Everything you need to know about plasterboard

Plaster board is a widely-used material in the building industry. Some might even call it the unsung hero of modern construction. But what exactly is plaster board, and why do we use it so extensively? This article will shed some light on these questions and more.

Firstly, let's demystify the variety of names that plaster board is known by. Names such as drywall, gypsum board, wallboard, sheetrock, gyproc, and gyprock board are just different terms for the same thing, largely based on regional usage or brand names. Whether you call it a plasterboard sheet, plasterboard panel, or wallboard panel, they all refer to the same core product.

Plaster board, or drywall as it's commonly known in the United States, is a panel made of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper. It is used to make interior walls and ceilings. The term 'drywall' comes from the fact that the product is dry and hard when it is set in place, unlike traditional wet plaster.

Gypsum board, another common term for plaster board, is so named because of its primary component, gypsum. Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral composed of calcium sulfate and water. This might sound complex, but in simpler terms, it's just a type of rock that has many versatile uses, one of which is creating the core of a plasterboard sheet.

Wallboard and sheetrock, other synonyms for plaster board, are usually employed in the context of building and construction. They refer to the large, flat sheets of dried gypsum, sandwiched between heavy-duty paper, that are fastened to the interior frames of a building to create walls and ceilings.

The terms gyproc and gyprock board originated from brand names, which have become synonymous with the product they represent. Just as some people refer to toothpaste as 'Colgate' (after the famous brand), many people in certain parts of the world refer to plaster board as gyproc or gyprock. These terms are particularly popular in countries such as the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Regardless of what it's called, the plasterboard panel or wallboard panel is designed to be easy to install, durable, and versatile. It's also fire-resistant due to the water within the gypsum. In the event of a fire, this water is slowly released as steam, effectively retarding the spread of the fire.

In conclusion, plaster board, no matter what it's called around the globe, has revolutionized the way we build and design interiors. Its versatility, durability, and ease of installation make it a preferred choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. So, the next time you hear the term plaster board or any of its synonyms, you will know exactly what it is and how crucial it is to modern construction.