What good looks like
Plaster and dry lining: what good looks like
Boards fixed at the right centres onto a dry background, joints staggered and supported, and a finished surface flat enough that the decoration does not show every fixing.
Dry lining is where the quality of everything behind it becomes visible. A wavy wall is usually a framing problem, and a cracked joint is usually a movement or a moisture problem — the plasterer gets the blame for both. Fix at the specified centres, keep fixings back from board edges, stagger the joints and never land a board joint on the corner of an opening; that is where cracks start. Where boards are performing an acoustic or fire function, the board type, thickness and layer count matter as much as the finish. Judge the finished surface with a straightedge and a lamp rather than by eye, and only after the background is dry. Plastering into a wet plot buys you a callback for shrinkage and mould.
Basis in regulation
Before you start
Before you start: plaster and dry lining
Checks to clear before boarding, when the background can still be corrected.
Confirm the pre-plaster inspection is closed out and the plot is dry — check moisture content in the timber and give wet trades time. Confirm board types by room: moisture resistant in bathrooms, and the specified type, thickness and number of layers on separating and fire-rated elements. Check the framing for line and plumb before boarding rather than packing it out afterwards, and mark the noggin and pattress positions for anything that will be fixed back later — rails, radiators, TV brackets, grab rails and kitchen units.
Basis in regulation
Key requirements
Adhesive application for plasterboard air-tightness
When drylining external walls, a continuous ribbon of adhesive should be applied to the back of the plasterboard to minimise air leakage. This continuous seal is crucial around openings, corners, and service penetrations to maintain the building's airtightness strategy. Adequate spacing from structu
When drylining external walls, a continuous ribbon of adhesive should be applied to the back of the plasterboard to minimise air leakage. This continuous seal is crucial around openings, corners, and service penetrations to maintain the building's airtightness strategy. Adequate spacing from structural elements, such as I-beams, ensures proper adhesion and avoids interference.
Basis in regulation
Plasterboard specification for differing environments
Plasterboard selection must align with the environmental conditions of the room, such as moisture levels. Moisture-resistant plasterboards, identifiable by their green colour, are typically required in areas prone to high humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens, to prevent damage and support appropria
Plasterboard selection must align with the environmental conditions of the room, such as moisture levels. Moisture-resistant plasterboards, identifiable by their green colour, are typically required in areas prone to high humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens, to prevent damage and support appropriate finishes.
Basis in regulation
Finishing around ventilation ducts
When plastering, care must be taken to create a neat and precise finish around all ventilation ducts and grilles. This attention to detail ensures both an aesthetic appearance and the continued efficiency of the ventilation system without obstruction.
When plastering, care must be taken to create a neat and precise finish around all ventilation ducts and grilles. This attention to detail ensures both an aesthetic appearance and the continued efficiency of the ventilation system without obstruction.
Basis in regulation
Plaster as a Substrate for Decoration
Plaster applications are required to create a sound, smooth, and suitable surface for subsequent decorative finishes. The quality of the plasterwork directly impacts the final appearance and longevity of paint, wallpaper, or other wall coverings.
Plaster applications are required to create a sound, smooth, and suitable surface for subsequent decorative finishes. The quality of the plasterwork directly impacts the final appearance and longevity of paint, wallpaper, or other wall coverings.
Basis in regulation
BS 8481
Read the source
Plastering Standards and Materials
The design and application of plaster should adhere to British and European standards, specifically BS EN 13914-2 and BS 8481, which cover application and materials. Plaster materials must comply with relevant British Standards for gypsum binders, bonding agents, and metal laths and beads, ensuring
The design and application of plaster should adhere to British and European standards, specifically BS EN 13914-2 and BS 8481, which cover application and materials. Plaster materials must comply with relevant British Standards for gypsum binders, bonding agents, and metal laths and beads, ensuring structural integrity and proper performance, including fire resistance and sound insulation where specified by Building Regulations.
Basis in regulation
BS 5270-1
Read the sourceBS 8481
Read the sourceBS EN 13279
Read the sourceBS EN 13658-1
Read the sourceBS EN 13914-2
Read the source
Floor insulation and skirting board installation
Insulation installed at the base of walls for thermal performance or acoustic purposes should remain undisturbed when skirting boards are fitted. Skirting boards are typically installed on top of the insulation, ensuring its continuity and effectiveness. The insulation should not be cut or removed u
Insulation installed at the base of walls for thermal performance or acoustic purposes should remain undisturbed when skirting boards are fitted. Skirting boards are typically installed on top of the insulation, ensuring its continuity and effectiveness. The insulation should not be cut or removed unnecessarily.
Basis in regulation
Key requirements: plaster and dry lining
The dry lining requirements most often picked up before decoration.
Board type, thickness and layer count as specified, particularly on fire-rated and separating elements. Fixings at the specified centres to walls, ceilings and board ends, held clear of board edges and not overdriven. Joints staggered, supported on framing or noggins, and never running out from the corner of an opening. Pattresses and noggins installed for later fixings. Perimeter sealing and acoustic detailing maintained where the wall is performing an acoustic function. Background dry before plastering and adequate ventilation during drying. Finished surface flat within the specified tolerance under a straightedge, with true angles and reveals.
Basis in regulation
Pipe boxing specifications and access panels
Pipe boxings should typically be constructed using double layers of plasterboard and include insulation to mitigate noise and heat loss. However, components like Waste Water Heat Recovery (WWHR) pipes or Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) usually do not require lagging to ensure their proper function. App
Pipe boxings should typically be constructed using double layers of plasterboard and include insulation to mitigate noise and heat loss. However, components like Waste Water Heat Recovery (WWHR) pipes or Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) usually do not require lagging to ensure their proper function. Appropriate access panels must be fitted to boxing, particularly for rodding eyes or maintenance access, as specified in design details.
Basis in regulation
Critical dimensions at this stage
Original editorial guidance based on publicly available Approved Documents. Not building control approval, a warranty determination, or a substitute for the full source document.