There are several different types of plasterboard available for the DIY market, and not all types are suitable for all situations. This guide should help you work out the correct type you need for the particular task you have in mind.
Standard Plasterboard
Standard plasterboard is available with both square and tapered edges and usually has one Ivory face which is suitable for direct painting or wallpapering. Use the tapered type if you plan to fill and tape the joints. Either type can be used if you plan to apply a coat of gypsum plaster, but make sure that the tapered edges face inwards. Standard plasterboard is available in a variety of sheet sizes, and in thicknesses between 9.5mm and 12.5mm.
Thermal Laminates
This is standard plasterboard with a backing layer of some sort of insulation. The insulation layer is usually expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foam, but other types are available. Thermal laminates are designed to be used when lining external walls or ceilings, and can even include a water resistant "vapour check" layer between the board and the insualtion for walls where damp may be a problem. Thermal Laminates are mostly available in the standard sheet size of 2400mm x 1200mm and range in thickness between 18mm and 65mmm. Due to the extra materials used in their construction, thermal laminates are considerably more expensive than other types of plasterboard.
Duplex Plasterboard
Standard plasterboard with a backing of foil to resist water vapour and add some extra insulation. Duplex plasterboard can also be used as a reflective insulator when the foil backing is facing into a cavity. This type of plasterboard cannot be fixed using adhesive, so take this into consideration when choosing it. Duplex plasterboard is available in the standard sheet size, as well as the smaller size of 1800mm x 900mm. Thicknesses range from 9.5mm to 12.5mm.
Baseboard
Baseboard is generally the cheapest type of plasterboard, having no ivory face and no additional insulation. It is designed for use on walls and especially ceilings where a coat of gypsum plaster is going to be applied. Baseboard comes in a variety of sheet sizes, but is usually only available in the 9.5mm thickness.
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