Drywall Partition and Suspended Ceiling Framing

Plasterboard systems are formed by screwing boards to a frame of galvanised thin-gauge steel profiles. Partitions in offices and homes, linings in front of existing walls, column casings and suspended ceilings are all built the same way.

System components

• Track (U): guide rail at floor and soffit
• Stud (C): upright, spaced to suit board joints (commonly 40 or 60 cm)
• Plasterboard: single or double layer; moisture-resistant in wet areas, fire-rated where required
• Infill: mineral wool for sound and thermal performance
• Stiffening: box sections at door frames, heavy cabinets, wall-hung equipment and tall walls

Choosing the wall thickness

Wall thickness assumes one 12.5 mm board on each face. Add 12.5 mm per face for a second layer.

When box sections are added

Standard studs are designed for light, storey-height partitions. As wall height grows, where heavy cladding or equipment will hang from the wall, and at wide door openings, the frame is stiffened with box sections.

Fire and acoustic performance are selected from the system manufacturer's test reports according to board type and number of layers.