Builders, why do we use plaster?

[Hedders]

In the states, they take a wooden framed wall, screw plasterboard to it, fill the gaps and decorate it.

In the UK we take a wooden framed wall, screw plasterboard to it, and then pay hundreds of pounds for some guy to add another layer of plaster before we can decorate.

What is the reason for it?

[paul26982]

most likely for the nice smooth finish

[Jonny_]

To be fair the Yank way is fine if you're gonna use wallpaper.

However, papering straight onto plasterboard means that the board will more than likely end up f***ed in a few years when you try to remove the old wallpaper.

[ferg]

Hedders said:

In the states, they take a wooden framed wall,

More likely metal.

[sleep envy]

taping and jointing

we do it too

Edited by sleep envy on Thursday 20th November 19:38

[MrVelox]

Because you can buy 4,000 square foot houses in America for $200,000 or less. Not in, say, New York, Chicago or Los Angeles, but in Dallas or parts of Florida, or elsewhere in the country you can.

[miniman]

sleep envy said:

taping and jointing

we do it too

Yep, mate of mine did his kitchen extension that way, once painted you couldn't tell.

[elster]

Do it here and all over continent.

[plasticpig]

sleep envy said:

taping and jointing

we do it too

Edited by sleep envy on Thursday 20th November 19:38

Thats what dry lining contractors do.

[Autonotiv]

Because most of the time you can see the joints.

Can't beet a nice flat skim coat

[Piglet]

Autonotiv said:

Because most of the time you can see the joints.

Can't beet a nice flat skim coat

Yup my dad's bungalow is jointed and every bleeding joint shows unless you use embossed wallpaper.

[steve.c]

Autonotiv said:

Because most of the time you can see the joints.

Can't beet a nice flat skim coat

Very true, but then if plastering isn't done properly it will also look bad,
nearly all new builds now including commercial aswel as houses will have the metal frame system,plasterboard and then taped/jointed as the cost to 'skim' walls now is almost double the price over tape/jointing, and if done correctly tape/jointing finish is 95% crack free so developers save twice by not having to go back after the initial 12months to repair cracks etc.

[Hedders]

Cool, so i don't need to plaster a wall if i am confident of getting a good finish the other way then?

I was worried that it might actually be part of the building code or something.

[Autonotiv]

Hedders said:

Cool, so i don't need to plaster a wall if i am confident of getting a good finish the other way then?

I was worried that it might actually be part of the building code or something.

If its your own gaff, then imo i would plaster it.

[mr_spock]

I quite like the typical American spackle coat. It's in every one of my mates' houses on the west coast.

[Busamav]

Hedders said:

Cool, so i don't need to plaster a wall if i am confident of getting a good finish the other way then?

I was worried that it might actually be part of the building code or something.

its actually quite easy to do once shown , and with the right kit.

I had a go once at the British Gypsum school as i doubted to the rep their ability to provide a suitable finish on a hotel project we were drawing.

I wouldnt have earnt much at it though due to being so slow , but i still prefer a plaster finish .

[Hedders]

Autonotiv said:

Hedders said:

Cool, so i don't need to plaster a wall if i am confident of getting a good finish the other way then?

I was worried that it might actually be part of the building code or something.

If its your own gaff, then imo i would plaster it.

I spent a few years doing construction in the states so i am fairly confident of my 'drywalling' skills provided i can get the same type of plaster board compound, i guess i am looking for a finish coat or something..will have to see what they sell here..

[ferg]

I've NEVER seen a taped and jointed wall that looked as good as a skim.
Come to that board walls are crap compared to render and set. You can't hang anything on them.

[Plotloss]

ferg said:

I've NEVER seen a taped and jointed wall that looked as good as a skim.
Come to that board walls are crap compared to render and set. You can't hang anything on them.

Well you can, you've just got to find a stud and the piece has to be big enough to span the 450mm centres.

As for plastering its a black art. Not a DIY job IMHO.

[sleep envy]

ferg said:

board walls are crap compared to render and set

amen!