Metal Stud & Plasterboard Partitions / Dry lining. Used to achieve required levels of sound reduction/absorption, fire resistance, impact resistance moisture resistance and stability as required in all normal types of buildings. It is extremely versatile cost-effective and suitable for all types of commercial, industrial, institutional, and recreational buildings as well as residential developments. Dry-lining allows you to create a smooth wall effect even in commercial environments with a void for cables and pipe-work.
Built from an internal metal stud and track framework and faced on either side with one or more layers of plasterboard, Fireline board, laminate boards or other specialised boards as needed.
The finish of the partition can either have a panelled effect with decorative aluminium cover strips or a flat wall appearance where the panel joints are taped, filled and then decorated with either paint or vinyl wall coverings
Metal Stud & Plasterboard Partitions and Dry Lining are modern internal wall systems widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Here’s a clear, practical overview
1. Metal Stud & Plasterboard Partitions
These are non-loadbearing internal walls made from light-gauge galvanized steel studs and tracks, faced with plasterboard.
Main Components
- Metal tracks (U-channels): Fixed to floors and ceilings
- Metal studs (C-sections): Vertical supports slotted into tracks
- Plasterboard sheets: Fixed to one or both sides
- Insulation (optional): Mineral wool for sound/fire performance
- Fixings & jointing materials
Types of Partitions
- Single stud partition – standard internal walls
- Double stud partition – high acoustic separation
- Shaft wall systems – for service risers
- Fire-rated partitions – 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes
Advantages
- Lightweight and fast to install
- Excellent acoustic and fire performance
- Easy to run services (electrical, plumbing, data)
- Smooth finish ready for decoration
- Flexible for future alterations
2. Dry Lining
Dry lining is the process of fixing plasterboard to walls or ceilings without traditional wet plastering.
Dry Lining Methods
- Dot and Dab
- Plasterboard bonded to masonry using adhesive dabs
- Fast and cost-effective
- Metal Furring Channels
- Used on uneven walls or ceilings
- Allows services and insulation behind boards
- Timber Battens
- Less common today
- Used in refurbishments or heritage projects
Types of Plasterboard Used
- Standard wallboard
- Moisture-resistant (green)
- Fire-resistant (pink)
- Sound-rated
- Impact-resistant
- Thermal boards (with insulation backing)
3. Applications
- Offices and commercial fit-outs
- Residential apartments and houses
- Hotels, hospitals, and schools
- Retail and industrial interiors
4. Compliance & Performance
- Fire resistance: Tested to BS EN standards
- Acoustics: Meets Building Regulations Part E
- Thermal efficiency: Supports Part L compliance