Description
Quick answer: Standard square edge plasterboard is used for dry internal walls, ceilings, partitions and general drylining where a normal plasterboard finish is required. It is best suited to standard internal areas and is usually the right choice where the board will be skim plastered. For damp areas, fire-rated areas, acoustic walls or insulated linings, choose the correct specialist plasterboard instead.
What is this used for?
This standard wallboard is a general-purpose plasterboard for internal building work. It can be used for stud partitions, wall linings, ceilings and other dry internal areas where standard plasterboard performance is suitable.
Available options include 1800mm x 900mm and 2400mm x 1200mm sheets, with 9mm and 12.5mm thicknesses depending on the job.
Is this the right plasterboard for your project?
Choose this standard square edge plasterboard for normal dry internal areas where you do not need added moisture resistance, fire resistance, acoustic performance or insulation.
It is a practical option for general plasterboarding, patching, drylining, partitions, wall linings and ceilings where standard board is suitable. If the board is being fitted in a bathroom, utility room, garage, fire-rated partition, acoustic wall or insulated lining, check whether a specialist board is required before ordering.
What does square edge mean?
Square edge plasterboard has straight edges rather than tapered edges. It is commonly chosen where the board will be finished with a full skim coat of plaster.
If you are planning to tape and joint the boards rather than skim the full surface, tapered edge plasterboard is usually the easier option because the tapered edges create space for jointing tape and compound.
Which thickness should you choose?
For most standard plasterboard wall and ceiling work, 12.5mm is the normal default unless your project specification says otherwise.
9mm plasterboard is the thinner, lighter option and should only be chosen where you are confident it suits the support spacing, fixing method and finish required for the job.
Key features
- Standard internal wallboard: Suitable for general dry internal walls, ceilings, partitions and linings.
- Square edge profile: A good choice where the surface will be skim plastered.
- Multiple sheet sizes: Smaller boards can be easier to handle in tight spaces, while larger sheets cover more area faster.
- 9mm and 12.5mm options: Choose the thickness that suits the project specification and installation method.
- EN 520 Type A: Standard plasterboard classification for general applications.
Things to check before ordering
- Room type: This is standard plasterboard for dry internal areas. For damp or humid areas, consider moisture resistant plasterboard.
- Fire performance: If the wall or ceiling needs a fire-rated system, use fire rated plasterboard as specified.
- Finish method: Square edge is usually chosen for skim plastering. For tape-and-joint work, check whether tapered edge plasterboard is the better option.
- Board size: Smaller sheets are easier to move and handle, while 2400mm x 1200mm boards cover larger areas more quickly.
- Fixings: Make sure you have the correct drywall screws for the frame or background you are fixing into.
- Storage: Keep plasterboard flat, dry and protected before installation.
Complete the job
For fitting plasterboard to timber studwork or battens, start with suitable drywall screws. You may also need scrim tape, plasterboard adhesive, angle beads and finishing plaster depending on how the boards are being fitted and finished.
If this is not the right board for the job, view the full plasterboards and dry lining range, or consider moisture resistant plasterboard, fire rated plasterboard or insulated plasterboard.
