Plasterboard is a popular building material that is widely used in construction for creating interior walls and ceilings and covering up masonry.
It’s essentially a panel made from gypsum plaster that is sandwiched between two sheets of paper or fibreglass matting.
Now:
Plasterboard comes in different sizes, and it’s absolutely crucial to choose the right one for your particular DIY project.
Having said that:
Let’s take a deep dive into the various plasterboard sizes and types you can choose from.
Table of contents:
- Standard plasterboard sizes in the UK
- Types of plasterboard
- Choosing the right plasterboard for your project
Standard plasterboard sizes in the UK
Plasterboard comes available in a variety of sizes to suit different applications. The most common dimensions are:
- 3600mm x 1200mm
- 3000mm x 1200mm
- 2400mm x 1200mm
- 2400mm x 600mm
- 1800mm x 900mm
- 1200mm x 900mm
If that sounds like a lot of different options, keep in mind that 2400mm x 1200mm is the most common one by far, especially for walls.
Why is that?
Plasterboard sheets are designed to be used easily and conveniently with standard stud spacing (400mm or 600mm) and wall height in the UK (rarely higher than 2400mm).
How about thickness?
Like height and width, the thickness of the plasterboard also varies depending on the application. The most common thicknesses are:
- 19mm
- 15mm
- 12.5mm
- 9.5mm
Among these options, 12.5mm is the most commonly used plasterboard thickness – especially for walls. In contrast, 9.5mm plasterboards are often the go-to choice when it comes to insulating and soundproofing ceilings because they’re more lightweight.
It’s important to choose the correct size and thickness of plasterboard for your project to ensure that it is structurally sound and meets Building Regulations.
Now that we know what the most common sizes are, we’re going to zoom in on the different plasterboard types.
Types of plasterboard
Plasterboard is available in different types, each with specific properties that make it suitable for different applications.
Some of the most common types of plasterboard are:
Standard plasterboard: This is the most commonly used type of plasterboard and is suitable for most applications. It’s available in various sizes and thicknesses.
Moisture-resistant plasterboard: This type of plasterboard is designed for use in areas that are likely to be exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms. It has a water-resistant core and is covered with a moisture-resistant paper or fibreglass matting.
Fire-resistant plasterboard: This type is designed to resist fire and is suitable for use in areas that require a higher level of fire protection, such as stairwells and corridors. It has a special core that contains glass fibres and other materials that help to prevent the spread of flames.
Soundproof plasterboard: This type of plasterboard reduces noise transmission between rooms. It has a dense core that helps to absorb sound and is covered with a special acoustic paper or fibreglass matting.
Thermal plasterboard: Designed to improve the thermal insulation of a building, this type has a higher insulating value than standard plasterboard and can help you save money on your energy bills.
Choosing the right plasterboard for your project
When choosing the right plasterboard for your project, there are several factors to consider. These include the size and thickness of the plasterboard, as well as the type of plasterboard required for the application.
Here’s the scoop:
For example, if you are installing plasterboard in a bathroom, you’ll need to use moisture-resistant plasterboard to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. Similarly, if you’re building a partition wall between two rooms, you may need to use soundproof plasterboard to reduce noise transmission.
What’s more:
You should also familiarise yourself with the Building Regulations in your area. In some cases, you may need to use a specific type of plasterboard to meet fire safety regulations. For example, if you’re building a stairwell, you may need to use fire-resistant plasterboard to prevent the spread of flames.
In addition to the type and size of plasterboard, you should also consider the quality. Cheaper plasterboard may not be as durable or effective as higher quality plasterboard, which could lead to this needing to be replaced sooner than a more expensive plasterboard.
The good news is:
Now that you’re familiar with the main plasterboard sizes and types available in the UK, you should be well-prepared to make an informed buying decision.