Does it matter which way you hang plasterboard?

Author: Pearlie Tromp  |  Last update: Saturday, March 8, 2025

HANGING your plasterboard horizontally rather than vertically is important because the boards have a grain along their length. So, they are stronger when they're secured perpendicular to the wall. STAGGERING the boards so that your seams don't end up on the same stud.

Does it matter which way plasterboard go?

For all Gyproc plasterboards, the coloured paper face should face outwards and is the side suitable for plastering or direct decoration. The reverse side, with printed board details, should be installed facing inwards and is not suitable for receiving a plaster finish.

Does it matter in what direction you hang drywall?

For walls nine feet high or shorter, hanging the drywall horizontally has a number of benefits. Fewer seams – Horizontal hanging reduces the lineal footage of seams by about 25%. Keeping the footage of seams to a minimum will result in less taping and a better looking finished job.

Should you hang plasterboard horizontally or vertically?

Board should always be fixed vertically - reason being that if a slight line appears in the plaster at the join - a vertical line is easier on the eye than a horzontal one. Also with taper edge boards you have to join non tapered edges - if fixed horzontally.

Is there a wrong way to hang drywall?

It's standard practice to hang drywall horizontally except in the case of a firewall (where all seams must be blocked).

How To Install Drywall (The Right Way)

Does it matter which side of drywall faces out?

Drywall manufacturers create drywall with two distinct sides. The first side is generally a brown thin paper side of the sheet of drywall. This side is designed to be facing the studs of the frame. Meanwhile, the other side of the drywall is designed to face outwards towards the room itself.

What is the best way to hang on plasterboard?

Hollow wall anchors (or Molly bolts)

The most reliable plug for plasterboard, these fixings can hold 20 to 50 kg.

Why not hang drywall vertically?

In most rooms, hanging drywall vertically means you'll have more seams to cover than if you hang it horizontally. You'll also need to use more screws per sheet of drywall to secure it. Taping, mudding, and sanding those seams and screws will take more time and increase the cost of installing drywall.

What is the advantage of fixing the plasterboard horizontally?

Fixing GIB® plasterboard sheets horizontally instead of vertically on walls reduces the number of joints, helping to achieve a more uniform appearance. 3. If a vapour/air barrier is to be part of the wall makeup this should not be directly behind the plasterboard.

Should you leave a gap between drywall sheets?

Keeping the joints between sheets of drywall too close is an invitation for troubles along the way. Professional drywall installers allow for ⅛-inch space between sheetrock placement, and this allows for expansion and contraction for the frame of the building, avoiding cracks and damage to the drywall.

Does it matter which side of drywall you score?

The vertical edges of the sheet should attach to studs. Score the front side and cut away the paper backing. Smooth any rough edges and position the piece. Mark the studs and drive in screws to secure the drywall.

Why do you drywall the ceiling first?

Hang the Ceiling First

This makes it much easier to manage and attach the panels since you will not have to fumble around with the screws, measuring tape, and so on. Screws for drywall lids should be placed no closer than 16” from the wall. This allows the drywall to have a bit of flexibility to prevent ceiling cracks.

Does it matter which way you run drywall?

Changing the orientation of the drywall will just create poorer-quality finished walls. Hanging drywall horizontally does, as you point out, place seams at a more convenient height for finishing, resulting in better work, but that's only part of the story.

Should plasterboard be nailed or screwed?

Traditionally, plasterboard was fixed into place using nails, but this method has been known to cause circular bumps and bubbles in the surface finish - not what you want! Plasterboard screws are a lot stronger than nails and hold the plasterboard in place better, so you won't need to use as many.

Do you need to leave a gap between plasterboard?

Leave a 3mm gap between boards: this helps the filler to get a good grip. Once all the boards are in place, tape over them with perforated plasterboard tape, and mix up the joint filler so that it makes a smooth but stiff paste.

Should you hang plasterboard horizontal or vertical?

HANGING your plasterboard horizontally rather than vertically is important because the boards have a grain along their length. So, they are stronger when they're secured perpendicular to the wall. STAGGERING the boards so that your seams don't end up on the same stud.

Can you hang drywall wrong?

One of the most common drywall mistakes is not having the proper edge support. Framing at inside corners is often inadequate or lacking altogether, making it impossible to fasten the edge of the drywall (left).

Why do you leave a gap at the bottom of drywall?

Always leave a 1/2-inch gap at the floor. This allows for floor and wall expansion without cracking the drywall. It also helps prevents moisture wicking if the floor floods. Wear work gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask when hanging drywall.

Does it matter which way you install plasterboard?

One of the key things to remember when tackling this job is to hang your plasterboard horizontally rather than vertically. Because of the way the boards are manufactured, they have a 'grain' along their length, which means that the best strength is achieved when they're secured perpendicular to the studwork.

What's the difference between drywall and plasterboard?

Drywall, also known as 'plasterboard', is made of gypsum mixed with water and spread between two large sheets of paper. Plasterboard is used for the construction of interior walls and ceilings. Comparatively, plastering is one of the oldest building techniques.

Do you need stud adhesive for plasterboard?

Plasterboard is normally fixed to framing using a combination of stud adhesive and fasteners or in older ceilings screw or nail fixed only. It is critical to understand that stud adhesive on its own DOES NOT constitute a fixing system and MUST be used in conjunction with screws or nails.

Is purple drywall better than green?

What's the difference between PURPLE drywall and traditional green drywall? Traditional green drywall (also known as greenboard) is only moisture-resistant. PURPLE drywall, manufactured only by Gold Bond Building Products, is superior because it offers moisture, mold and mildew resistance.

Does it matter which side of drywall you cut?

Even experienced DIYers can make mistakes when cutting drywall. Being aware of these common pitfalls can help you avoid them: Cutting on the wrong side: Cut from the front (white paper) side of the drywall for cleaner edges.

Which way should drywall tape face?

Fortunately, most paper drywall tape comes with a seam down the middle that can be used to fold it exactly in half, creating a natural corner in the tape that you'll fit into the corner on the wall. This seam presents a slight bulge towards the outside of the tape and the bulge side should go against the wall.

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