16 Nov A Beginner’s Guide to Dry Lining
Dry lining? Since lockdown, UK residents have spent an average of £4035 per person on improving their homes. With record numbers spending more time in their dwelling, people are attempting even more ambitious DIY projects. But do you know how to tackle one of the most rewarding, the task of dry lining?
If you have uneven, unsightly walls you don’t need to do a full replaster. Read on as we give a beginners guide to dry lining UK.
What is Dry Lining?
Dry lining is a technique in which brickwork is covered with plasterboard. This creates a smooth, even finish without the need to plaster a wall. All you have to do is attach the boards then fill in the joints.
Very often, it is referred to as dot and dab. This is because the process simply involves cutting the plasterboard to size, mixing board adhesive, then adding dots and dabs to attach it to the wall.
Materials and Tools
As long as you have a quality board adhesive, half of the dry lining supplies you need are taken care of. What you really need to consider is the correct type of board. Plasterboard has a number of different types.
For example, if you are placing plasterboard in a bathroom or wetroom, it needs to be moisture resistant. You may also require a board with extra soundproofing or resistance to fire. If you are attaching boards to a ceiling, you will need specially designed boards that are thinner and weigh less.
Once you have your boards and adhesive, there are a few other tools you will need for dry lining. Luckily, they are ones most people will have at home and little specialist equipment is required.
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Knife with replaceable blades
- Hammer
- Step ladder
- Electric Screwdriver
- Board lifter (Optional)
- Plasterboard nails and screws
Cutting the Plasterboard
Dry lining cutting is the most taxing part of the process. This can be a physically demanding task that takes time when done correctly. It also throws up a lot of dust that can be damaging to your health if inhaled, so wear appropriate face coverings.
Many people that provide dryline supplies and services now offer a plasterboard cutting service. This is vital for people who are working in the trade and need a quick turnaround. All you need are the correct measurements and the company will do any dry lining shaping, so you can cut your workload down by a considerable amount.
If you do choose to do it yourself, lay the plasterboard on the floor. Take your floor to ceiling height and remove 12 mm from it. Mark the line for cutting with a straight edge or your spirit level.
Using your knife, cut along the line. You don’t want to go through, only penetrate the top paper layer.
Lift the sheet and push along with the cut. The board should snap along the line cleanly. If not, you can finish cutting with the knife and sand off using a plasterboard rasp.
Joining Boards
Before you start affixing the boards, you need to understand one of the two dry lining solutions for joining them. These depend upon the type of board you have chosen.
If you have boards with a tapered edge, then you will need to use a method that involves covering joints with tape. This is often known as the scrim cloth method. After this, you can fill them and carry on.
The second option is for boards that do not have tapered edges but are squared. Glue is applied to the edges as they are joined. Any excess glue should be scraped off so as not to look unsightly.
Fixing Boards
Start by working out a suitable sequence for affixing the boards. This helps you work to a pattern and stops you from getting lost or confused. There are a number of ways you can do this, so choose one and stick to it for the project.
You will notice that the plasterboard has both a grey and a white side. The grey side should always be facing the wall, with the white side going outward.
Starting at the doorway, place a board and lift it, either using your foot or a lifting tool. The join should align at the centre of a stud. Take your electric screwdriver and begin to fix it into place.
When you start fixing, avoid doing the corners first. Either work outwards from the middle or start at one side and work to the other. Going straight in with the corners can cause unnecessary tension.
Put a board in place, then add the glue and apply another. Wipe off any excess glue. If you are using the tape and filler method, you can fix all the boards first then fill them at the end.
Storing Plasterboard
Most plasterboard will arrive with a plastic coating to protect them. Keep it on when storing until you are ready to use, and place them in a dry environment. They should be laid flat to avoid bending.
Boards are not particularly heavy, but they are awkward to carry. It always helps to get assistance, especially when trying to hold them in place and fix them. Carry the boards by the edge to stop them from breaking or becoming damaged.
Should your boards become damp, do not attach them to the wall. Let them dry thoroughly before use.
Dry Lining UK
In summary, dry lining UK is easy if you prepare well. Take time to get the tools, decide on your technique and cut your boards precisely. Soon you will have a smooth, even finish on your wall.
If you want to cut this time down even further, then contact Innovate. We can cut your boards for you, saving money on your build. Contact us here to discuss your needs, and let us share the workload.