Plasterboard, commonly known in Australia as gyprock, drywall, or gypsum board, is one of the most versatile building materials. Its use has become widespread due to its practicality, ease of installation, and ability to meet various building standards.
This article will explain plasterboard’s uses, types, and benefits and provide tips on selecting the right type for your project.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Plasterboard, or gyprock or drywall, is a versatile building material made from gypsum used for interior walls and ceilings.
It’s easy to install, cost-effective and comes in various types, including fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, acoustic, and thermal plasterboard, each suited for specific environments like bathrooms, kitchens, and high-traffic areas.
Plasterboard, commonly used for partitions, ceilings, and soundproofing, offers aesthetic and functional benefits. Proper installation and choosing the right type ensure durability and compliance with building regulations.
What Is Plasterboard?
Plasterboard is made from gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate) sandwiched between heavy paper layers. It comes in standard sizes—typically 2.4 x 1.2 metres—and various thicknesses, the most common being 10mm or 13mm.
It is used for interior walls and ceilings in homes and commercial buildings, providing a smooth, paintable surface after installation.
Why Use Plasterboard?
Plasterboard offers many advantages in construction and renovation projects:
- Quick Installation: Plasterboard can be installed faster than traditional lath and plaster, saving time on the job.
- Versatile: It can be used for ceilings, walls, and curved surfaces.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional methods, plasterboard is affordable and offers good insulation and soundproofing properties.
- Safe and Non-Toxic: Plasterboard is a safe and non-toxic building material, unlike older materials that contain asbestos.
Plasterboard is essential for any dry-lining project. It is versatile enough to meet fire prevention, soundproofing, and insulation requirements.
Different Types Of Plasterboard
The wide variety of plasterboard types means there is an option to suit every building’s needs. Each type has unique features tailored to specific environments and functions.
1. Standard Plasterboard
This is the most common type used in residential and commercial spaces. Once installed, it provides a smooth surface that can be painted or wallpapered.
2. Fire-Resistant Plasterboard
This type contains additional fireproofing materials, often used in high-risk areas. It’s important in applications where fire safety regulations must be met, such as kitchens or near fire exits.
3. Acoustic Plasterboard
The acoustic plasterboard is designed to reduce noise transfer between rooms. Its high-density construction makes it perfect for soundproofing in home offices, theatres, or shared walls in apartments.
4. Moisture-Resistant Plasterboard
This type is ideal for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. The board is treated with water-repellent chemicals to prevent moisture damage.
5. Thermal Plasterboard
Thermal plasterboard is designed to improve energy efficiency by offering additional insulation. It is commonly used in colder climates or areas where thermal insulation is important.
6. Impact-Resistant Plasterboard
Impact-resistant plasterboard protects against accidental damage in high-traffic areas such as schools, hospitals, or corridors.
7. Plank Plasterboard
Thicker than standard plasterboard, plank plasterboard is used in areas requiring superior soundproofing and thermal insulation, such as stairwells or public buildings.
Where To Use Plasterboard?
Plasterboard is used for various interior applications in both residential and commercial settings. Its main uses include:
- Interior Walls: Plasterboard is the go-to material for partition walls, providing a quick, cost-effective solution for dividing spaces.
- Ceilings: It is ideal for ceiling installations, giving a smooth, flat surface for finishing.
- Curved Walls: Some types of plasterboard can be bent to create architectural features like curved walls, providing design flexibility.
- External Applications: Special exterior-grade plasterboards, such as Weather Defence, can be used as sheathing to provide weatherproof and insulated cladding outside buildings.
Choosing The Right Plasterboard
Choosing the correct type of plasterboard for your project is vital for achieving the best results. Here’s a quick guide:
- For Wet Areas: Use moisture-resistant plasterboard in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms to prevent mould and water damage.
- For Fire Protection: Install fire-resistant plasterboard in areas that must meet fire safety codes, such as kitchens and stairwells.
- For Soundproofing: Acoustic plasterboard is perfect for areas where noise reduction is important, like between shared apartment walls or around home theatres.
- For Insulation: Thermal plasterboard helps reduce heating and cooling costs by adding an extra insulation layer to your walls or ceilings.
- For Impact Protection, impact-resistant plasterboard is used in schools, hospitals, and other high-traffic areas. It offers added durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Installing Plasterboard: Tips And Considerations
Whether working on a large renovation or a small DIY project, understanding how to work with plasterboard is vital. Here are a few key points to remember:
- Preparation: Always measure your space accurately before purchasing plasterboard to avoid wastage. Ensure you have the right tools, such as a Stanley knife, straight edge, and tape measure.
- Cutting: Plasterboard can easily be cut to size using a utility knife. Score the board on one side, snap it along the line, and cut through the paper on the other.
- Safety: Although plasterboard is non-toxic, it’s important to wear a dust mask and goggles when cutting or sanding it to prevent irritation from dust particles.
- Handling: Plasterboard sheets are large and fragile. It is often a two-person job to handle and install them without causing damage.
Fixing Plasterboard: Screws And Finishing
Plasterboard screws are specifically designed to provide secure fixing without damaging the board. They come in different lengths, depending on the thickness of the plasterboard you’re installing.
For instance, use 32mm screws for 9.5mm thick boards and 38mm screws for 12.5mm thick boards. Once the boards are installed, tape and joint the edges to create a smooth surface for painting or plastering.
Alternatively, some plasterboards are designed for direct paint or wallpaper application.
Special Considerations For Bathrooms
Bathrooms are high-moisture environments that require special treatment to prevent water damage. Always opt for moisture-resistant or water-resistant plasterboard in these spaces.
These boards are treated with silicone additives and water-repellent liners to withstand high humidity and frequent water exposure.
Ceiling Installation
When installing ceiling plasterboards, you’ll want to use lightweight boards for easier handling. Acoustic plasterboards can help reduce noise transmission between floors, while moisture-resistant plasterboards are ideal for wet areas like bathrooms.
Environmental Considerations
Plasterboard can be made from both natural and synthetic gypsum. Most gypsum in Australia is natural and sourced from regions like South Australia.
However, synthetic gypsum is produced by-products of other industrial processes in power plants, such as flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD). Synthetic gypsum is environmentally friendly and reduces waste from other manufacturing processes.
Using plasterboard made from synthetic gypsum is a great way to reduce your environmental impact.
Conclusion
Plasterboard is a versatile, cost-effective solution for residential and commercial construction projects. Due to its flexibility, durability, and performance, it is widely used for interior partitions, walls, and ceilings.
Whether you need fire resistance, soundproofing, or moisture protection, there is a plasterboard to meet your needs.
Understanding the different types of plasterboard and their applications will help you select the best option for your project, ensuring long-lasting results that meet safety and performance standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plasterboard
What Are Plasterboards Made Of?
Gypsum plaster is used to create plasterboards, also known as drywall or gypsum board, which consists of two layers of thick paper or fibreglass matting. Gypsum rock, a naturally occuring mineral, is heated to high temperatures and then ground into a fine powder to produce the gypsum plaster.
What Is the Difference Between Plaster and Plasterboard?
Plaster is a building material that can create a smooth, even surface on walls or ceilings by layering a mixture of water, sand, lime, or cement. Conversely, the plasterboard is a prefabricated panel with a gypsum plaster core and either a heavy paper or fibreglass matting surface. Plasterboard is typically installed more quickly and with less difficulty than traditional plaster, but its durability is not always guaranteed.
How Thick Should the Plasterboard Be?
There is a wide range of thicknesses available for plasterboards; however, 9.5mm and 12.5mm are the most frequently used. The need for soundproofing and fireproofing will determine the optimal thickness of the plasterboard. Making plasterboards thicker can enhance their insulating and quieting effects.
Can Plasterboard Be Painted?
Once the surface is properly prepared, plasterboard can be painted. The surface should be sanded and cleaned to remove dust or debris and then primed to improve paint adhesion. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when selecting and applying paint to the plasterboard.
How Do You Fix a Hole in the Plasterboard?
Spackle or joint compound can fill small holes in the plasterboard; it is applied with a putty knife and sanded smooth once it has dried. Plasterboard can be cut to size and used as a patch for holes larger than a pencil. Once dry, the joint compound can permanently adhere the patch in place before being sanded to a smooth finish. Before sanding or painting, make sure the joint compound has dried completely.
