PLASTERBOARD SHED LINING CAIRNS

We're not here to sell you the benefits of lining your shed with plasterboard without mentioning the drawbacks. The only thing that compares to the benefits is cost; lining a shed with plasterboard is not cheap, and nor should it be. However, for a relatively minimal investment, you can get your metal shed interior looking like a million bucks! And don't forget that by doing so, you will save money in the long term by better protecting your equipment and tools inside with lower temperatures and dust ingress.

The installation of plasterboard walls and ceilings in your shed does involve some more manual labour than some other types of lining options, but the results are well worth the effort.

Some of these drawbacks include:

• A quality plasterboard installation requires a lot of manual labour and attention to detail (and, as such, is more expensive).
• Gyprock installation products can be more expensive than rudimentary lining products such as MDF, chipboard or plywood.
• Plasterboard is a soft material and not as durable as metal or wood, so it is more prone to damage by tools and equipment in the shed. If you carry out a lot of construction work inside your garage or shed, perhaps lining it with plasterboard is not the best decision.
• The plasterboard can be damaged by water ingress into the shed.
• Plasterboard provides some insulation, but for optimal thermal benefits, you should also install thermal insulation or batts behind.
• After the plasterboard is installed, additional work and time is required to undercoat the new lining and apply two coats of paint. Consider these additional costs when you're budgeting.
• Once the shed is lined, adding to or modifying an electrical or plumbing installation cannot be done without removing the sheeting or settling for surface mounted electrical or plumbing systems.
  

Like anything, follow the five P's: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance - so stop and think about what you ultimately wish to achieve with your shed lining project before you even start contacting any tradesmen.

• Do you want lights, light switches, ceiling fans and power points inside your shed? Where will your workbench be? Make sure you have power points above your workbench and lighting above. Will you use a welder, and what are its electrical requirements. Plan your shed's electrical installation thoroughly with your local electrician well before any plasterboard is installed.
• Do you want a phone line or internet to be run into your garage or shed? If so, plan accordingly with your electrician prior as well. Have a conduit for this wiring installed before the concrete slab is poured to ensure no visible conduit or wiring outside the shed.
• Do you want running water, a sink, bathroom or toilet inside your shed? Where will these items be located? Communicate with your local plumber in advance.
• Is a comfortable internal temperature in your shed of high importance, and therefore do you require thermal insulation to be installed?

Planning is imperative before bringing any tradesmen to your property. We raise the points mentioned above because once you line the ceilings and walls of a shed, it's impossible to make electrical or plumbing changes later without removing the sheeting or without substantial additional costs. Once it's done, it's done.