Gypsum Boards (Plasterboard) — Complete Guide
Gypsum board (plasterboard / drywall) is a panel made of a gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate) core sandwiched between two paper / glass-fibre liners. It is the most popular material for false ceilings and drywall partitions in modern Indian interiors — offering a smooth, ready-to-paint surface, fast dry construction, fire resistance and design flexibility (curves, coves, layered ceilings). It is installed on a GI metal framework (channels & sections).
Indian gypsum boards follow IS 2095 (Gypsum Plaster Boards). Major brands: Saint-Gobain Gyproc, USG Boral, Knauf, India Gypsum, Sakarni, Everest.
What is Gypsum Board?
Gypsum board is manufactured by mixing gypsum plaster with additives, sandwiching it between paper liners, then drying. The result is a flat, rigid, lightweight panel that provides a smooth surface for paint, hides services (wiring, ducts, pipes), and is fast to install on a metal grid.
Key Characteristics
- Smooth, ready-to-finish surface
- Lightweight & easy to cut / install
- Fire-resistant (gypsum releases water when heated)
- Good acoustic performance (with insulation)
- Design flexibility (curves, coves, multi-level)
- Dry construction (no wet plaster)
Types of Gypsum Boards
| Type | Colour Code | Use |
|---|
| Regular (RG) | Ivory / white face | General ceilings & partitions (dry areas) |
| Moisture Resistant (MR) | Green face | Bathrooms, kitchens, humid areas |
| Fire Resistant (FR) | Pink / red face | Fire-rated ceilings / partitions |
| Moisture + Fire (MR+FR) | Green/pink | Wet + fire-rated areas |
| Impact Resistant | — | High-traffic walls, corridors |
| Acoustic Board | — | Sound-rated walls (with wool) |
| Perforated / Designer | — | Acoustic ceilings, decorative |
Properties & Sizes
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Standard Size | 1220 x 2440 mm (4x8 ft) |
| Thickness | 9 mm (ceiling), 12.5 mm (partition), 15 mm |
| Weight | ~8–12 kg/m² (12.5 mm) |
| Edge Types | Tapered / square / bevelled |
| Fire Rating | 30–120 min (FR boards / layered) |
| Core | Gypsum (~21% chemically bound water) |
| Surface | Paper / glass fibre liner |
Framing / System Components
- GI Perimeter Channel: Fixed to walls (ceiling boundary)
- GI Intermediate / Ceiling Channel: Main support
- Ceiling Section (furring channel): Boards screwed to these
- Soffit Cleat & Connecting Clip: Suspend from slab
- GI Studs & Tracks (partitions): Vertical / horizontal frame
- Drywall Screws: Fix board to frame
- Jointing Compound & Paper / Fibre Tape: Seal joints
- Corner Beads: Protect edges
Where to Use
- False ceilings (homes, offices, retail, hotels)
- Drywall partitions (offices, dry construction)
- Cove & multi-level designer ceilings
- Fire-rated ceilings & shaft walls
- Acoustic ceilings & walls (with insulation)
- Wall linings / dry lining
- Bulkheads & pelmets
- Bathroom / kitchen ceilings (MR board)
- Concealed lighting coffers
- Curved / feature ceilings
Gypsum Board vs POP Ceiling
| Parameter | Gypsum Board | POP |
|---|
| Form | Factory board on metal frame | Wet plaster on chicken mesh |
| Construction | Dry, fast, clean | Wet, slower, messy |
| Finish | Smooth (jointed) | Seamless, mouldable |
| Design Flexibility | Good (curves with care) | Excellent (intricate) |
| Crack Resistance | Better (controlled joints) | Can crack |
| Cost | Slightly higher | Lower (labour intensive) |
| Wastage | Low | Higher |
| Repair | Replace board section | Patch plaster |
See POP Ceiling for the plaster-of-Paris alternative.
Top Brands
| Brand | Products |
|---|
| Saint-Gobain Gyproc | Gyproc boards, Gypframe, ceiling systems |
| USG Boral | Sheetrock, Elephant boards |
| Knauf | Knauf gypsum boards & systems |
| India Gypsum | Gypsum boards |
| Sakarni / Everest | Gypsum & ceiling boards |
Installation Process (False Ceiling)
- Mark ceiling level (laser / water level)
- Fix GI perimeter channel to walls
- Install soffit cleats & suspension rods from slab
- Fix intermediate & ceiling channels (grid)
- Level the grid carefully
- Screw gypsum boards to ceiling sections (stagger joints)
- Apply jointing tape + compound at joints
- Sand smooth; apply 2nd coat if needed
- Treat corners with corner beads
- Prime & paint
- Cut openings for lights / AC / services
Advantages
- Smooth, ready-to-paint surface
- Fast, dry, clean construction
- Lightweight (low structural load)
- Fire-resistant (FR boards)
- Good acoustic (with insulation)
- Design flexibility (coves, levels, curves)
- Hides services (wiring, ducts, pipes)
- Low wastage
- Easy to repair (replace section)
- MR boards for wet areas
- Consistent factory quality
- Accepts recessed lighting
Disadvantages
- Damaged by water (use MR in wet areas)
- Joints can crack if poorly taped
- Not load-bearing (can't hang heavy items without anchors)
- Less mouldable than POP for intricate designs
- Needs skilled framing & jointing
- Edge damage on impact
- Sags if framing inadequate
- Slightly higher material cost than POP
Tests & Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|
| IS 2095 (Part 1–3) | Gypsum Plaster Boards |
| IS 2547 | Gypsum Building Plaster |
| ASTM C1396 | Gypsum Board Specification |
| EN 520 | Gypsum Plasterboards |
| BS 476 / ASTM E119 | Fire Resistance Tests |
| ASTM E90 | Sound Transmission |
Cost (Approximate, Indian Market, 2025-26)
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Regular Board 12.5 mm (per sqft) | Rs 18 – 35 |
| MR (Moisture Resistant) Board (per sqft) | Rs 35 – 60 |
| FR (Fire Resistant) Board (per sqft) | Rs 40 – 70 |
| False Ceiling Installed (per sqft, with frame) | Rs 60 – 130 |
| Drywall Partition Installed (per sqft) | Rs 80 – 180 |
| Designer / Multi-Level (per sqft) | Rs 120 – 300 |
Best Practices
- Use ISI-marked (IS 2095) boards
- Use MR (green) board in bathrooms / kitchens / humid areas
- Use FR (pink) board for fire-rated ceilings / shafts
- Use proper GI framing at correct spacing (no sag)
- Stagger board joints; tape & compound all joints
- Use corner beads at edges
- Add glass / rock wool above ceiling for acoustic / thermal
- Use anchors / backing for heavy fixtures (fans, chandeliers)
- Allow access panels for services / AC
- Prime before painting
- Keep boards dry during storage / installation
- For curves, use thinner board / score back
- Combine with glass wool for acoustic ceilings
Applicable Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|
| IS 2095 | Gypsum Plaster Boards |
| IS 2547 | Gypsum Building Plaster |
| ASTM C1396 / C840 | Gypsum Board / Application |
| EN 520 / EN 13964 | Plasterboards / Suspended Ceilings |
| BS 476 | Fire Tests on Building Materials |
| IS 8183 | Insulation (above ceiling) |
Conclusion
Gypsum board is the modern standard for false ceilings and drywall partitions — fast dry construction, smooth ready-to-paint finish, fire resistance, and design flexibility. Choose MR boards for wet areas, FR boards for fire-rated assemblies, use proper GI framing, tape all joints well, and add insulation above for acoustic / thermal comfort.
For intricate seamless designs, see POP ceiling; for budget / waterproof, PVC panels; for office grid systems, Armstrong grid / metal & mineral fibre tiles; for premium, wooden ceiling. Add glass wool above for acoustic performance.