Walls from Gypsum Board with Your Own Hands

Gypsum board has higher strength compared to these materials, as it consists not just of gypsum, but its base is a foamed, fibrous gypsum filler. In addition to strength, gypsum board offers excellent thermal and sound insulation, and its ecological purity is beyond doubt, as gypsum is a natural material.

Given that most items surrounding humans today are made from synthetic components with questionable properties, the natural nature of Gypsum Board (GKЛ) is a major advantage. Equally important is the fact that any DIY enthusiast can install walls made of gypsum board.

Installing Gypsum Board on Walls

Modern European-style renovation is almost impossible without gypsum board sheets (GKЛ). The applications of gypsum board are diverse: ceiling finishing, door frame jambs, creating arched structures (it bends when wet). However, it is most widely used for wall finishing—uneven walls become perfectly smooth after installing gypsum board sheets.

Before installing gypsum board on walls, prepare the sheets by measuring the area of attachment and cutting them as needed. For walls, 12 mm thick gypsum board is typically used. The standard width of sheets is 1200 mm, and they are manufactured in various lengths—from 2 to 4 meters.

The number of sheets depends on the room height and the length of the gypsum board sheets. Too long sheets are difficult to transport and carry up the stairs, so a length of 2.5 meters is optimal.

Preparing Gypsum Board Sheets to Size

To cut gypsum board accurately, place a straight wooden strip (a builder’s square or long level can also be used) against the sheet, press it firmly, and use a utility knife to make a cut, slicing through the top paper layer and part of the gypsum core. Do not press too hard, or you risk puncturing the panel, which will cause unevenness at the cut.

After that, flip the sheet and break it along the scored line. Then, cut away the connecting paper layer with the knife. If the cut surface is uneven, you can smooth it with a specialized gypsum board planer, which uses a high-hardness steel rasp as the cutting tool.

A smooth cut is essential because gypsum board sheets are installed edge-to-edge, and any flaws will be clearly visible, requiring additional time to fill gaps with joint compound.

How to Attach Gypsum Board to Walls

Gypsum board installation should begin from the bottom and proceed vertically. If one sheet is not enough, install a second one above. Avoid placing joints near doors and windows, as this increases the risk of cracks later. Once the sheets are prepared, you can begin installation.

Gypsum board can be installed in two ways: frameless (adhesive) or using a metal or wooden frame. In the adhesive method, the board is glued directly to the wall using special adhesive. The wall surface must be dry and clean and must not have any paint or coating.

The ideal option is gluing onto a plastered surface—apply primer first to improve adhesion. After preparing the wall, proceed to gluing the gypsum board sheets.

Frameless Installation of Gypsum Board on Walls

Adhesive is sold as a dry powder, so it must be mixed with water according to the instructions provided. Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the wall, and apply it in large blobs (about 40 cm apart) onto the back of the gypsum board. Then, attach the sheet to the wall and level it using a spirit level and a straightedge.

To ensure tight contact between the board and wall, use a rubber mallet or strike gently with a hammer through a wooden block. Be careful not to damage the board. The adhesive will fully dry after about 30 minutes.

Once all sheets are glued, seal the joints with fiberglass tape (serpentine tape) and apply joint compound. After sanding and priming, the gypsum wall is ready for finishing—this could be wallpapering or painting, depending on preference.

Frame-Based Installation: Wood or Metal?

With this method, gypsum board sheets are mechanically fastened to a frame made of thin metal profiles or wooden studs. You can install insulation or utilities inside the wall cavity, which will be hidden after installation. Additionally, this structure is modular, so you can always access damaged pipes or cables.

Currently, there is a wide variety of metal profiles available in stores. They are easy to install, so metal frames are generally preferred. Unlike wood, metal is not prone to rot, insect damage, or mold, and it performs exceptionally well in high-humidity environments. Wood can warp and deteriorate under moisture, which may lead to cracks.

Attaching Gypsum Board to a Metal Frame

For a metal frame, you need track profiles fixed to the ceiling and floor (and sometimes walls), and vertical studs placed every 600 mm (secured to tracks using short toggle screws). To ensure structural rigidity, the vertical studs are also attached to the wall using straight hangers.

After installing the frame, attach the gypsum board sheets using screws with countersunk heads, spaced about 250 mm apart. The screw passes through the board and embeds into the center of the vertical metal stud. The head is recessed into the board’s surface and later filled with joint compound, making it invisible to the observer.

Seal the joints with fiberglass tape and apply joint compound. After sanding and priming, the surface is ready for wallpaper, paint, or any other finish.