Question 1

What is the difference between dry lining and plastering?

Accepted Answer

Dry lining is a system of plasterboard fixed to a metal or timber framework or to a masonry substrate, joints taped and filled, and the surface decorated direct or with a thin skim coat. Traditional plastering is a wet trade applying mineral plaster to a backing in two or three coats. Dry lining is faster, predictable on programme, easier to integrate services into, and the dominant wall and ceiling finishing method in modern UK commercial construction. Plastering is still specified for heritage repair, monolithic finishes and certain high-specification spaces.

Question 2

Is dry lining the same as drywall?

Accepted Answer

Yes, drywall is the North American term for the same system the UK calls dry lining. Plasterboard, gypsum board and gyproc are common product names; metal stud partitions, GypFrame and shaft wall describe specific assemblies. The standards framework is the same family (BS, EN and Euroclass references in the UK; ASTM in the US) but the tested systems and product names differ between markets, so always specify against the manufacturer's current UK system documents.

Question 3

What types of fire-rated partitions are there?

Accepted Answer

Fire-rated partitions are graded by the duration of integrity and insulation they provide in a fire test, commonly 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes (EI 30, EI 60, EI 90, EI 120 in current EN 1364-1 nomenclature). The rating is a property of the complete system: stud, board, jointing, fixings, insulation, services penetrations and head and abutment detailing must all match the tested specification. A "60-minute fire board" alone does not produce a 60-minute partition. We work to manufacturer system documents (British Gypsum White Book, Knauf System Selector, Siniat Technical). Firestopping at penetrations is a separate specialist trade; we coordinate with the principal contractor's appointed specialist at pre-construction.

Question 4

How long does a dry lining package take?

Accepted Answer

Programme depends on area, complexity, board specification, integration with services, decoration and access. As a rough guide, a small office floor of around 500 m² of metal stud partitions to a single-board specification can be installed in two to three weeks by a small team; a complex hospital department or retail rollout adds programme for fire and acoustic detailing, services coordination and finish quality. We size the team to the programme and routinely run multi-gang teams on retail rollouts to hit overnight handover windows.

Question 5

Can dry lining be done in occupied buildings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and a substantial proportion of our work is in live retail, healthcare, education and corporate environments. The keys are sequencing in zones with temporary screens and dust protection, out-of-hours or weekend programmes for high-disruption activity, controlled access for materials and waste, and pre-start interface meetings with the client's facilities team. We produce method statements that meet the building's permit-to-work requirements and run RAMS reviews for every phase.

Question 6

What manufacturers does Eastledge install?

Accepted Answer

We install dry lining systems from the major UK manufacturers: British Gypsum (Saint-Gobain), Knauf and Siniat for plasterboard and metal stud systems; Promat and Knauf Fire Panel for fire-rated and shaft wall systems; Rockwool and Knauf Insulation for acoustic and thermal infill. We are not tied to a single supplier; system selection is driven by the project's fire, acoustic, structural and aesthetic requirements rather than by manufacturer. Where a specifier has nominated a particular system, we install to that manufacturer's current technical guidance.

Question 7

Can you work as a subcontractor to a main contractor?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a substantial part of our work is as a specialist subcontractor to principal contractors and main contractors. We hold the relevant insurances, supply our own RAMS, attend pre-construction and progress meetings, and provide weekly programme returns to the contractor's project manager. We are also engaged direct by occupiers, landlords and end clients on smaller fit-out and refurbishment programmes.

Question 8

What is the lead time for a dry lining project?

Accepted Answer

For small refurbishment works we can often start within two to three weeks of order, subject to material lead times. Larger fit-out projects mobilise to suit the principal contractor's sequence. Standard board, stud and accessory ranges from British Gypsum, Knauf and Siniat are typically available on a one to two week lead. Specialist fire, acoustic and curved systems can carry longer lead times; confirm at procurement stage. Contact us early and we will work back from your handover date.

Question 9

How much acoustic separation does a standard partition give between offices?

Accepted Answer

A single-skin metal stud partition with one layer of standard plasterboard each side and 50 mm acoustic mineral wool typically achieves around 40–45 dB Rw between rooms (as published by the major manufacturers). High-acoustic specifications with double or triple layers, resilient bars, isolation framing and dense acoustic insulation reach 55–65+ dB Rw, suitable for confidential meeting rooms, boardrooms and consultation suites. The achieved performance on site depends on flanking transmission, head and base detailing, services penetrations and door specifications, not just the partition.

Question 10

Do you handle insulation and firestopping within the dry lining package?

Accepted Answer

Yes, insulation infill (acoustic and thermal mineral wool) is normally part of the dry lining package. Firestopping at service penetrations is a separate specialist trade and is not part of the Eastledge scope; we coordinate with the principal contractor's appointed firestopping specialist at pre-construction to identify all penetrations and sequence the dry lining installation around their work. On every fire-rated assembly we work to the manufacturer's system document and the FIS Site Guide for installation tolerances.

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