Plasterboard Calculator
FAQs
How do I figure out how much plasterboard I need?
To figure out how much plasterboard you need, you'll first need to measure the dimensions of the walls or ceilings you intend to cover with plasterboard. Then, calculate the total area in square meters. Finally, divide the total area by the coverage of a single plasterboard sheet to determine how many sheets you'll need.
How many square meters does a plasterboard cover?
A standard plasterboard sheet, typically measuring 1200mm x 2400mm, covers approximately 2.88 square meters.
Can I use 12.5 plasterboard on ceilings?
Yes, 12.5mm plasterboard is commonly used on ceilings for standard applications.
Is 9.5 mm plasterboard OK for ceilings?
Yes, 9.5mm plasterboard is suitable for ceilings in many cases, especially for residential properties.
What is the coverage of a 25kg bag of plaster?
A 25kg bag of plaster typically covers around 5 square meters at a thickness of 10mm.
How do you calculate m2?
To calculate square meters (m2), multiply the length of the area by the width. For example, if you have a room that is 4 meters long and 3 meters wide, the area would be 4m x 3m = 12m2.
How many m2 can a plasterer skim in a day?
On average, a skilled plasterer can skim between 10 to 15 square meters in a day, depending on the complexity of the surfaces and other factors.
What is the coverage of 1800x900 plasterboard?
A plasterboard measuring 1800mm x 900mm covers approximately 1.62 square meters.
How far off the floor should plasterboard be?
Plasterboard should typically be installed with a small gap of around 10mm above the floor to allow for expansion and prevent moisture damage.
Should I leave a gap between plasterboard and ceiling?
Yes, it's advisable to leave a small gap (usually around 5mm) between the plasterboard and ceiling to accommodate for any potential movement and prevent cracking.
Can one person plasterboard a ceiling?
Yes, one person can plasterboard a ceiling, but it's often easier and safer with two people, especially for larger ceilings.
Do you need Noggins for 12.5 mm plasterboard?
Noggins (horizontal timber pieces) are typically used to support plasterboard edges and prevent sagging. While not always necessary, they are commonly used, especially for ceilings, regardless of plasterboard thickness.
Do I need 9 or 12mm plasterboard for ceiling?
Both 9mm and 12.5mm plasterboard can be used for ceilings, but 12.5mm is more commonly recommended for better durability and resistance to sagging.
What is the difference between 12.5 mm and 9.5 mm plasterboard?
The main difference between 12.5mm and 9.5mm plasterboard is the thickness. 12.5mm plasterboard is thicker and generally stronger, making it more suitable for areas where increased durability is required.
Should I use 9mm or 12mm plasterboard?
It depends on the specific application. Thicker plasterboard (12mm) is generally stronger and more durable, making it suitable for areas with higher wear and tear.
How do you use PVA before plastering?
Before plastering, dilute PVA adhesive with water (typically 1 part PVA to 4 parts water) and apply it to the surface using a brush or roller. Allow it to dry completely before applying plaster.
What adhesive to use for dot and dab plasterboard?
For dot and dab plasterboard installation, use a gypsum-based adhesive or specially formulated adhesive designed for plasterboard.
How many plasterboard screws per board?
Typically, you should use around 5 to 6 screws per stud or joist when installing plasterboard.
What is 12ft by 12ft in square meters?
12ft by 12ft is approximately 3.66 meters by 3.66 meters, resulting in an area of around 13.39 square meters.
How many M2 in one meter?
One meter is equal to 1 square meter (1m2).
What is 3 meters by 3 meters in square meters?
3 meters by 3 meters is equal to 9 square meters (9m2).
How much do plasterers charge per day UK?
Plasterers in the UK typically charge between £150 to £300 per day, although prices can vary depending on location and the complexity of the job.
How much do plasterers charge per meter?
Plasterers in the UK often charge between £10 to £20 per square meter for plastering services.
What is plasterer day rate?
A plasterer's day rate varies but generally falls between £150 to £300 per day in the UK.
Why use 9.5 mm plasterboard?
9.5mm plasterboard is often used for areas where weight is a concern or where a thinner profile is desired, such as partitions or areas where space is limited.
How many bags of plasterboard adhesive do I need?
The number of bags of plasterboard adhesive needed depends on the size of the project and the type of adhesive used. As an estimation, one 25kg bag typically covers around 10 to 12 square meters.
What's the best size timber for plasterboarding?
Commonly used timber sizes for plasterboarding include 2x4 inches (50x100mm) or 2x3 inches (50x75mm) studs.
Does plasterboard have to end on a joist?
Ideally, plasterboard should end on a joist or noggins to provide proper support and prevent sagging or cracking.
Does it matter which way up plasterboard goes?
Yes, plasterboard should be installed with the long edges parallel to the floor for best results.
Can you put plasterboard directly on a wall?
Yes, plasterboard can be installed directly onto walls using suitable adhesive or screws.
Do you screw or nail plasterboard to the ceiling?
It's generally recommended to screw plasterboard to the ceiling for better stability and durability.
Should I plasterboard ceiling or walls first?
It's typically easier to plasterboard the ceiling first before moving on to the walls.
Do you fit plasterboard vertically or horizontally?
Plasterboard is usually fitted horizontally for better stability and ease of installation.
Can you plasterboard a ceiling without skimming?
Yes, plasterboard can be installed on the ceiling without skimming, especially if it will be covered with a textured finish or another material.
How long does it take to plasterboard a ceiling?
The time it takes to plasterboard a ceiling depends on factors such as the size of the ceiling, the complexity of the installation, and the experience of the person doing the work. On average, it may take several hours to a full day to complete the task.
Can a beginner plaster a ceiling?
While it's possible for a beginner to plaster a ceiling, it can be challenging without prior experience and may result in a less-than-perfect finish. It's often best to practice on smaller areas first or seek guidance from a professional.
Should I nail or screw Noggins?
It's generally recommended to screw noggins into place for better stability and durability compared to nails.
What size screws do I need for 12.5 mm plasterboard?
For 12.5mm plasterboard, you'll typically use 32mm (1-1/4 inch) drywall screws.
What is the maximum span without noggins?
The maximum span without noggins depends on various factors such as the thickness of the plasterboard and the load it needs to support. As a general guideline, spans should not exceed 600mm (24 inches) for 12.5mm plasterboard without additional support.
Is 9.5 mm plasterboard OK for ceilings?
Yes, 9.5mm plasterboard is often suitable for ceilings in residential properties.
Should I leave a gap between plasterboard and ceiling?
Yes, it's advisable to leave a small gap (usually around 5mm) between the plasterboard and ceiling to accommodate for any potential movement and prevent cracking.
Is 9mm plasterboard OK for walls?
Yes, 9mm plasterboard is commonly used for walls in residential construction.
Why use 15mm plasterboard in a ceiling?
15mm plasterboard is used for ceilings when additional strength or soundproofing is required, or in areas where heavier items may be hung from the ceiling.
These answers are provided for general information and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for specific recommendations regarding your project.