Dry Lining

Dry lining is the process of attaching plasterboard to interior walls to create a smooth, finished surface — without the need for traditional wet plastering directly onto the masonry. It is one of the most common wall-finishing methods in modern renovation and new-build projects.

How dry lining works

There are two main approaches to dry lining:

• Dot and dab — plasterboard is stuck directly to the wall using blobs of adhesive. This is the fastest and cheapest method for reasonably flat walls.
• Stud framing — a timber or metal framework is fixed to the wall, and plasterboard is screwed to the frame. This creates a cavity that can be filled with insulation and is better for uneven walls.

Once the plasterboard is in place, the joints between boards are taped and skimmed with a thin layer of finishing plaster to create a seamless, paintable surface.

Why choose dry lining?

• Speed — dry lining is faster than traditional wet plastering because there is less drying time
• Insulation — when combined with insulated plasterboard or cavity insulation, dry lining improves the thermal performance of external walls and helps reduce thermal bridges
• Concealing services — the cavity behind the plasterboard can hide pipes and cables, reducing the need for chasing into masonry
• Evening out walls — older properties often have uneven walls, and dry lining provides a quick way to achieve a flat surface

Things to be aware of

Dry lining does reduce the internal dimensions of a room slightly — typically by 30-60mm per wall, depending on the method and insulation thickness. In smaller rooms, this can be noticeable. Also, heavy items like wall-mounted cabinets or radiators need to be fixed into the studs or masonry behind, not just into the plasterboard. Make sure your general contractor knows where you plan to hang heavy items before the dry lining goes up.