to reinforce edges of plasterboard when they are next to a different material, such as a wooden door frame, an exposed stone wall, or a suspended ceiling. They are long, hooked strips that attach to the edge of your plasterboard panel. They help protect your plasterboard edges and allow you to carefully plaster up to a seam, giving your walls a professional look. Edge beads, or stop beads, typically come in 3m lengths.

View All Beads, Tapes & Jointing

Material Options for Plaster Beads

Angle beads are often made from metal, with either mesh or larger holes on their sides and a reinforced edge in the centre. They can also be made of plastic, following the same design as their metal counterparts.

Plasterboard edge beads are also made of metal or PVC, with a solid hooked corner and an edge with either mesh or larger holes. Metal and plastic plasterboard edge beads are essentially the same in design.

Choosing between the two materials is largely a matter of preference. Metal is easier to dent with a severe knock, and also can rust over time if exposed to damp or water. But they are both installed in identical ways and offer similar protection to your plasterboard corners and edges.

angle bead

How to Install Angle Beads on Your Plasterboard Corners

Angle beads can be installed on your dry walls by several different methods. 

Preparation

Before installation, you must measure and cut your angle bead. Measure the length needed, and use a pair of tin snips or strong scissors to cut in from either side before breaking it in the middle. The edges of angle beads are often too open, so it is a good idea to pinch them to keep them at a 45-degree angle. 

Securing Without Adhesives

Nails, screws, or staples allow you to secure the angle bead to your plasterboard without using adhesives. Nailing is not advisable, as nails can often pull the corner away from the centre, and nails are difficult to remove. Screws allow a more precise installation and will allow you to secure your angle bead, though they will need to be inserted deep enough that they make a depression in the angle bead. This will ensure that the screws are not visible through the plaster when the finish coat is applied. 

Staples are a method used by most plasterers, though you will need a strong staple gun. While holding it in place with a straight edge, staple the bottom, middle, and top of both sides of the angle bead. Staples are easy to remove, allowing you to adjust the angle bead to make sure you have it carefully positioned. 

A good idea can be to draw a perfect line along either side using a ruler, to have a clear visual marking of where the angle bead should be when fixing it to the plasterboard, allowing you to see if you are installing it incorrectly.

Securing With Adhesives

You can also use adhesive plaster, such as British Gypsum Multi-finish or other brands, to attach angle beads to plasterboard corners. To do this mix plaster and water, making a thick mixture. Use the plaster to make thick dabs of plaster every 4cm on both sides of the corner. Then, simply press the angle bead onto the corner, which should push out excess plaster. Carefully position the angle bead with a straight edge before it sets, and scrape off excess plaster with a trowel. 

When joining two angle beads on your walls it is a common strategy to cut 45-degree angles into either side of the join on both angle beads, so they only meet in the middle. This is to avoid problems arising from the ends of angle beads expanding out. 

thin coat angle bead

How to Install Edge Beads on Your Plasterboard Edges

Unlike angle beads, edge beads should be fixed to the plasterboard before the panels are attached, either to a stud wall or to a solid wall using plasterboard adhesives. You will need to cut them to the required size using tin snips.

Edge beads can be affixed by the same methods as angle beads, making sure that the longer side is on the back and the smaller hook is on the plasterboard face. They are easier to straighten as you can simply hold the edge bead firmly in place against the edge of your plasterboard.

Quality Plaster Beading Supplies Delivered

To protect your plasterboard walls and provide a professionally finished corner, edge beads and angle beads are essential. They come in both plastic and metal, which both work similarly. The best methods to install them are either with screws, nails, strong staples or with plaster. Once you have them installed you can plaster your wall carefully, which will provide a clean corner without a visible bead. 

Within our plasterboard category, you'll find boards, screws and fixings, alongside our edge and angle beads. For professionals, our trade accounts are a must-have. Our team of account managers can source you exactly what you need, delivering in bulk at brilliant trade prices. Sign up through our website now, or tell us what you need through the form below.







    * These fields are mandatory