How to Cut Plasterboard to Size: A Beginners Guide

Cut Plasterboard Accurately Around Sockets and Corners 

Lack of know-how stops people from tackling easily manageable projects such as installing plasterboard over tricky areas, commonly around sockets in walls or light fixtures in ceilings. However, plasterboard is very easy to cut. Many plasterboards use a gypsum core, which is very fine-grained and easy to saw. 

Tools you will need include a sharp knife, such as a Stanley knife and a drywall saw. However, you may be able to use an ordinary timber saw if you are not making a hole but cutting in a straight line. 

Make sure that you follow these three steps for straight cuts that fit perfectly around sockets and other obstacles:

1. Draw a Line: The first thing to do is mark your cut line. You want to be as careful and exact as possible here. Use a pencil and the straight edge of a tape measure or another straight object, and draw a line down precisely where you want to cut the sheets.
2. Score the outside: Using a very sharp work knife, such as a Stanley knife, score the outside of the plasterboard backing. Make sure to score both sides firmly and deeply enough for the saw to slide into without moving too much. Scoring the drywall will help you to saw it in a straight line.
3. Punch and saw: Punch the board saw through the board and saw along the cut lines smoothly. Use long, smooth arm motions using the full length of the saw blade. You can use a clasp or workbench to tightly bind multiple sheets together when sawing - in this case, an electric saw may be the better option. 

When cutting and fixing plasterboard a thorough job is essential to ensure there is a flush finish around sockets and any corner beading, which will make painting the walls or ceilings easier and give it a smoother and sharper appearance. 

Drywall is a versatile building material that can be cut by using minimal strength using manual tools, but you can use an electric saw too - for even faster and smoother cutting. When cutting plasterboard to size you can ensure a clean edge by lightly sanding the edges, for a smoother fit that is free of any debris. 

By the way, if you are a tradesman and need tools or materials, we offer a wide range of high-quality plasterboard with delivery across the UK, even when supplies are hard to get. If you need anything at all, please feel free to call us on 01628 249020 and our dedicated account managers will be happy to help.

Top Tips for Cutting Plasterboard to Size

If you are cutting plasterboard you might have a trickier time cutting certain types, as there are several variations in thicknesses and densities. However, the following principles can help you to ensure you get a straight cut every time - no matter what type of plasterboard you are using:

• Use good quality tools: We stock only the best quality tools to meet the demands of our clients. Make sure you use tools from reputable suppliers. For the best results, you need the best of each tool, whether that is the saw, sharp knife or other dry lining tools such as your plasterboard hammer. You can also get special wallboard saws for easier work.
• Use good quality fixings: One of the best things you can do to ensure a reliable and high-quality result is to use good quality fixings. We offer excellent fixings to our customers, with super-fast delivery options.
• Cut, sand and fit: Try to hold the saw and cut at an angle of around 45 degrees. When screwing the plasterboard into place, you might find a pinch point around sockets and other obstacles. In this case, you should sand down the edges to make sure it is flush and screws in smoothly.

Standard plasterboard is less thick than insulated plasterboard. As a result, insulated plasterboard will require more extensive cleanup, as it creates a lot more debris while cutting. Cutting circular holes in plasterboard is much harder and best avoided if possible. 

A fine-toothed saw will enable you to create even the most intricate shapes and sizes. With the right sawing technique, plugs can be left in situ and there is no need to remove them from the wall.

Dry lining walls may give you less of an opportunity for customisation than when using other techniques, such as wet plastering - but you can still easily fit plasterboard around most obstacles with the right approach.

How to Cut Plasterboard to Size the Best Way

Cutting plasterboard is a skill that has a range of benefits, such as fitting new boards around plug sockets in walls and navigating tricky light fixtures in ceilings. 

Whether you are looking for good tools and accessories to use with your most frequented materials or have a special plasterboard order to fulfil in a fast, efficient and professional way - we are here to help.  

Sign up for a trade account today to gain access to your own dedicated account manager, who'll be there to handle all of your plasterboard needs.

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