Dry lining, also known as plaster boarding, is an interior wall finishing and construction method using plasterboard panels rather than the traditional wet plaster finish.

Dry lining is a popular technique in modern construction projects due to the lower cost, ease of installation, and ability to achieve various custom looks compared to traditional plastering.

There are numerous essential supplies that professionals require to effectively install drywall and achieve high quality results. This guide will explore the key products, materials, tools and accessories needed for any residential or commercial dry lining job.

What are Plasterboards?

Plasterboards, also referred to as drywall, sheetrock or gypsum boards, serve as the main building blocks in any dry lining project. These panels consist of a non-combustible gypsum core sandwiched between paper or fiberglass facings. Plasterboards vary in thickness, size, density and performance properties. Common board types include:

• Standard plasterboard: The most economical option, useful for general wall and ceiling applications. Typically; 12.5mm or 15mm thick.
• Moisture resistant boards: Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry areas prone to moisture and humidity. Provide extra protection against mold and mildew growth.
• Fire resistant boards: Provide an added layer of protection to achieve specific fire resistance ratings, crucial in commercial buildings.
• Acoustic boards: Feature special sound-dampening cores to reduce noise transmission between rooms, important in music studios or home theaters.
• High strength and impact resistant boards: Withstand physical impact as well as screw pull-out loads, useful in high traffic areas.

Plasterboards are available in 8ft long sheets in standard 4ft widths, making them easier to transport and install. Moisture and fire-resistant boards typically cost more per sheet due to specialized additives.

Metal Drywall Framing Components

While timber stud framing is still common in some regions, most modern construction utilizes light gauge metal framing for the supporting structure behind dry lining. Metal frames offer precise dimensions, lack warping or instability concerns compared to wood, and achieve required fire ratings when partnered with fire resistant plasterboards.

Key metal drywall components include:

• C Studs: C shaped galvanized steel vertical studs used to build partition walls. Available in various widths like 50mm, 70mm, 90mm, etc. depending on structural requirements.
• U Channels: Horizontal U channels top and bottom provide screw fixing points to panels and improved rigidity. Wider channels used on ceilings.
• Tracks: Top and bottom tracks or headers where studs sit into place. Features pre-punched slots for easy screw fixing.

Drywall Screws and Adhesives

Screws and adhesives are crucial to tightly secure plasterboards to metal frames or existing walls/ceilings while allowing controlled movement to avoid cracks from expansion/contraction. Most professionals use specialized drywall screws hardened to minimize tearing paper facings. Important options include:

• Fine thread sharp points (lins): For direct fixing into metal framing members. Self-tapping ability reduces driver effort.
• Coarse thread screws: For plasterboard-to-plasterboard joints or fixing to wooden frames. Wide threads grip without tearing paper skin.
• Collated screws: Screws joined by plastic strips for use in power drivers to enhance productivity compared to manually handling individual screws. Reduce hand fatigue on big drywall jobs.

Jointing Compounds and Accessories

Quality plasterboard jointing compounds smoothly blend panel joints while adding strength to the assembly. Along with joint tapes, finishing accessories are used to achieve blemish-free walls and ceilings ready for priming and decorating. Items in a pro dry liner’s jointing kit include:

• Joint cement mixes: All-purpose compounds for embedding tape and 3-coat joint finishing to form a smooth, crack-resistant surface. Premixed or powder types available.
• Paper joint tapes: Perforated tape that prevents cracks by allowing elastic movement between boards. Bonds well with joint cement.
• Fiberglass mesh tapes: Provide superior strength for heavy use areas. Ideally suited for corners prone to cracks. Adds resilience.
• Joint knives and applicators: Essential for evenly spreading compounds and cleanly feathering edges once dry. A variety of sizes used for each stage from taping to final skim coat.
• Sanding tools, poles and screens: Prepare surfaced for smooth, uniform painting or wallpaper results by gently abrading any dried lumpiness or tool marks. Reduce dust with pole sanders.
• Corner beads: Paper-faced metal or plastic corner trim protects external angles from cracks or damage. Embed into cement for durable edges.

Wall Primers

Though optional, quality drywall primers ensure paint or wallpapers properly adhere while allowing surfaces to remain straight and true. Alkali-resistant PVA or synthetic polymer primers prevent issues if joints weren’t thoroughly dried. Can help uniform absorption between boards and compound too.

Hand and Power Tools

Efficiently installing multiple plasterboard layers in modern constructions demand durable, specialized hand and power tools tailored to common tasks. Top choices include:

• Keyhole saws: Cut accurate openings for windows, outlets and vents with fast precision vs standard razor knives. Feature taller stabilization, swivels and length adjustments.
• Drywall lifting hoists: Securely lift loads up to 900 lbs on site without crew fatigue or safety risks. Allow one-person positioning even for solid ceiling sheets.
• Drywall panel lifters: Mobile lifting tables with adjustable height and tilt make single-person positioning of full-sized boards against walls/ceilings a breeze. Reduce nagging back strain.
• Power drywall cutters: Quickly make repeated rip cuts up to 300mm deep on stacked sheets with minimal dust. Feature splinter guards, clamps and guides.
• Collated power screwguns: Fasten hundreds of screws per charge with adjustable torque/depth settings to prevent spin-out or paper damage. Prevent fatigue with minimal effort.

Personal Protective Equipment

Working with materials like fiberglass insulation calls for proper drywall PPE to safeguard respiratory health and skin exposure according to indoor air quality regulations. Recommended safety gear includes:

• N95 face masks: Filter out tiny particulate matter during fiberglass cutting/installation. Look for braided head straps and padded nose bridges for comfortable all-day wear.
• Safety glasses: Prevent eye irritation from dust when sanding or cutting boards. Look for side shields and anti-scratch lenses.
• Ear plugs: Protect hearing when working alongside common high-noise power tools like screwguns, routers and sanders used in dry lining. Look for soft, non-allergenic foam inserts with noise reduction ratings of 30dB or higher.

Proper training on using precautions like local exhaust ventilation, containment barriers and safe work procedures further minimize site health hazards.

Final Words

From screw guns to stilts and joint knives to ventilation masks, today’s dry lining professionals utilize a vast array of special equipment and accessories to deliver the layered, flawless interior finishes those modern buildings demand through techniques like fire-rated assemblies, curved walls, moisture protection and sound isolation. Understanding the core tools and materials simplifies planning and preparation for upcoming jobs while ensuring you have the essential drywall supplies needed to boost on-site productivity, safety and end results.