New Build Plasterboard: What You Need to Know Before Installation

When you’re building a new home in the UK, new build plasterboard, a standard material used for interior walls and ceilings in modern construction. Also known as drywall, it’s the backbone of most internal finishes—fast, affordable, and fire-resistant when installed correctly. But not all plasterboard is the same. The type you choose affects soundproofing, moisture resistance, and even how well your paint holds up over time.

Most new builds in the UK use standard plasterboard, a 12.5mm thick gypsum board used for general interior walls and ceilings. But if you’re putting it in a bathroom, kitchen, or basement, you’ll need moisture-resistant plasterboard, a green-backed version designed to handle humidity without warping or moulding. For areas that need extra fire protection—like near boilers or in stairwells—fire-rated plasterboard, a thicker, reinforced type that adds up to 60 minutes of fire resistance is required by building regulations. And if noise is a concern, like in flats or homes near busy roads, acoustic plasterboard, a denser board with sound-dampening layers can make a real difference.

Getting this right matters. A builder might cut corners by using regular board in a bathroom, only for the wall to sag or grow mould in a year. Or a homeowner might skip acoustic board, then regret it when they hear every footstep from upstairs. The UK building regs don’t just set rules—they protect your investment. You’ll also need to consider how it’s fixed: screws every 150mm, taped joints, and proper backing for heavy fixtures like mirrors or shelves. It’s not just slapping up sheets—it’s a system.

What you’ll find below are real posts from UK builders and homeowners who’ve dealt with exactly these issues. From how to pick the right board for your project, to what happens when you use the wrong type, to the hidden costs of bad installation—you’ll see the mistakes to avoid and the choices that actually work.