Ultimate Drylining Guide: Types, Tips & FAQs

Dry lining is a form of cladding used within UK building construction since the 1800s when it was first invented. It’s since become a common building material used to build internal walls, partitions and ceilings in commercial environments, worldwide.

If you’re considering dry lining walls in your workplace, you’ve come to the right place. In our guide, we’ll provide answers to your most asked questions, as well as some useful insights to help with your project. Read on to learn more.

Benefits of Dry Lining

There are many advantages to using dry wall lining in your construction project – some of these benefits are key reasons as to why some individuals even prefer it to traditional plaster.

• Insulation – Drylining can enhance the overall insulation of your building. Due to its construction design, there’s a cavity left behind your drywall or MF ceiling. This cavity can be filled with thermal or acoustic insulation, depending on your requirements, to improve the overall comfort, productivity and efficiency of your workspace.

• Installation – Despite what you may initially think, drylining is lightweight, quick and easy to install – especially when compared to plastering. Unlike this more traditional method, you won’t have to waste your time waiting for it to dry!

• Cost-Effective – Most dry lining supplies are relatively affordable, yet offer a huge impact on your workplace performance. Constructing a system with acoustic plasterboard, for example, can minimise distractions and support your employees to be more productive (leading to better work quality and profitability for your business!).

• Appearance – Dry lining is an excellent option if you’re looking to conceal any pipes, wires or services within your walls or ceiling void. Instead, you’ll have a flat and smooth surface that can be decorated to suit your bespoke design requirements.

Fixing Dry Lining

Installing dry lining boards into your room is simple, especially if there’s a timber frame that you can work from and attach them to.

At Workplace Interior Shop, we stock dry lining boards in a variety of sizes to suit your room’s measurements. Their standard sizes may need to be cut down to fit your space and allow for things such as light and electrical sockets. The easiest way to cut your drylining is using a Stanley knife. We always advise that you take care if this is something you need to do.

We recommend attaching your plasterboard to the wooden batons on your wall using nails, however, you can use adhesive if you prefer. It’s also possible to fix your plasterboard directly to brickwork using a stud and track system.

Dry Lining vs Plastering – Which is Better?

We often get asked which is the better method – dry liner or traditional plaster. It’s important to note that whichever option you choose to construct your partition walls, the finished result is almost always identical. Please compare the below table to determine the best option for your build.

Dry-Lining Boards Plaster Dry lining can be installed quickly, meaning you can move on to the next task to complete your project or meet those looming deadlines. Plaster is wet and you’ll have to wait a long time for it to dry before you can move on to the next step in your construction project. Dry lining is more aesthetically pleasing, creating a smooth partitioning or ceiling surface. Plaster is typically a more durable building material. In most cases, drylining is more affordable, yet achieves the same high end finish. Using dry lining boards instead of plaster, however, will save you time and ultimately money.It can be more expensive to plaster a wall, however, some may argue this is reflected in the properties such as its durability.

How Effective is Dry Lining?

Drylining your workplace is highly effective. From preventing heat loss to reducing the build up of moisture and mould, there are many systems to support your business depending on the challenges you face. For more advice on the best dry lining materials to suit your space, please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We invest in regular training, with our own in-house Training Manager to ensure our team is always up to date with the latest industry and product knowledge – providing you with advice you can trust.

Will Dry Lining Stop Damp?

It’s likely that your dry-lined walls will create an effective barrier within your workplace, enhancing its thermal and acoustic properties – but it will not prevent dampness from forming.

Please note: You should ensure that there’s no damp in your room before you start dry lining walls, otherwise you may end up spending additional expenses removing your dry lining to start again once the damp has gone.

Can Dry Lining Make Rooms Warmer?

On its own, dry lining will not make your workplace warmer. If you’re looking to improve your thermal envelope, we recommend adding some extra insulation within your systems. Then, you should start to notice a significant difference whilst at work.

This additional insulation can be installed within the cavity between your dry lining boards and external walls or ceiling soffit. There is also the option to add a thermal backing to your drylining boards, keeping your office toasty and warm when it’s cold outside.

What are Dry Lining Boards Made From?

Dry lining boards are plasterboard, typically made from gypsum. These are lined front and back with paper, but there are also foil-backed plasterboards widely available.

Gypsum is a mineral comprising calcium sulphate dihydrate. This is similar in appearance to chalk and can be grey or white in colour. It has fire-resistant properties, making it an excellent building material when used internally within construction spaces.

Dry Lining Supplies, Delivered Nationwide

In this guide, we aimed to cover some of the popular questions we get asked about drylining. If you have any more questions about this product, our experts are just a phone call away.

You can order your dry lining supplies online from our website today. We offer nationwide delivery, competitive price matches and bulk building to make your construction project as quick and easy as possible. If you can’t find the product you’re looking for, make sure you contact our team. Our specialists can help to source the material you need to finish the job. Get in touch today.