Plasterboard is great for fulfilling a number of different solutions in your home, property, and building projects. There are, however, different types of plasterboard. And, depending on what you need the plasterboard for, you’ll need to choose the type which benefits you and your home most. They are often grouped in terms of their different performance qualities. 

For example, you can get standard plasterboard which fulfills a range of purposes, plasterboard with thermal efficiency built into them or plasterboard which is resistant to sound. Choosing the best one for your requirements can be challenging but we’re here to explain all you need to know. 

Interested in knowing which type of plasterboard to use? Let’s take a look at different types of plasterboard, the benefits of each, and when you should use them.

Standard plasterboard or drywall 

Standard plasterboard, otherwise known as dry-wall or wallboard, is great for all round purposes. In its simplest form, plasterboard is used to finish walls so they’re ready to decorate. Unlike the different types of plasterboard we’re going to cover later on, standard plasterboard doesn’t have a specific performance quality. 

Installing plasterboard to your wall or ceiling is also a simple process. You simply need to measure your wall or surface space before ordering the correct amount of plasterboard. All that’s left is to secure the boards to the wall with nails or screws. To achieve a finished, polished look, fill the secured areas with jointing compound to avoid an uneven surface.  

Advantages of using standard plasterboard include: 

• It is low cost and easy to work with. 
• It results in flat, level walls immediately once installed so you can decorate as you wish. 
• It’s an environmentally friendly building material meaning it is considered to be a ‘green’ building material.

When should you use standard plasterboard?

This method is a quicker and cheaper alternative to the traditional plastered walls. If you have basic requirements and simply want to use plasterboard to create wall partitions, linings, or ceilings, then standard plasterboard is a great option. It’s also great if you need to cover awkward spaces, as the boards come in a range of dimensions and you can also measure and cut them to size yourself.

Soundproof or acoustic plasterboard 

Soundproofing is a process which aims to prevent sound waves from passing from one space to another. The purpose of soundproofing is to either prevent external noises from coming inside or to prevent internal noises from being heard outside. Soundproof plasterboard enables you to greatly reduce noise transmission in your home by having a thicker dentistry than standard plasterboard.

Some advantages of using acoustic plasterboard include:

• It improves the sound quality inside your home, which is great if you frequently record music or videos. 
• If you live in a particularly loud area, soundproofing your room with acoustic plasterboard enhances quality of life. 
• It prevents your neighbours hearing any noise you make.

When should you use acoustic plasterboard?

If you need to control the sound that enters or exits your space, you should use acoustic plasterboard. Acoustic plasterboard is particularly useful if you live near a lot of external noises such as loud traffic or a train station. It’s also great if you have a home music studio and need to prevent noise from travelling outside and disturbing your neighbours.

Moisture-resistant plasterboard 

Moisture resistant plasterboard or waterproof plasterboard is water resistant and designed for areas that have a high humidity level. The boards contain core additives which repel water, rather than absorb it. Using these kinds of boards in areas with water present is the industry standard. 

Some benefits of using moisture-resistant plasterboard include: 

• They are designed to withstand moist and humid conditions and can come into contact with water without being damaged. 
• Due to being water repellent they last longer than other types of wall finishing.
• You are able to easily tile or paint directly over the plasterboard to achieve a look of your choice.

When should you use moisture-resistant plasterboard?

This type of plasterboard is great for use in bathrooms, kitchens, wet rooms and en suite rooms. If you don’t use specifically designed moisture-resistant plasterboard in these rooms, moisture is likely to build up and cause a number of problems. The main issue is of course the growth of mould. Mould is problematic because it is not only dangerous to our health, but it also can ruin your walls.

Fire-resistant plasterboard

Fire-resistant plasterboard (or fireproof plasterboard) is naturally resistant to fire and you can usually spot it due to being pink in colour. These types of plasterboard are designed to burn slowly, if they happen to catch on fire. Fire-resistant plasterboard can’t stop a fire completely, but it can prevent the quick spread of flames successfully. 

Some benefits of using fire-resistant plasterboard include:

• They form a protective barrier against flames and smoke.
• If a fire does happen to break out, they prevent damage for a certain amount of time which decreases the risk of large scale repairs.

When should you use fire-resistant plasterboard?

Fireproof plasterboard can be used in any room across your property. However, you might like to consider adding them to rooms that are more likely to have fires in, like the kitchen. If it’s being used on an industrial scale, you can get certain thicknesses that prevent fire from spreading for a number of hours. It’s important to check individual product specifications to find the best options for your requirements.

Thermally insulated plasterboard 

Insulated plasterboard is used to line internal walls, usually brick walls, to provide both dry-lining and insulation. Like other methods of insulation, such as fiberglass and Rockwool, insulated plasterboard prevents hot air escaping your space and keeps cold air from entering. This results in a warmer and more comfortable home which is energy efficient. This type of plasterboard also contains a vapour layer to prevent moisture build up on the board and inside your wall. 

Some more benefits of thermally insulated plasterboard include: 

• They are usually quicker to install than the regular insulation and plasterboard process. This is because the plasterboard is insulated, therefore you only need to complete one step, as opposed to two steps. 
• The insulated plasterboard is thinner than traditional insulation which means less room is lost within your room.
• It’s inexpensive when compared to other methods of insulation and can save you a lot of money due to an energy efficient home.
• They reduce the amount of heat loss in your home.

When should you use insulated plasterboard?

Generally, it’s used on walls and ceilings where a higher level of thermal insulation is needed. It can be used in your home, garage, or to line the walls of your shed. It can be particularly good for your shed if you plan to use the space for working in, or if you generally plan to spend time in there. This ensures the space will be well insulated during the colder months.

Seek Professional Advice When Choosing Plasterboard 

We hope you have found this post on different types of plasterboard helpful. As you know, there’s so many options and it all depends on what you need in your home. If you have any questions about the type of plasterboard to use and want to know more about pricing, please feel free to get in touch or phone: London: +44 20 3481 1322 or Manchester: +44 151 546 3260.