Drywall / Plasterboard Calculator
Calculate the number of drywall or plasterboard sheets for any room. Accounts for doors, windows, sheet orientation, and cutting waste.
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Drylining and Plastering Guide
What should I know about Sheet Sizes?
Standard UK plasterboard is 2400 × 1200mm. 2700 × 1200mm suits 2.7m ceilings with no horizontal joints. Larger sheets reduce joints but are heavy (9.5mm = ~25kg, 12.5mm = ~33kg per sheet) — plan carefully for solo installation.
What should I know about Screw Spacing?
Fix drywall screws at 150mm centres along edges and 200–250mm across the field. Use 38mm screws for 12.5mm board to timber, 55mm for double boarding. Over-drive screws slightly below the surface without breaking the paper face.
What's the difference between Foil-Backed and Standard?
Foil-backed plasterboard provides a vapour barrier on external walls, reducing the risk of condensation within the wall structure. Standard board is used for internal partitions. Moisture-resistant (MR) board should be used in bathrooms and kitchens.
What's the key thing to understand about Safety and Regulations?
Most structural and electrical DIY work in England and Wales must comply with Building Regulations and is notifiable to local Building Control. Work that is not notifiable (like-for-like replacements, cosmetic changes) can be done without notification. Notifiable work done without approval is technically illegal and can cause problems when selling the property. Electrical work in most rooms requires a Part P competent person or Building Control inspection. Gas work must always be performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer — it is illegal for anyone else to carry out gas work in the UK, and using an unregistered installer invalidates both your home insurance and any warranty on the work. For structural changes (removing load-bearing walls, altering the roof structure), always get a structural engineer's assessment before starting, even for jobs that look straightforward.