Plasterboard: Complete UK Guide

Plasterboard is a construction panel made of gypsum plaster pressed between two sheets of paper, used for internal walls and ceilings throughout the UK.

What is plasterboard?

Plasterboard is a construction panel consisting of a gypsum plaster core sandwiched between two layers of heavy paper or fibreglass matting. In the UK, it's the standard material for internal wall partitions and ceiling linings.

The gypsum core provides fire resistance (gypsum contains water molecules that are released as steam when heated, slowing fire spread). The paper facing provides a smooth surface for decoration.

Also called drywall, gypsum board, or simply plaster board. Introduced to UK construction in the 1940s and now specified in over 95% of new UK homes according to the Gypsum Products Development Association.

Composition

Gypsum plaster core (92–94% calcium sulfate dihydrate) between paper sheets

Standard thickness

12.5mm for walls, 9.5mm for ceilings (UK typical)

Fire rating

Standard boards: 30 minutes fire resistance. Fire-rated: up to 120 minutes

Weight

12.5mm board weighs approximately 8.5kg per m²

Types of plasterboard

Five main types available in the UK, each meeting specific Building Regulations requirements:

1. Standard plasterboard (grey)

General-purpose board for dry internal areas. Grey or ivory paper facing. Suitable for walls and ceilings in bedrooms, living rooms and hallways. Meets BS EN 520:2004+A1:2009 Type A specification.

Cost: £4–6 per 2400×1200mm board.

2. Moisture-resistant plasterboard (green)

Green paper facing indicates moisture resistance. Core treated with water-repellent additives. Required for bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms under Building Regulations Approved Document C (Site Preparation and Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture).

Not waterproof. Must still be protected with appropriate surface finishes (tiles, moisture-resistant paint). Conforms to BS EN 520 Type H specification.

Cost: £6–8 per board.

3. Fire-resistant plasterboard (pink or red)

Pink or red paper facing. Core contains glass fibres and vermiculite for enhanced fire resistance. Required for walls separating dwellings, escape routes and areas near heat sources under Approved Document B (Fire Safety).

Standard fire boards provide 30 minutes fire resistance. Enhanced boards (often marked "Fireline" or equivalent) provide 60–120 minutes depending on thickness and installation method.

Cost: £7–10 per board.

4. Acoustic plasterboard (blue or purple)

Higher density core for sound insulation. Used in party walls, home cinemas and music rooms. Meets Building Regulations Approved Document E (Resistance to the Passage of Sound) requirements for separating walls and floors.

Typical sound reduction: 36–40dB when used as part of a tested wall system.

Cost: £10–15 per board.

5. Impact-resistant plasterboard

Reinforced core for high-traffic areas (schools, hospitals, corridors). Resists dents and damage better than standard boards. Not a Building Regulations requirement but often specified by architects for durability.

Cost: £12–18 per board.

Sizes and thickness

Standard UK plasterboard dimensions:

Tapered edge (TE) boards have recessed edges for jointing compound and tape. Square edge (SE) boards have straight edges and are typically skimmed with plaster.

Installation basics

Plasterboard is fixed either to timber or metal stud frameworks (for partition walls) or directly to masonry walls using adhesive "dabs".

Fixing to timber studs

Use 38mm plasterboard screws at 300mm centres on studs, 150mm centres on ceilings. Screws should penetrate studs by at least 25mm. Drive screws just below the paper surface without breaking through.

Fixing to metal studs

Use self-drilling plasterboard screws designed for metal. Same spacing as timber. Ensure studs are spaced at 400mm or 600mm centres to align with board edges.

Adhesive fixing (dot and dab)

Apply plasterboard adhesive in vertical "dabs" at 400mm centres on masonry walls. Press boards into place and check for plumb. Allow 24 hours to cure before decoration.

Not suitable for moisture-prone areas or where heavy items will be wall-mounted.

Finishing and jointing

Two main finishing methods in the UK:

Dry lining (jointing and filling)

Apply jointing compound to tapered edges. Embed paper tape over joints. Apply second and third coats of compound, feathering edges. Sand smooth when dry. Total thickness: 2–3mm. Ready for decoration after drying (24–48 hours).

Faster and cheaper than wet plastering. Common in new builds.

Wet plastering (skim coat)

Apply 2–3mm skim coat of finishing plaster over entire board surface. Creates uniformly smooth finish. Requires skilled plasterer. Drying time: 3–7 days depending on conditions.

Traditional UK method. Still preferred by many for superior finish quality.

Cost guide (2026 UK prices)

Prices vary by supplier and region. Trade accounts typically receive 20–30% discount.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-13