Dry Lining
Drylining, plasterboard and skim or dot and dab as it is often called, is the most common plastering technique that is used on today’s developments.
Dry Lining can also be referred to as dry walling. It is the process of using plasterboard instead of wet plaster.
Plasterboard can either be fixed directly to a wall or ceiling or can be attached to a framework of metal or wood.
The plasterboard gives a smooth finish and can be faster than wet plastering. It is also good for cutting down on airbourne sound and fire insulation.
We can generally dry line your walls or ceiling faster than wet plaster. However dry lining is not always suitable if a large amount of load bearing is required from the wall.
Plasterboard is available in a wide range of lengths, widths and thicknesses. The larger the plasterboard, the fewer joints, but the harder it is to handle and fit. Moisture resistant plasterboards are treated with wax and can be useful when dry lining bathrooms for example.
We are expert in all of these variations and would be pleased to advise on the most suitable solution for your home.
Dry Lining FAQ
What is dry lining?
Dry-lining a wall means attaching plasterboard to a wall, which gives you a smooth finish to decorate straight away. It’s much easier to get a good result this way than with wet plaster and it is easier alternative to re-plastering.
What is the life expectancy of dry lining?
Plaster and/or dry lining walls and ceilings have an expected life span as long as 70 years and a minimum of 30 years.
Can you help me choose which finish to go for?
Definitely. We’ll give you my best, expert advice, depending on the time you have available for your project, how you’re going to use your room, and what sort of finish you’d prefer.
Do I need to wait for dry lining to dry?
If you’d like a skim coated finish, there will be a short period of drying time, but it won’t take anywhere near as long as having a wet plaster finish.
Is it better to dry line or plaster a wall?
Plaster is more sound-proof, but using drylining a wall usually means better insulation. A dense material, plaster blocks sound transmission. However, even though plaster is denser, it can’t beat the thermal capabilities of standard drylining coupled with modern insulation commonly found today.
Would I be better with a wet plaster finish?
Possibly. Wet plastering offers good soundproofing, a neat finish and you won’t have any problems attaching anything to your walls, but it does need longer to dry before you can finish your decorating.