Materials Needed

Plasterboard, Drywall Screws.

Step 1 : Preparation

Make sure that the stud wall you are plaster boarding is sturdy and secure. If this is not the case, take steps to reinforce and secure where needed.

Step 2 : Fixing the First Board

Start your first plasterboards where the centres have been positioned (refer to: How to Build a Stud Wall if unsure of your centres). Mark on the floor with a pencil the centre of where each stud is to be placed. Once you have worked this out, you should position plasterboards and put a few fixings in to hold them in place. Repeat this for the remaining boards on this run. Once done, you can run a chalk line down from every stud making sure your line is sitting centre of the stud and on the mark you have made on the floor. Ping your line onto the board to leave a mark. Now fix the plasterboard by following the lines you have just made to make sure that your screws are securely fastened into the stud. When screwing in your screws, make sure that they are 100mm (4”) apart centre to centre.

Step 3 : Continue Boarding

Carry this on for the rest of the wall, making sure that you stagger your plasterboards. This will prevent any cracks on the joints and also make the wall much more secure.

Step 4 : Measuring and Cutting your Boards

When you need to cut your boards, you should take measurement from your wall to the edge of you board both top and bottom. Take off 1-2mm to allow for a comfortable fit. Now pencil your line on the plasterboard you are cutting and, with a level or straight edge, cut along your line with a Stanley knife once only. On your line, you literally want to snap your board with your knee or hand. Now run your Stanley knife down the back edge of your cut and you’re ready to fix. If your board is slightly over size then you can shave the excess off with a plasters rasp. If you have an opening you can leave your board intact and then, using a hand saw, you can saw this out by using your opening timber as a guide.