How to Fix Plasterboard to Different Surfaces

Plasterboard is one of the quickest and easiest ways to create a great interior finish. While it can come in many shapes and sizes and with unique features, such as acoustic plasterboard, it’s usually straightforward to install.

That being said, plasterboard needs to be treated slightly differently depending on what surface you’re working with. Make sure your finish is as clean and secure as possible with this guide to installing plasterboard on various common surfaces, from studs to brick and wood.

How to Fix Plasterboard to Brick Wall

You don’t want to screw plasterboard directly into a masonry wall. Because it’s an uneven surface susceptible to damp, screwing directly is likely to damage the plasterboard.

To put a plasterboard finish on a masonry or concrete wall, you need to create a cavity. This can be done either by installing a wall lining system (see next heading on stud walls) or using the dot and dab method.

Dot and Dab Method

Dot and dab involves adding dots of plasterboard adhesive to the brick surface, then pressing the plasterboard down.

1. Clean and prepare the brick wall.
2. Apply a drywall adhesive to either the back of the plasterboard or the wall directly in evenly spaced blobs. Apply in a continuous ribbon around the edges of the plasterboard to help protect against the spread of smoke and fire.
3. Press the plasterboards into place to spread out the adhesive. Use a spirit level to ensure the surfaces are level.
4. Leave the adhesive to dry completely (usually a few hours) before tidying up the joints.

One problem with the dot and dab method is that it can be susceptible to issues with moisture and soundproofing, especially if cavities are left in the adhesive, which is why a wall lining tends to be a more common choice in this case nowadays.

How to Fix Plasterboard to a Stud Wall

Timber or metal stud walls are two of the most popular methods of installing plasterboard, thanks to their simple installation and use. Studs can be used to quickly create partition walls in a building, or they can be used to dry line an existing wall, such as masonry, to ensure a clean and reliable finish.

Below is a simple outline of how stud walls are installed. For more details, read our complete guide on building a metal stud wall.

1. Mark where the wall will be placed, then make sure all your studs are correctly sized to perfectly fit the space.
2. Screw studs into the floor and ceiling, then insert the upright studs at regular intervals (usually 600mm apart, or 400mm for smaller boards).
3. Make sure the plasterboard is cut to size, and then screw the edges into the studs at every 150mm (230mm in the centre).
4. Joint the plasterboard, ensuring all edges are covered and smoothed. Stagger vertical joints between rows of plasterboard for extra strength and to prevent cracks.

How to Fix Plasterboard to Wooden Battens

Battening a wall is essentially the same as dry lining with a wall lining system; as a result, the installation process is very similar to that mentioned above for stud walls.

One thing to note is that wooden battens are generally used in older properties where cold and damp can be more of an issue (think single-leaf brick walls). In these cases, you need to be more mindful of ensuring there is adequate protection against damp. Ensure battens are treated against rot, consider installing a vapour barrier to protect the plasterboard, and in particularly damp-prone areas, leave a small air gap between the wall and battens for ventilation.

How to Fix Plasterboard to the Ceiling

How to fix plasterboard to the ceiling often depends on the nature of the ceiling itself.

If the ceiling is level and has strong, even joists, you can screw the plasterboard directly into these. If the joists are weak or uneven, you may need to add noggins, small pieces of wood that go between the joists, which add more support and can be screwed into.

1. Clean and prepare your joists, also measuring the gaps to understand how big your plasterboard needs to be.
2. Install the first piece of plasterboard in the corner of the room, screwing into the joists at regular intervals (usually 150mm along the edges and 230mm in the centre).
3. Continue across the room, cutting holes for things such as light fixtures and other fittings where appropriate.

Another option when working with ceilings is to install a ceiling system, which is similar to a traditional metal stud wall but connected to the ceiling. This method is good for when you either can’t access the ceiling joists or they are unreliable (e.g. in an old building with unlevel joists).

How to Fix Plasterboard to Plasterboard

Fixing plasterboard to plasterboard is a relatively straightforward process. It’s a cleaner and easier option than tearing down any existing plasterboard, although you will lose space in your room as a result of the additional wall.

For fixing plasterboard to existing plasterboard, you have two options:

1. Dot and dab.
2. Long screws through both plasterboards.

Dot and dab is quite straightforward (see the top of this article), but is only recommended when dealing with a strong and secure wall. Trying to dot and dab onto an existing plasterboard ceiling, for example, is likely to just rip off the existing plasterboard.

If more support is required, you can screw the new plasterboard into existing structures (battens, studs, etc.) using long plasterboard screws that go through the existing plaster. To do this, you’ll need to know how thick the existing plasterboard is, which can be done by excavating a small hole.

After fixing, plasterboard edges should be taped and filled, or skim-coated, to create a smooth finish.

Hopefully, this guide helps to point you in the right direction before attempting your next plasterboarding project, and if you’re looking for the right supplies, check out our full range at great trade prices.