Plasterboard is a common building material that is widely used in modern construction to create walls and ceilings. This is a fantastic alternative to plaster.
This building material is quickly gaining popularity among homeowners because it is simple to install, fire resistant, more sustainable, lightweight, and highly versatile. They can provide a more appealing appearance than traditional brick or concrete walls.
Uses of Plasterboard
Plasterboard, also known as Gypsum Board, is a popular building material that has been in use for a long time.
People only know that these boards are used for walls and ceilings, but they have many other applications. Because it is a versatile material, it has numerous applications, some of which are discussed below.
- Wall
- Ceiling
- Soundproofing
- Cabinets
- Small Furniture
Wall
The most common application is to build an interior wall or partition walls. This is accomplished by attaching or covering plasterboard to a timber stud or metal frame. They are excellent options for constructing partition walls.
Aside from that, they are commonly used for cladding internal walls and serve as an excellent substitute for plaster. They provide a smooth and even surface, making painting and wallpapering easier.
Ceiling
They are widely used for ceiling lining, just as they are for walls. Because of their lightweight nature, they are frequently used for suspended ceilings.
They have excellent acoustic insulation properties, making them an excellent choice for ceilings to reduce noise transmission between floors.
Soundproofing
One of the most important properties of gypsum board is its soundproofing. Because of this advantage, they are commonly used in special rooms that require high levels of soundproofing, such as music studios, theatres, and conference rooms.
For the best results, they are always combined with other soundproofing materials. Thick and dense plasterboards are typically used for this purpose.
Cabinets
People are now using gypsum boards to build cabinets in their utility rooms and garages. They can be easily matched to the surrounding decor because they provide a smooth and even finish for painting and wallpapering.
The cost of constructing one of these may be less than that of constructing a traditional one made of wood or steel.
It is also important to note that plasterboard cabinets are not durable and cannot withstand heavy items. If you intend to make one to store heavy items, this is not the best option for you.
Small Furniture
The possibilities for making furniture out of plasterboards are limitless. You can make many different types of furniture, such as a lightweight coffee table, a kids dining table, a shoe stand, and so on.
These are just a few examples; your imagination is the only limit.
Types of Plasterboard
There are various types of plasterboard, each with a specific purpose. The most commonly used types are described below.
- Standard
- Moisture Resistant
- Fire Resistant
- Sound-insulating
- Thermal
- Flexible
Standard Plasterboard
One such type is standard plasterboard, which is used for general purposes. They are typically used for simple walls and ceilings. They are well-known for their durability.
Moisture Resistant Plasterboard
These gypsum boards are primarily intended to withstand humid conditions. These are commonly found on the walls of bathrooms and kitchens.
Moisture resistant plasterboards are made with special additives that make them more water resistant.
Fire Resistant Plasterboard
This type is primarily designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent fire spread. To create this kind of plasterboard, special additives like glass fibres are used.
In comparison to other plasterboards, fire resistant boards have a significantly higher capacity for heat resistance.
For ease of identification, they are typically available in pink color.
Sound-insulating Plasterboard
These plasterboards are used for soundproofing. They can effectively reduce sound transmission between floors or rooms.
It has a unique core composed of materials that absorb sound waves and thus reduce noise pollution.
Sound-insulating plasterboards can be more useful in bedrooms, music studios, and other areas where noise reduction is a priority.
Flexible Plasterboard
Due to their flexibility, these boards are frequently referred to as bendable or curved plasterboard. They are designed in such a way that curved or arched shapes can be easily created.
Because they can be easily manipulated to fit the required shape, they are widely used to create arches and domes. They’re also used to make curved sculptures.
Thermal Plasterboard
Thermal or insulated plasterboard is made with advanced thermal insulation properties in mind. They help the structure become more energy-efficient.
They are effective in reducing heat loss through walls and ceilings. Thermal boards have a rigid foam layer attached to one side, which gives them their thermal insulating qualities.
They can be used for ceilings, external and internal walls.
There are numerous options available to you when it comes to selecting the best plasterboard for your needs. Simply identify your installation’s purpose and choose the appropriate one.
Difference Between Plaster vs. Plasterboard
Plaster vs. plasterboard is an age-old debate that will never be resolved. Plaster and plasterboard are two interior construction materials that are widely used around the world.
Both materials have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. None of them can be declared the winner or loser.
However, to give you a sense of their potential, we have highlighted key features of each product so that you can compare them for your next home renovation or repair project.
| Plaster | Plasterboard |
| Plaster is a combination of gypsum, sand, and water. | Plasterboards are typically constructed from gypsum plaster that has been sandwiched between two layers of paper or fibre-glass mats. |
| It is applied wet to a lath or directly to a brick wall to form a hard and smooth surface. | Because they are pre-manufactured in the required sheets and panels, they can be installed directly to the wall or ceiling using nails or screws. |
| It is typically applied to interior walls and ceilings. It is also sometimes used to decorate sculptures. | They are primarily used for interior applications, but they can also be used for external sheathing and soundproofing. |
| Plastering requires skilled labour and is a time-consuming process, as it can take days to completely dry and set the plaster. | Homeowners can install it as a do-it-yourself project because the process is quick and simple. |
| Seasonal climate changes make plaster prone to cracking and damage over time. | It is durable and resists cracking, moisture, and fire. |
| Plaster maintenance or removal is a little messy and time consuming. | Plasterboard is easier to maintain and remove than plaster. Only the damaged sheets or panels can be removed and replaced. |
Also Read : How to Paint a Plastered Surface: Tips to Get You Started
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