What is overboarding plastering?

Author: Mr. Reilly Swift  |  Last update: Thursday, June 12, 2025

If your property has traditional lath and plaster ceilings that are in need of repairs, a common tradesman's fix is to overboard (cover) them with plasterboard, rather than deal with the original failing plasterwork. Over boarding is a cheap and relatively fast way of repairing an existing ceiling.

What are the 7 stages of plastering?

Plastering a wall
  • Step 1 - Preparation. ...
  • Step 2 - Apply PVA to walls. ...
  • Step 3 - Mix plaster. ...
  • Step 4 - Apply plaster. ...
  • Step 5 - Skimming and smoothing. ...
  • Step 6 - Scrape. ...
  • Step 7 - Add another coat of plaster. ...
  • Step 8 - Finishing touches.

Why do the British plaster over drywall?

To get a perfect, crisp finish, it's easier/faster/cheaper to do it with a skim over the board (plasterer), rather basically coating the whole wall with filler and sanding it (decorator).

What is Overboarding a floor?

Over-boarding the floor involves laying a relatively thin board on top of your existing floor (floorboards, chipboard or plywood) to stabilise the area 'as a whole' and provides a strong and smooth surface to apply tiles onto.

How much does it cost to overboard and plaster a ceiling?

The average cost to overboard and plaster a ceiling in the UK is £1,000, although smaller box rooms will likely sit more around the £700 mark.

OVERBOARDING LATH & PLASTER CEILINGS

Is it a good idea to overboard a ceiling?

If your property has traditional lath and plaster ceilings that are in need of repairs, a common tradesman's fix is to overboard (cover) them with plasterboard, rather than deal with the original failing plasterwork. Over boarding is a cheap and relatively fast way of repairing an existing ceiling.

What's the difference between skimming and plastering?

They are both used to decorate buildings and increase the durability of a wall, but skimming is done to upgrade an old building whereas plastering is done to a new one. Another difference between skim and plaster is that plaster surfaces are always rough whereas a skimmed surface is smooth.

What is considered Overboarding?

Overboarding occurs when one person sits on too many boards, which diminishes their ability to serve the organisation effectively. There isn't an absolute number of how many boards a person should sit on, but typically this is between four and six in developed nations.

What to consider when overboarding?

Always consider changes in the flooring balance: overboarding takes place most often on timber substrates. A timber subfloor that is in balance with the surroundings can 'breathe' to some degree. This means moisture vapour can be absorbed by timber and then released again, depending on the humidity of the environment.

What is overboarding a wall?

Overboarding is applying new plasterboard over the top of the existing plastered surface as opposed to the new plasterboard being screwed directly to the ceiling joists. Essentially it's like applying a new skin over the top of the old one.

What do Brits call drywall?

In the UK, it's typically called “plasterboard”, while in the US and some other countries, it's known as “drywall”. Both are made of a gypsum core, sandwiched between paper linings. Regardless of the name, they serve the same purpose: providing a smooth, durable surface that's easy to install and decorate.

Why did they stop using plaster walls?

In a word, 'cost'. Though there were advantages to the lath and plaster technique – it more easily allowed for ornamental or decorative shapes, provided sound insulation and helped to slow fire spread – new materials superseded lath and plaster because they were simply faster and less expensive to install.

Why is British plaster pink?

It is pink in colour due to the aggregates used and processing, clay, and lime, drying a brownish pink, which can be a desirable finish for some people, as such many paint manufacturers are now offering this as a shade of paint, such as Farrow & Ball's 'setting plaster' No 231.

What is a plastering rule?

The Plastering Rule is designed to increase and enhance quality of finish. There is an aluminium handle and semi-flexible plastic blade for flattening, finishing and ruling off. It is compatible with all gypsum based plasters, traditional sand & cement renders and insulated rendering systems.

What is the difference between plaster and plastering?

Plastering is the process of applying plaster to internal walls. Plaster is a construction material that coats and protects the inside walls and ceilings. It is also used to decorate the walls as it can be formed into crown cornices, ceiling roses, corbels and other architectural mouldings.

How much does a plasterer cost?

The average cost of plastering a room is between £550 and £1,350, depending on the size of your room. How much you end up spending depends a lot on where you live in the UK, as labour prices rise for plasterers in London and the South East. It will take between 2 and 4 days to plaster a room, depending on its size.

What are the benefits of overboarding?

In the case of many damaged ceilings or ceilings with existing coving/cornice, overboarding can be the ideal solution. Overboarding is a cost-effective option that involves installing a new layer of plasterboard over the existing ceiling, creating a smooth and refreshed surface.

What thickness ply for overboarding?

If just overboarding then a minimum 6mm thickness is required. However if you are trying to add stability and strength to the subfloor, look at thicknesses from 15 to 22mm. Make sure it is screwed and fixed at appropriate points, usually a minimum 300mm centres.

Can you board over old plaster?

Answer: Insulated plasterboards can be bonded over existing plaster using acrylic sealant adhesive or low expanding PU foam adhesive, so long as the plaster is sound, solid and dry.

How many boards is too many?

The maximum recommended number of boards a director should sit on is four to six. Sitting on more than two boards outside your full-time position may lead to ineffectiveness and feeling overwhelmed. Consulting outside your board work may lead to conflicts of interest.

What is the points system for overboarding?

For plural NEDs, the 5-points system is commonly used to prevent over- boarding. According to this system, a plural NED should limit the number of board appointments to a total of 5 public company roles (one point each), with a Non-Executive Chair role counting as two board roles (i.e. 2 points).

Can board members be fired?

The answer to this question is yes, a board of directors can be fired. However, the process is not always simple or straightforward. There are a variety of reasons why a board might be removed from power, but it ultimately comes down to a vote by the shareholders.

Can you just skim over old plaster?

By following the proper steps to prepare the wall and applying the plaster correctly, plastering over old plaster can be a simple and successful process.

Which type of plastering is best?

Gypsum plaster, known for its smooth finish and ease of application, is ideal for wall surfaces. What is the recommended plaster for interior walls? The recommended plaster for interior walls is typically gypsum-based due to its versatility and ease of use.

Can a beginner skim a wall?

This technique involves applying a thin layer of plaster to the wall, which creates a smooth, even surface which will then allow you to paint and decorate onto the canvas you have created. Although the thought of skimming a wall can be intimidating, it's a goal that even a DIY beginner can enthusiastically achieve.

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