The plasterboard

Il plasterboard represents one of the most used materials today in construction, both in new design and in interventions on existing ones, becoming the number one ally of renovations. More and more users require partition walls and false ceilings, but also furnishing solutions such as the plasterboard kitchen. In fact, thanks to its extreme versatility and simple processing, with this material it will be possible design ad hoc dividing elements and construction components even within already constructed environments.

So let's see what they are characteristics of plasterboard and what results its use leads to.

What does plasterboard consist of?

As already mentioned, it is a material widely used in construction, which finds its origins in the USA, in the early 1900s. Soon from America, its use spread to Northern Europe and then throughout the world. During the 60s the material arrived in Italy but it was necessary to wait some more time for its great potential to be discovered. 

Plasterboard is a natural product, made up of a central body in plaster and two sheets of sturdy cardboard, positioned on the two external sides in order to protect it. These are raw materials present in large quantities in nature and for this reason, in addition to representing a sustainable solution, also boasts a low cost. In industries, the module is processed and obtained through the mixture of plaster, binders and water. The material is marketed in panels that can have variable dimensions. The measures are chosen according to the specific need and usually the standard length corresponds to 1,20 m, while the most requested thickness is 13 mm. Furthermore, thanks to the addition of specific substances, the panel can provide optimized performances from the acoustic and humidity resistance point of view.

Among the many advantages of this material, we find the versatility of use, in fact it can be used in public and private areas, in all internal environments and for many needs. Furthermore, it is a sustainable and easy to install solution; in fact, it requires less time than traditional building materials and guarantees greater cleanliness during the fixing phase.

Plasterboard and dry assembly

The composition of the plasterboard panel allows to simplify the assembly phase. In fact, it is a modular system that requires a simplified installation but not for this reason achievable through simple do-it-yourself. It is always better to turn to professionals in the sector to obtain an optimal and long-lasting result over time.
First of all, it is advisable that the plasterboard sheet has a good thermal insulator inside it, such as rock wool or expanded polystyrene. In this way, the wall will be more efficient and will ensure greater comfort for users over time.

The compositional system of plasterboard panels includes two main elements: the actual module and the anchoring structure. The latter is made up of galvanized steel elements, which are fixed to the load-bearing walls of the building being worked on. The connection is made using specific metal anchors positioned on the wall or ceiling, depending on the type of solution chosen. Once the frame is anchored, the plasterboard module is welded to it. Sometimes, in the case of false ceilings, the panels can be hung through vertical steel elements. As regards the installation between the different panels, there must be a connecting mesh, over which the layer of stucco will be applied.   

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It is therefore clear how assembly is quicker than the usual construction procedures that use traditional materials. Times are also shortened thanks to the possibility of hiding the systems inside walls and false ceilings. The construction site is also cleaner since each module is prefabricated and therefore ready to be anchored. Finally, in the event that you want to make changes or eliminate plasterboard elements, removal is very quick and does not imply damage to the pre-existing structure since each wall will only be resting on the floor.

Despite the many advantages, the only critical aspect concerns the resistance of plasterboard walls; in fact, these cannot withstand strong impacts and in the case in which you want to anchor shelves or suspended elements it will be necessary to act with due care.

Types of plasterboard panel

Thanks to the multiplicity of uses, typical of plasterboard, it is possible to find on the market solutions specifically designed for diversified needs. In fact, by combining particular materials with the sheet, it will be possible to increase its insulating, acoustic, thermal and fire resistance capacities. The standard module is the most used and is presented in a white color. To this solution, an insulating layer of rock wool, polystyrene or expanded polyurethane or even cork can be added, in order to increase its thermal-acoustic insulation capacities.

If greater resistance to water and humidity is required, the slab is treated during production, thus becoming a module with reduced water absorption. This is equipped with a green external coating. This process is essential for the plasterboard in the kitchen and in the bathroom. If, however, you want to obtain greater mechanical resistance, you should opt for panels with a core of plaster and glass or plaster and wood. Thanks to the mixture of these fibres, the load-bearing capacity and hardness will increase. These solutions are designed for load-bearing false ceilings and special plasterboard partition walls like fitted walls.

A final important solution is represented by plasterboard modules with high fire resistance. Indispensable inside public and private buildings, they comply with the REI parameters required by current legislation and are reinforced with materials such as fiberglass and vermiculite. This type of panel is characterized by the pink color.

Most used solutions

It is now clear that plasterboard is one of the most used materials in the construction field and specifically in interior design. It should also be noted that thanks to its high versatility of use, there are many solutions that can meet the needs of the client. For this reason, the material gives the possibility of creating new environments with a contemporary flavor. Let's see what are the most common interventions that make use of plasterboard.

PARTITION WALLS
During a renovation, in order to make the spaces more functional, it is often planned to insert new designer plasterboard partition walls. These elements will be able to divide the space and create new areas with different intended uses. The main advantage is to obtain the maximum result with the least waste of space, as the walls are on average 8 – 10 cm thick. In this way, it will be possible to divide a large open space, create a study corner ensuring greater privacy, create a laundry room in the bathroom or even a walk-in closet plasterboard in the bedroom.

COUNTER WALLS
Counter walls allow you to transform the space by placing a plasterboard module against an existing wall. One of the most common examples is a plasterboard sheet that is placed to cover a door. This is the case of 70s homes where there are double entrances side by side and where what once served as a corridor can now become a kitchen or living room. Sometimes, in large spaces, it can be convenient to recreate a "filter" area to use as a storage room or walk-in closet, by inserting a plasterboard counter wall. Finally, a very useful solution is represented by panels placed at an appropriate distance from the wall, in order to cover cables and systems.

EQUIPPED WALLS
They have achieved great success in recent decades, personalizing living rooms with bookcases and open modules. Like false walls, these elements also use plasterboard to satisfy the most diverse needs. The added value of these solutions is represented by the wide compositional choice and the possibility of designing custom modules, based on the space available and aesthetic tastes.

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NICHES – COLUMNS – PENINSULAS
If the size of the house does not allow for full use of the space, you can resort to useful and original solutions. For example, the presence of a column, initially, can be interpreted as a constraint but, through the creation of illuminated niches, this element can become a pleasant bookcase. In the same way, niches with shelves and shelves can be created almost anywhere and the insertion of plants and ornaments will enhance the compositional whole. But the column can also become a luminous element, within which to create ad hoc cuts of light. And again, if you have an open space, plasterboard can give life to useful peninsulas and snack tops that will be perfect for combining aesthetics and functionality.

FALSE CEILINGS
The dual purpose of false ceilings is to improve the thermal and acoustic insulation of the environment and to respond to specific needs in terms of lighting. In this way, in addition to being very functional in hiding systems and technical spaces, they can create plays of shapes and lights that will further characterize the spaces. An original solution is that of designer false ceiling in the bedroom, in which mini LEDs can be integrated, in order to emulate a starry sky. The entrance and corridor area can also be enriched by a plasterboard false ceiling with spotlights, useful for creating scenic light paths.

FURNITURE COMPONENTS
Plasterboard is often used to make “custom” furniture. Very useful in situations where space is limited and where heights do not allow the choice of standard furniture. In the case of attics and lofts, it will be possible to design ad hoc kitchens, shelves and furniture. Instead of bedside tables next to the bed, you can insert convenient plasterboard shelves, with a clean and minimal look.

In conclusion, depending on the need, you can opt for plasterboard panels of different thicknesses, coupled with materials that increase their performance and with a personalized design. The result will not disappoint: there will be many ideas to create unique and original environments!