If your walls are looking tired, or you’ve just had a new extension or loft conversion built, then you’ll need to have plasterboard, often called drywall, installed over the brickwork. Installing plasterboard gives you a neat, flat surface ready for painting and decorating. But how much does it cost? We’ll explain everything in our guide.

How much does it cost to install plasterboard?

The cost to install plasterboard in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the room, the type of plasterboard and the complexity of the job. On average, the cost to install plasterboard in a standard room ranges from £325 to £750. This includes materials, labour, and finishing work.

Plasterboard installation cost per m²

Plasterers will often calculate the cost of plasterboard installation per square metre. On average, you can expect to pay between £15 and £35 per m². This price covers the plasterboard, fixings and the labour required to install it. Due to the extra difficulty of installing plasterboard on a ceiling, you’ll usually pay more than you would for plasterboarding a wall.

These costs are just estimates taken from HaMuch’s database of hourly and daily rates from plasterers across the UK. For an accurate quote from local plasterers, you should post a job on HaMuch.

What affects the cost of plasterboard installation?

There are various factors that can affect the cost of plasterboard installation that you should consider before you start your project:

• Room size: Larger rooms require more materials and labour, increasing the overall cost. However, you may find that plasterers charge you less per m2 for bigger jobs as they can buy materials in bulk.

• Type of plasterboard: Different types of plasterboard, such as fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, insulating or soundproof, are usually more expensive than the standard gypsum core plasterboard.

• Complexity of the job: Rooms with intricate shapes such as arches, high ceilings, or lots of corners may require more time and effort, raising the cost.

• Preparation work: Any necessary preparation, such as removing old plaster or repairing existing walls, will add to the total cost.

• Finishing: If you want your plasterer to skim the walls once they’re plasterboarded, this will add to the cost. If you’re not experienced in plastering techniques, it’s well worth asking them to do this too.

• Location: Labour costs vary by region, with prices generally higher in London and the South East compared to other parts of the UK.

Types of plasterboard

The type of room you want to board will determine what type of plasterboard you need. There are 6 general types of plasterboard to choose from, each with its own unique properties:

Standard plasterboard

Standard plasterboard, sometimes called gypsum board, is the most commonly-used type of plasterboard as it suits most applications. It’s made of a gypsum core with to layers of paper either side, in 9.5mm or 12.5mm thicknesses.

The most common gypsum board sizes are 1200 x 2400mm and 1200 x 3000mm. Your plasterer will be able to tell you which size and thickness you need.

Your plasterer will use drywall screws if fixing to wood or use the dot and dab technique if fixing to brickwork.

Average cost: £10 per m2

Common applications: Partition walls, living areas

Thermal plasterboard

Thermal, or insulating, plasterboard is used for internal wall insulation. If you own an old home with solid walls, this can be a good option if you’re trying to make your home more energy efficient.

Thermal plasterboard is thicker than standard plasterboard; the thicker it is, the better the insulation. Thicknesses range from 22mm to 100mm.

Your plasterer will usually apply this type of plasterboard to existing plaster or masonry that’s in good condition.

Average cost: £45 per board

Common applications: Insulating old homes with solid walls

Moisture-resistant plasterboard

If you need plasterboard installed in your kitchen or bathroom, you’ll need moisture-resistant plasterboard. This type is made from gypsum with additives in it to ensure it can tolerate the humidity and moisture commonly experienced in these types of rooms.

This plasterboard often comes in blue or green shades to differentiate it from standard plasterboard. It comes in standard thicknesses and board sizes, but does cost more than standard plasterboard.

Average cost: £20 per board

Common applications: Kitchens and bathrooms, but not wet rooms

Acoustic plasterboard

Acoustic, or sound-proof plasterboard, is designed to reduce sound transmission between rooms and buildings. To do this, it has a denser core than other plasterboard, and comes in thicknesses up to 30mm for added soundproofing.

Your plasterer can use an acoustic sealant on all joins to prevent sound leakage, but if you are happy with moderate soundproofing they can fix it with standard drywall screws.

Average cost: £50 per board

Common applications: Bedrooms and cinema rooms

Fire-resistant plasterboard

Standard gypsum plasterboard is fire-resistant, but it doesn’t have a fire rating. If you need a commercial building plasterboarded or you just want to add extra protection to your home, you can choose fire-resistant plasterboard.

Fire-resistant materials are added to the gypsum core of plasterboard to increase its resistance to flames and heat. You can buy fire-resistant plasterboard in Class 1 to 4, with 1 having the best fire resistance. Class 1 boards can provide fire resistance for up to 2 hours, while Class 4 may be resistant for as little as 30 minutes.

Average cost: £15 per m2, but varies by fire rating

Common applications: Commercial buildings, kitchens

Flexible plasterboard

Flexible plasterboard is ideal if your room has arches or curves. It has grooves on the back of each board that allow for flexibility.

This type of plasterboard is available in the standard sizes, but starts at a thinner thickness of 6mm up to 12mm. Your plasterer will use a flexible joint compound to help fix flexible plasterboard, with metal edging beads to reinforce corners.

Average cost: £40 per board

Common applications: Rooms with arches or curves

Is plasterboarding cheaper than plastering?

In general, plasterboarding is more expensive than plastering. This is because there are more material costs involved with plasterboarding.

However, plastering takes much longer than plasterboarding because you have to wait for each layer to dry before you can apply another one. If you need your room to be finished quickly, plasterboarding is definitely the quicker option.

Plastering is a skill that takes a long time to master, so plasterers often charge more for their labour when plastering a room rather than using drywall. Make sure you compare quotes carefully if you’re getting quotes for both traditional plastering and plasterboarding.

How long does it take to plasterboard a room?

The time required to plasterboard a room depends on the size and complexity of the room. For a standard-sized room, it typically takes between 0.5 to 1.5 days to complete the plasterboarding, including preparation and installation. If additional finishing, such as skimming, is required, the process may take an additional 1 to 2 days.

Should plasterboard be nailed or screwed?

Plasterboard can be fixed to walls or ceilings using either nails or screws designed for plasterboard. If you want a stronger and more secure fix, it’s best to use drywall screws. Screws are less likely to loosen over time and cause the plasterboard to sag or move.

Do carpenters put up plasterboard?

Yes, carpenters often put up plasterboard, especially when working on new builds or renovations. That said, plasterboard installation can also be carried out by general builders as well as plasterers. The key is to hire a professional with experience in plasterboarding to ensure you get a high-quality finish.

Can you fit plasterboard yourself?

You can certainly try fitting plasterboard yourself, especially if you have some DIY experience and the necessary tools. The basic process involves measuring and cutting the plasterboard to size, fixing it to the walls or ceilings with screws, and finishing the joints with jointing tape and compound. While it is a labour-intensive job, many homeowners find it manageable for small to medium-sized projects. However, for larger or more complex jobs, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure you get a high-quality finish that will last for years to come.

So, that’s everything you need to know about plasterboarding and how much it costs. Are you ready to get accurate quotes from plasterers your local area? Post your job on HaMuch now.

Estimates for common plasterer jobs;

Rates for other trades