How to cut and fix plasterboard

How to cut plasterboards

Plasterboard is such a versatile material it can be used in so many situations but lack of knowledge on how to cut and fix plasterboard stops many people using it in the first place. Plasterboard can simply be sawn using an ordinary timber saw. The finer the teeth, the better and a cleaner edge is obtained with a fine-toothed saw.

Tools required to Cut and Fix Plasterboard

Drywall or plasterboard saw
Plasterboard hammer
Marker or pencil
Plasterboard rasp
Sandpaper
Plasterboard knife
Drywall screw
Galvanised plasterboard nail
Skim plaster

1. How to cut a hole in plasterboards

Step 1. Measure the Cut you need to make on the plasterboard (measure as accurately as you can)

Step 2. By using pencil mark out the cut

Step 3. Now by banging plasterboard hammer 50mm inside one of the cut lines (Step 3 is a crucial step as it let you insert the blade of the saw to start with)

Step 4. Insert the saw into line gained by banging the hammer and begin to cut.

Step 5. Check the progress of the cut regularly to ensure it’s staying where you’ve marked out.

Step 6. Remove any paper burrs using fine sandpaper.

Various shapes can be cut out using variations on the above.

2. How to cut Plasterboard in a straight line

Step 1.Lay the Plasterboard sheet flat on the firm surface

Step 2. Measure the cut you want to make

Step 3. In the front side of the plasterboard mark where you want to cut by using a pencil

Step 4. Now hold a spirit level over the pencil marking on the piece of plasterboard you want to use

Step 5. Firmly use a Craft Knife or Stanley knife to cut along the edge to cut a shallow mark into the plasterboard.

Step 6. Check the progress of the cut regularly to ensure it’s staying where you’ve marked out.

Step 7. Now either turn the sheet onto its edge and give a sharp push towards the back of the plasterboard on one side of the cut.

Or Step 7. Move the sheet so that the backing is against a flat surface and with the cut line over an edge, then give the part of the board extending over the edge, a sharp push towards the back.

Step 8. Remove any paper burrs using fine sandpaper.

How to Fix Plasterboard

The fixing of the plasterboard is done in 4 ways. It is either screwed, nailed, glued or stuck. It can be stuck with adhesive (The ultra-strong construction adhesives are the best) or it can be stuck using a mix of plaster.

1. How to Fix Plasterboard with Nails

Nailing plasterboard is traditionally the most popular way to fic the boards. Use Galvanised nails while you are fixing the plasterboard with nails as it protects from rusting. For 12.5mm of plasterboard used 40mm of nails and for 9.5mm of plasterboard use 30mm of nails.

Step 1. Mark line on the plasterboard where the timber framework is (make sure you don’t miss the timber frame with the nails)

Step 2. Keep a gap of 150mm between nails across the timber framework

Step 3. Don’t place any screws within 12mm of the board edge

Step 4. Slowly hammer in the nails until they are flush with the surface

Note: Take care not to hammer too far as it could compromise the durability of the core of the plasterboard.

2. How to Fix plasterboard with Screws

Screwing plasterboard is done with drywall screws which have a coarse biting thread which drives its way through the boards while keeping a good grip of them.

Step 1. Mark line on the plasterboard where the timber framework is (make sure you don’t miss the timber frame with the screws)

Step 2. Keep a gap of 100-200 mm between screws across the timber framework

Step 3. Don’t place any screws within 12mm of the board edge

Step 4. Slowly drill the screws inside

Step 5. Check regularly and stop when the head of the screw is just under the surface of the paper.

Note: Take care not to drill too far as it could compromise the durability of the core of the plasterboard.

3. How to Dot and Dab Plasterboard

Dot and Dab methods involve mixing a bucket of (usually) skim plaster to a fairly thick consistency and placing dots or blobs of this plaster on the back of the board to be fixed.

Dot and Dab method is also known as Direct Bonding.

Step 1. Check the mixing instructions of the plasterboard adhesive

Step 2. Follow the mixing instructions of the plasterboard adhesive and mix it until it gets fairly creamy and thick in its consistency.

Step 3. Apply a generous ‘dab’ of plasterboard adhesive every 20cm across the plasterboard in dots as shown in the image above.

Step 4. Line up the plasterboard with the desired space using a spirit level to ensure it’s straight

Step 5. Make sure to get the first board right as the rest will need to line up with this

Step 6. Press firmly until the plasterboard doesn’t move when you move away

Note: Don’t forget to leave a gap between the floor and the boards for reducing the risk of rising damp. This will be covered by skirting board.

How long Do Dot and Dab take to dry?

Dot and dab adhesive takes between two and six hours to set, which means you could carry out jointing or skimming the same day. In contrast, plaster takes two to three days to dry.

Gyproc DriWall Adhesive sets fully after approximately three hours and can be used for up to 90 minutes after applying.