Partition Walls in Interior Design: 6 Tips for Choosing Gypsum Board

Modern technologies allow building interior partition walls in just a few hours – all thanks to gypsum board. It not only does not increase the load on supporting slabs but can also improve sound insulation in rooms. We learned the nuances of material selection from Timur Kalandarov, General Director of iHouse Lab.

Timur Kalandarov — Expert, General Director of iHouse Lab.

1. Pay Attention to the Edge Profile of Gypsum Board

Standard gypsum board sheets are manufactured with two types of longitudinal edges: straight (PC) and reduced on the face side (UC). Gyproc Gypsum Board with a reduced edge (Pro edge) is suitable as an outer layer in multi-layer structures or for single-layer cladding. During installation, two adjacent sheets with UC form a groove that is filled using special joint plaster and reinforcing tape. As a result, you get a strong, smooth, continuous surface.

Gyproc Gypsum Board with straight edges is used as a base for producing decorated (painted, wallpapered) sheets. These same sheets can also be used for the inner layer in two- or three-layer cladding of frames.

2. Use Moisture-Resistant Sheets for Bathrooms and Kitchens

One of the characteristics of gypsum board is its low resistance to water exposure. There is a solution: manufacturers have developed moisture-resistant sheets specifically for rooms with high humidity. It's easy to identify them – the face cardboard is painted green. Of course, don't forget about waterproofing: for work, you'll need flexible water-resistant tape weber.tec 828 DB 85 and polymer mastic web.tec 822.

3. Reinforce Walls with Heavy Storage Systems

If you plan to mount shelves, a large TV, or decorate vertical surfaces with heavy decorative brick on the wall, regular gypsum board won't do. Go for Gyproc Strong sheets with increased thickness and reinforcing fibers in the gypsum core. This is a good alternative to wet construction: a partition made from Gyproc Strong sheets provides better sound insulation at a smaller thickness, and the installation process of Gypsum Board structures is significantly shortened due to the absence of lengthy "wet" processes like plastering.

4. Improve Apartment Sound Insulation with Gypsum Board

During renovation, you can not only build new interior partitions but also enhance sound insulation: for this purpose, Gyproc Acoustic Line sheets are ideal. These are Gypsum Board made using a special technology, with a unique composition and structure, as well as high-density gypsum core.

5. Don't Give Up on Semi-Circular Arches

If your room design includes semi-circular arches, columns, and other complex surfaces, Glasroc F Rifflex gypsum board is indispensable: the sheets bend well without soaking, puncturing, or cutting. With them, you can quickly and easily install curved surfaces on walls and ceilings.

6. Put Your Bet on Fire-Resistant Structures

One of the dangers of fire is emission of harmful substances from finishing materials. The solution to the problem is using fire-resistant gypsum fiber sheets Glasroc F. The feature of this material is that the glass mat on both sides is already protected by a smooth layer (1–1.5 mm) of gypsum slurry.

Additional 3 Tips from the Expert

Today, no renovation can be done without gypsum board. Therefore, it's important to understand how it is installed to avoid mistakes. Blogger Alexander Perikov answered the most relevant questions.

Alexander Perikov — Expert, Blogger, Author of a YouTube Channel about Renovation

1. How many layers of gypsum board is better to use in partitions and cladding?
For partition height up to 4 meters, one layer of Gypsum Board can be mounted on each side. If the partition is about 4.5 meters high, Gypsum Board should be mounted on both sides in two layers. For a height of 5 meters or more, three layers of Gypsum Board will be needed. Increasing the number of Gypsum Board layers increases not only the strength and stability of partitions but also their sound insulation.

2. Can wallpapers be glued without pre-plastering the entire surface of the sheet?
It is not recommended to do so: damage may occur during transportation, and the wallpapers won't lie flat. Apply at least one layer of plaster – it will not only level the surface but also make it even-toned. When applying light-colored wallpapers, gypsum board might show through.

3. How to mount heavy items on walls made of gypsum board sheets?
In areas where heavy items, such as kitchen cabinets, are mounted, it is better to install embeds made of thick plywood. If you want to fix lighter items, use special anchors designed for mounting on Gypsum Board.

On the cover: Enjoy Home design project.

Photos: Kashu Interiors design projects.