Which plasterboard do I need?

Board types

• Standard board: for most dry internal walls and ceilings.
• Moisture-resistant board: for bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms where humidity is higher.
• Fire-rated board: used where regulations call for extra fire resistance, such as garages, escape routes and between dwellings.
• Acoustic board: denser board that reduces sound passing between rooms.
• Insulated board: plasterboard bonded to insulation, used to improve the thermal performance of external walls.
• Tile backer board: a cement or similar board designed to take tiles in showers and wet areas.

Thickness

12.5 mm is the common thickness for walls and for ceilings on joists at around 400 mm centres. Thicker board, such as 15 mm, is stiffer, better for sound and fire performance, and suits wider stud or joist spacing.

Edges and finishing

Tapered edge boards are designed to be taped and jointed for a smooth painted finish without skimming. Square edge boards are usually skimmed with a finish plaster over the whole surface.

Fixing

Screw boards to timber or metal studs and joists at regular centres, stagger the joints between rows, and keep screws slightly back from the edges. Plasterboard can also be bonded to masonry walls with adhesive dabs.