Elephant Plasterboard

So what is Plasterboard?

Plasterboard, also commonly known as drywall, gypsum board, or wallboard, is one of the most widely used interior lining materials in New Zealand construction. Plasterboard is used for lining internal walls and ceilings in homes, apartments, and commercial buildings, providing a smooth, durable surface ready for painting, wallpapering, or tiling. Its popularity comes from its ease of installation, consistent finish, and performance benefits such as fire resistance, sound control, and improved thermal comfort.

Modern plasterboard systems are designed to suit different building environments and compliance requirements. Standard boards are typically used in dry living areas, while moisture-resistant boards are ideal for bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens. Fire-rated and high-density boards are commonly specified where increased fire protection, impact resistance, or acoustic performance is required. In New Zealand, products such as Elephant Plasterboard are available in a range of options including Standard, AquaSmart, FireSmart, and MultiSmart boards, with multiple sizes, thicknesses, and edge profiles such as tapered edge and square edge to suit different finishing systems and construction needs.

How Is Plasterboard Installed?

In brief;

Installation starts with ensuring the timber or steel framing is straight, level, and ready for lining, with electrical, plumbing, and insulation services completed beforehand. Sheets are measured, cut to size, and fitted around openings, then fixed using plasterboard screws at recommended spacings to prevent movement or sagging. Fixing patterns vary depending on the application, including walls, ceilings, bracing elements, and fire-rated systems. Sheets are installed with staggered joints to improve strength and minimise cracking, and a small gap is typically left at the floor to prevent moisture uptake.

Once fixed, all joints, corners, and fastener heads are taped and stopped with jointing compound, built up in layers to create a flush surface. After drying, the area is sanded smooth to achieve a consistent finish ready for decorating. The lined surface can then be sealed and painted, wallpapered, or tiled, with additional waterproofing required in wet areas. Proper installation is key to achieving a durable, crack-resistant finish and ensuring performance across acoustic, fire-rated, and moisture-resistant applications.

 📏 Plasterboard Thicknesses, Edging & Sizing

Plasterboard sheets are available in a range of thicknesses, edge profiles, and sheet sizes to suit different wall and ceiling applications. The most common thicknesses are 10mm and 13mm, with 10mm typically used for standard wall linings and 13mm preferred for ceilings, higher durability areas, and where improved rigidity or performance is required. Thicker boards are also used in fire-rated systems, acoustic walls, and bracing applications, where additional strength and compliance with building requirements are needed.

Edge profiles play a key role in how plasterboard is finished. The most common are TE/TE (tapered edge both sides) and TE/SE (tapered edge and square edge). Tapered edges allow for recessed jointing, where tape and compound can be applied and feathered out to create a smooth, flush finish ready for painting. Square edges are typically used where sheets meet at internal corners or specific junctions. Choosing the correct edge profile helps achieve a cleaner finish and reduces the visibility of joints.

Plasterboard sheets are manufactured in standard widths, typically 1200mm, with a range of lengths to suit common stud and ceiling spacings. Standard lengths are suitable for most builds, but longer sheets can be specified to reduce the number of joints, improve installation efficiency, and deliver a higher-quality finish with fewer stopping lines. Selecting the right combination of thickness, edge type, and sheet size helps streamline installation while improving overall strength, appearance, and performance.