Plasterboard

For the Trade

What usually decides the order is the spec, the span, and how much handling you can get away with. For a straight lining job, 12.5mm plasterboard is the usual ask because it gives you a familiar finish without overcomplicating the job. If the board has to cover more awkward areas or you’re trying to keep weight down, 9.5mm can make life easier, but you give up some stiffness. Tapered edge suits a taped finish. Square edge is the one you want when the finish is being built another way. The call is simple: buy the board that matches the finish and the load, not the one that just looks like the standard option.

Popular Plasterboard Formats

9.5mm plasterboard comes into play when weight and handling matter more than stiffness. Tapered edge plasterboard suits taped and jointed finishes. Square edge works for other finishes, and it helps you avoid ordering the wrong edge detail.

When the spec changes, moisture resistant plasterboard and fire resistant plasterboard move the order on. Plain board does the job until it does not. If you are working across a mix of jobs, start from Dry Lining and narrow it from there.

Key Differences When Choosing

Start with the spec, not the screw list. If the job needs fire, moisture, acoustic, thermal or vapour control, that decides the plasterboard first. Get that wrong and you are back on site.

9.5mm can make sense where weight and handling matter more than stiffness. Sheet size matters too. Longer runs mean fewer joints, but only if you can get the boards in cleanly.

Get the board right first, then finish details and Plastering can be matched to it.

Next Decisions After Choosing

Once the board’s chosen, the next order is usually fixings and finish - drywall screws, track, tape and jointing compound. Jobs slip when you mix systems or run short on consumables.

A ceiling run with the wrong fixings shows it quickly. Taped joints only come out right when the compound and tape suit the edge detail you’ve bought.

If you’re lining out a frame, sort the track and screw length at the same time. For a straight board finish, make sure the jointing kit matches the finish you need.