DIY plasterboard basics
Plasterboard can be used in a variety of different ways in the home. If you’ve never worked with plasterboard before, it may seem a little daunting at first. So, it’s a good idea to start off with very basic tasks at first and then work on slightly more complicated projects. No matter what the project, you will need to learn how to cut your boards first and how to fix them to your surfaces using screws or adhesives.
Let’s start with the basics and get to know the different types of plasterboard available for DIY projects and what they are used for:
Basic wall board
Water or fire resistant board
4-in-1 board
Wall board
This is a general purpose board that can be used in many different ways. It is suitable for most household projects under normal sound, structural and fire specifications. You can also place two boards together for increased sound and fire resistance. The boards can be plastered or decorated as you wish, but always remember to plaster the ivory coloured side of the board to prevent the plaster from falling off. If you want to paper or paint your plasterboard, you should always seal it first.
Water or fire resistant boards
These boards have water resistant or fire resistant properties and can be used in areas at high risk of water exposure or temperature changes. The water repellent features of green-tinted, water-resistant boards make them a good base for tiling wet areas. They are not usually plastered because they would soak up too much moisture. Fireproof boards are usually coloured pink, and they contain special additives which make them resistant to most forms of domestic fire.
4-in-1 plasterboard
Some manufacturers make plasterboard that can be used as a normal plasterboard but have water and fire-resistant properties. 4-in-1boards are also impact resistant making them the most versatile plasterboards on the market today.
How to cut plasterboard
Working with plasterboard requires knowledge of of how to cut them. Since these boards can be used in so many different ways it’s important to master this skill as it will help you get the most out of your materials. You can use a simple timber saw to cut your boards – just remember that a saw with fine teeth delivers better results and a cleaner edge. If you are considering a large scale project, it’s best to invest in a professional saw to avoid damage to your smaller saws. Sawing plasterboard is the best way to cut an opening, square or round, from the middle of a piece of plasterboard.
To cut plasterboard in a straight line, first mark the edge with a pencil. Then place a spirit level on the line. Hold the edge down and score the line with a craft knife. Only cut deep enough to cut through the paper – usually about 3mm.
Plasterboard adhesives
Special adhesives for plasterboard can be used to fix these boards to a wall or ceiling. These glues create a strong bond on various materials in the home. They can also be used on floorboards, insulation boards and shower or bathroom boards.
You can use plasterboard adhesives to create archways, build shelves, fix boards to ceilings or to cover walls, and a multitude of other plasterboard projects. For more experienced DIYers, here is a step-by-step video on how to plasterboard a stud wall.
If you’re considering buying a fixer-upper, there are a multitude of ways you can use plasterboard to renovate an older, dated home and make it more modern. Before you do, you might want to get some pointers on what to consider before buying a home in the Welsh countryside.
In the same vein check out this award-winning old farm building from 1902. I’ll bet that took some restoration!
Get started with plasterboard
No matter what the project, plasterboard is an extremely versatile material and can be used in a multitude of different ways. You can use it in almost any room in your home to create shelving, ceilings, walls and beneath tiling. The different types of boards mean it can be used for a broad range of projects. Its many uses mean it’s a great addition to your DIY resources so it’s important to learn how to cut and fix it to different surfaces. With a little bit of knowledge and practice, even a beginner can learn how to create practical and useful projects using plasterboard.