Installing plasterboard on a stud wall involves preparing the area, constructing the wall frame, and then carefully cutting and fixing the boards to the studs. The process outlined below is based on installing plasterboard onto a metal stud wall, as detailed in the provided reference.
Getting Started: Preparation and Framing
Before you can fix the plasterboard, the stud wall frame needs to be in place. This involves several initial steps:
- Prepare to Assemble: Gather all necessary tools and materials, including the metal studs, tracks, plasterboard, screws, and relevant safety equipment.
- Mark Out Wall Position: Use a chalk line or pencil to clearly mark the exact position of the partition wall on both the floor and the ceiling.
- Secure Floor Tracks: Fix the metal tracks to the floor along your marked line using appropriate fixings for the floor type.
- Fit Metal Studs: Insert the vertical metal studs into the floor tracks and secure them to the ceiling tracks, ensuring they are correctly spaced (typically 600mm or 400mm centres) to support the plasterboard edges.
Fixing the Plasterboard
Once the metal frame is erected, you can begin installing the plasterboard sheets.
Step 1: Cut the Plasterboard
- Measure the height required for the plasterboard sheets.
- Use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge (like a level or long rule) to score the face paper of the plasterboard.
- Snap the board along the scored line.
- Cut the backing paper on the other side to separate the sheet.
- Tip: Cut boards slightly short (around 10-15mm) of the full height to allow for expansion and easier handling, filling the gap later with jointing compound or caulk.
Step 2: Fit Plasterboard to One Side
- Position the first sheet of plasterboard against the metal studs, ensuring edges land on the centre of a stud where possible.
- Use specialist drywall screws (self-tapping for metal studs) to fix the board to the studs.
- Screws should be spaced typically every 300mm along each stud, starting from the centre of the board and working outwards.
- Ensure the screw heads are just below the surface of the paper (dimpled) without breaking the paper face.
- Continue fitting full sheets and cut pieces to cover one entire side of the metal stud wall frame.
Step 3: Insert Electrical Conduits and Insulation
- Before closing up the second side of the wall, run any necessary electrical conduits or plumbing pipes through the stud frame.
- Install insulation material (such as mineral wool or acoustic insulation) between the studs. This improves thermal and acoustic performance.
Step 4: Fit Plasterboard to the Other Side
- Repeat the cutting and fixing process (Steps 1 & 2) on the second side of the metal stud wall.
- Stagger the joints on the second side so they do not align with the joints on the first side. This adds strength to the wall structure.
- Ensure all edges are supported by studs and all sheets are securely fixed with drywall screws.
Tools and Materials
A successful plasterboard installation requires the right tools:
| Category | Essential Tools | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring | Tape Measure, Pencil, Spirit Level | Chalk Line |
| Cutting | Utility Knife, Straight Edge, Saw | Plasterboard |
| Fixing | Drill/Driver with Screw Gun Adapter | Drywall Screws (for metal studs), Tracks |
| Safety | Safety Glasses, Work Gloves, Dust Mask | - |
| Framing | Tin Snips (for metal studs) | Metal Studs |
| Finishing | Jointing Compound, Joint Tape, Sandpaper | (Used after fixing) |
By following these steps, you can effectively install plasterboard onto a metal stud wall, creating a surface ready for finishing (taping, jointing, and decoration). For timber stud walls, the process is similar, but you would use wood screws instead of self-tapping metal screws.
