Drywall

Drywall (plasterboard) is a sheet material with a gypsum core faced on both sides with dense paper. It is fixed to a metal or timber frame to produce smooth surfaces ready for filling and painting. Drywall is used for partitions, wall linings, niches, service boxes, false walls and ceilings.

Types. Standard board (grey paper) is for dry rooms. Moisture-resistant board (green paper) contains water-repellent additives and has reduced water absorption, so it is used in bathrooms and kitchens. Fire-resistant board (pink paper) is used where higher fire requirements apply. Important: moisture-resistant board is not a substitute for waterproofing and is not suitable for permanently wet areas without a protective layer. For showers, cement or gypsum-fibre solutions and waterproofing are better.

Sizes. A standard sheet is 2500×1200 mm, 3 m², 12.5 mm thick. Sheets of 9.5 mm, 15 mm and 6.5 mm (for arches and curved surfaces) also exist, as well as lengths of 3000 mm and more. For partitions, linings and ceilings on a metal frame Knauf recommends boards not thinner than 12.5 mm. Thin sheets are used for curves and as an additional layer. Check exact parameters and weight against the datasheet of the chosen batch.

How to clad. The board is fixed to the frame with screws, the joints are reinforced with tape and filled. For sound insulation a partition is clad in two layers and the cavity filled with mineral wool, which cuts sound noticeably better than a single layer. The manufacturer's system sets the profile and fixing spacing. For heavy items (kitchen cabinets, boiler, TV bracket, basin) blocking of timber or thick plywood is installed in the frame in advance: a screw into a single board holds little.

Pros and cons. Pros: quick installation, flat surface, any shape, light compared with brick, ability to hide services. Cons: afraid of water (especially standard board), limited fixing load, needs filling and drying, can be punctured by heavy impact. Do not use drywall where a wall must be load-bearing or carry a large load without reinforcement.

How we do it. In our projects drywall is the workhorse of zoning: TV niches, hidden curtain pockets, portals, boxes. We show the position of partitions, niches and blocking on plans and elevations so you know in advance where a cabinet or television can be hung. The board types and the places where a moisture-resistant board is needed are given in the finishes schedule.