Dry-lining a wall is an easier alternative to replastering. Instead, you attach plasterboard to a wall, providing you with a smooth finish you can decorate. If you need to dry-line a wall, in this quick and easy guide, you will learn everything you need to know, step by step, to dryline a wall yourself like a pro.
Choose the right type of plasterboard
First, you will need to choose the correct plasterboard sheets for your requirements.
Wall board
This is suitable for most situations and can be doubled for added soundproofing and fire resistance. The front face of the board is specially designed to take plaster. If you will be painting or wallpapering directly onto the plasterboard rather than plastering it you should use tapered boards so that joins won’t be visible and you should always seal it first.
Fire board
This type of plasterboard utilises glass fibres in its core to protect against fire.
Vapour Barrier
This is designed to prevent condensation and is frequently used to dry-line buildings for warmth and insulation.
Water-resistant board
This type of plasterboard has water repellent features and cannot usually be plastered over.
Acoustic plasterboard
This plasterboard has a higher density, giving it excellent soundproofing properties, making it useful for floors and ceilings in apartment blocks or when soundproofing is required.
Use the right tools
Using the right tools and safety equipment when dry-lining is key to the success of your project. The basic tools you will need, include:
- A tape measure and chalk
- A spirit level
- A saw
- A hammer and nails
- A staplegun
- A good quality drill
- A stepladder
- A stud finder
- A mixing tub and trowel
To ensure your safety, you should always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when dry wall lining.
Prepare the wall
Prepare the wall by ensuring it’s clean, dry and free from dust or debris. Make sure that you have all your tools to hand, someone to help you and that the area you’ll be working in is clear. You should then make guidelines on your walls and ceiling to ensure that your plasterboard is straight when it’s fitted.
Take the measurements and cut it
When it comes to taking measurements and cutting your plasterboard, remember the golden rule: measure twice cut once! For a professional finish, you will want neat cuts and a plasterboard pad saw is ideal for this as it has a pointed, narrow blade, which will make it easier when you need to cut at awkward angles, for example, when cutting your plasterboard to fit around a windowsill.
Install and fix the plasterboard on the surface
You should focus on one area of the wall at once, as plasterboard adhesive tends to set quickly.
- Mark where you will dab the adhesive onto your wall in a line from top to bottom, following the instructions about how far apart these should be.
- Mix your plasterboard adhesive in a bucket and put dabs of adhesive on the wall.
- Lift your plasterboard into place, making sure to line it up with the pre-chalked marks you have made on the wall and ceiling to ensure it’s straight.
- Use a heavy batten, such as a long piece of timber to tap the board flat against the wall.
- Double check that the board is vertical, using your spirit level and ensure that the board sits snugly against the ceiling.
How To Dry-Line a Wall is a feature post – you might also like my post on the most DIY friendly country in the UK