Construction continues to move forward with the installation of plasterboard.

Following the successful completion of the first fix plumbing, carpentry, and electrical works, the internal walls and ceilings are now being enclosed with plasterboard.

The plasterboard ensures that all the pipes, cables and structural timbers are hidden from view once the home is completed.

Plasterboard forms the internal walls and ceilings of the building, providing a smooth surface that can be plastered, painted, and decorated to create the finished interior.

This marks an important milestone as the building begins to take shape internally, transforming the open structure into defined rooms and spaces.

The plasterboard sheets are securely fixed to timber battens that have been installed across the structural framework.

In areas where higher levels of moisture are expected, such as bathrooms and WCs, moisture-resistant plasterboard is used.

Moisture resistant boards are easily identified by their distinctive colour, making it easy for installers to recognise and ensure they are used in the correct locations.

These boards contain water-repellent additives that help protect against damp conditions and provide a durable base for tiles and other finishes.

With this phase progressing smoothly, the project moves closer to the next stage of internal works where decorative fixtures and fittings will be installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is first fix?

First fix refers to the initial installation of essential building services and structural elements, including plumbing pipework, electrical wiring, and carpentry. These components are installed after the timber frame shell is erected but before walls and ceilings are covered.

What is plasterboard?

Plasterboard is a building material made from a gypsum core sandwiched between heavy-duty paper facers. It is used to form internal walls and ceilings, providing a smooth surface ready for plastering, painting, tiling, or other decorative finishes.

Why is plasterboard needed?

Plasterboard is needed to enclose the internal structure of the building once the first fix plumbing, electrics, and carpentry have been completed, concealing the wires, pipework and other structural elements. It creates the walls and ceilings that define each room, while also improving fire resistance, sound insulation, and thermal performance. In areas such as bathrooms and WCs, moisture-resistant plasterboard is used to provide the structure added protection against humidity and damp conditions.

What happens after the plasterboard is installed?

Once all the boards have been fixed in place, the joints are taped and filled, or the surfaces are skimmed with plaster to create a smooth finish. The building can then progress to the second fix stage, where items such as sockets, light fittings, doors, skirting boards, and sanitaryware are installed.