Summary: Learn how to fix plasterboard to a stud wall, fit the plasterboard, fill the joints, fill the joints for tapered-edge board, fill the joints for straight-edge board and cut the plasterboard.
Plasterboard is fixed to timber or metal stud walls. The sides of plasterboard will be different colours: usually pale grey or ivory on one side and a darker grey or brown on the reverse. When fixing plasterboard it is the lighter side that faces into the room, the darker side may carry the manufacturer’s name or logo.
Fix all the whole boards first. If boarding a complete wall with no door, start in the corner and work across to the other corner. If boarding a wall with a door start at the door and work towards the furthest corner.
Board 9.5mm (3/8 in) thick use nails 32mm (1 ¼ in) long Board 12.5mm (½ in) thick use nails 40mm (1 5/8 in) long Board 22 mm (7/8 in) thick use nails 50mm (2 in) long
The nails should be at least 15mm (5/8 in) from the edge and 150mm (6 in) apart. Take care not to damage the board when driving the nails into the studs.
If using self-adhesive jointing tape, cut the tape to the length you require and stick it directly over the joint. Then follow the method as described above.
When fixing plasterboard, it is inevitable that you will need to cut some of the boards to fit.
Alternatively you can cut the board using a fine-toothed panel saw.
Holes for switches and sockets are not cut into the board until they have been fixed to the stud frame.
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