Let’s talk about plasterboard
Plasterboard or drywall, is a key element in modern construction and home improvement especially in Ireland. It used to create non structural walls, cover load bearing walls to create budget friendly and smooth walls and ceilings.
Using plasterboard to create stud wall
Wooden frames are needed to create a structure to attach and hold plasterboards. A layer of skim is needed to ensure smooth (mirror like) surfaces ready to paint.
What is a Plaster Board?
Plaster boards (dry wall or gypsum board) is a sandwich like creation that has gypsum in the middle pressed between a facer and a backer from different materials. They come as large board (circa 2.5 x 1 meters) and are attached to framing elements of walls and ceilings. These boards provide a smooth, ready-to-finish surface that can be painted, wallpapered, or textured.
Pros:
Much quicker and cheaper to install than bricks
Light weight so they don’t need a heavy structure to carry them
Very easy to work with (e.g create holes for ceiling lights, cables, pipes, etc.).
Come with a range of thickness
Easy to fix in case of a damage
Cons:
Not sound proof
Easy to damage
Not leak proof
Types of plasterboard
With the advance of technology, increase of regulations and the growth of demand, plasterboard have different specifications:
Standard: grey color, the most typical plasterboard
Fire resistant: pink color, typically with glass fibres and other additives, which makes it fire resistant for around 120 minutes.
Moisture resistant: green color, ideal for bathrooms to protect from water and mouisture
Insulated plasterboard: perfect use to insulate the inside of a house.
Screws or Nails: Specifically designed for drywall.
Drywall Saw: For cutting boards to size.
T-Square or Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
Utility Knife: To score and snap the boards.
Drywall Lift (Optional): Useful for ceiling installations.
Screw Gun or Drill: For fastening the boards.
Joint Tape and Compound: For sealing seams.
Sandpaper or Sanding Sponge: This is used to smooth the joints.
Corner Beads: To protect and finish corners.
Drywall Rasp: To smooth rough edges.
The process of Plaster Boarding
1. Preparation
Before we start, we ensure the area is prepared by:
Measure the Space: We measure the height and width of the area to determine the number of plasterboards needed.
Cut the Boards: The boards are cut to size using a drywall saw or a utility knife.
Prepare the Framing: We ensure that the studs or joists are properly spaced and free from obstructions.
2. Installing the Plasterboards
Position the Boards: Start with the ceiling (if applicable) and then move to the walls. The boards' position horizontally or vertically is based on the room's dimensions.
Fasten the Boards: Using a screw gun or drill, the boards are fastened to the studs or joists, placing the screws or nails about 12 inches apart along the edges and every 16 inches in the field of the board.
Cut Openings: The location of outlets, switches, and other openings is marked, and the sections are cut out using a drywall saw.
3. Taping and Mudding
Apply Joint Tape: All seams are covered between boards with drywall tape.
First Coat of Joint Compound: A thin layer of joint compound is then added over the tape using a taping knife.
Second and Third Coats: Once the first coat is dry, additional layers of joint compound are then added, each slightly wider than the last. This process typically takes about 24 hours for each layer to dry.
Sand the Joints: After the compound is completely dry, the joints get sanded and smoothed using sandpaper or a sanding sponge.
4. Finishing Touches
Corner Beads: Corner beads are placed on all external corners and secured with screws or nails. Then, the joint compound gets applied over the beads to smooth it out.
Final Sanding: The entire surface is given a final sanding to ensure it's perfectly smooth and ready for finishing.
