Acoustic Plasterboard

What is acoustic plasterboard?

Acoustic plasterboard is a denser version of standard plasterboard. The gypsum core is made to a higher density, so each board carries more mass at the same thickness. That extra mass makes it harder for airborne sound such as voices, TV and music to pass through a wall or ceiling. Acoustic and standard boards come in the same thicknesses, so you can swap one for the other without changing your framing or finishing details.

You will see it sold under several names. Sound plasterboard, soundboard, soundproof plasterboard, sound insulation plasterboard and blue plasterboard all describe the same type of board. The blue face paper is how manufacturers mark acoustic boards on site, in the same way green paper marks moisture resistant plasterboard and pink marks fire resistant plasterboard.

Acoustic plasterboard brands we stock

British Gypsum Gyproc SoundBloc

Gyproc SoundBloc from British Gypsum is one of the most widely specified sound boards in the UK. We stock it in 12.5mm and 15mm with sheet lengths from 2.4m to 3m. SoundBloc MR adds moisture resistance for bathrooms, kitchens and other humid rooms, while SoundBloc F combines acoustic performance with enhanced fire protection. For heavier constructions, 19mm Gyproc Plank is available in 2.4m x 600mm sheets with a tapered or square edge.

Knauf Soundshield Plus

Knauf Soundshield Plus is a high density acoustic board for walls, partitions and ceilings, available in 12.5mm and 15mm in 2.4m x 1.2m sheets.

Siniat GTEC dB Board

Siniat GTEC dB Board is a tapered edge sound board for partitions, wall linings and ceilings, stocked in 12.5mm and 15mm in 2.4m x 1.2m sheets.

Insulation UK acoustic plasterboard

Our own acoustic plasterboard is the lowest priced sound board in this range, made in 12.5mm and 15mm with a tapered edge. It comes in full 2.4m x 1.2m sheets and 1.2m x 1.2m half sheets, which are easier to carry through a house and lift into place on ceilings. The 12.5mm full sheet is also available at a bulk price on 40 or more boards.

Acoustic plasterboard sizes and thicknesses

12.5mm is the standard thickness for most walls and ceilings and the most economical way to add acoustic board to a project. 15mm acoustic plasterboard adds more mass per square metre, so it is often specified for party walls, separating floors and anywhere a higher level of sound insulation is needed. 19mm Gyproc Plank is used in heavier build ups such as separating walls and floors, often as an inner layer beneath a face board.

Full sheets in this range come in 2.4m, 2.7m, 2.8m and 3m lengths at 1.2m wide, alongside 1.2m x 1.2m half sheets and 2.4m x 600mm planks. A 3m board lets you line a wall up to 3m high without a horizontal joint. Most boards have a tapered edge for taping and jointing, with square edge options that suit a skim plaster finish.

Where to use sound plasterboard

Walls and partitions

On stud walls, fixing acoustic plasterboard to both faces with acoustic insulation roll in the cavity makes a noticeable difference to noise between bedrooms, home offices and living spaces. A second layer of board with staggered joints adds further mass.

Ceilings

An acoustic plasterboard ceiling reduces airborne noise from the room above, which is why it is common in flats and conversions. Footstep noise travels through the structure itself, so for impact sound fix the board to resilient bars or GenieClip systems that decouple the ceiling from the joists. Our acoustic ceiling range has the insulation and isolation products to complete the build up.

Party walls and separating floors

In new builds and conversions, Approved Document E of the Building Regulations sets minimum levels of sound insulation between homes. Acoustic plasterboard is a standard part of the wall and floor systems designed to meet it, but performance depends on the full construction, so check the manufacturer's system details for your project. On an existing party wall, an independent stud lining with insulation and two layers of sound plasterboard is one of the most effective ways of soundproofing against noisy neighbours.

Getting the most from soundproof plasterboard

Acoustic plasterboard works best as part of a system. Sound finds the weakest point, so gaps around sockets, downlights and the edges of a wall will undo much of the benefit. Seal perimeters and penetrations with acoustic sealant, fill the cavity with acoustic insulation and, where possible, separate the board from the frame with resilient bars or clips. Fix the boards with standard plasterboard screws and finish them with tape and joint, skim plaster, paint or wallpaper as you would any other board.

Why choose Insulation UK for acoustic plasterboard?

• Four Brands in Stock covering Gyproc SoundBloc, Knauf Soundshield Plus, Siniat GTEC dB Board and our own Insulation UK acoustic plasterboard, so you can compare sound boards side by side.

• Every Thickness and Sheet Size with 12.5mm, 15mm and 19mm boards, full sheets from 2.4m to 3m long, 1.2m x 1.2m half sheets and 2.4m x 600mm Gyproc Plank.

• Moisture and Fire Variants including Gyproc SoundBloc MR for humid rooms and SoundBloc F where acoustic and fire performance are both needed.

• The Complete Soundproofing System with acoustic insulation roll, resilient bars, GenieClip and acoustic sealant stocked alongside the boards, so the whole build up lands in a single order.

• Competitive Trade Pricing with no minimum order value, plus bulk pricing on 40 or more boards of our 12.5mm acoustic plasterboard.

• Fast UK-Wide Delivery from our distribution centre in Rotherham, with free shipping on orders over £500 (ex VAT).

• Help and Advice with over 50 years in the industry behind the team. Call 03003 034 578 if you want a hand choosing between 12.5mm and 15mm or working out the right board for your wall or ceiling.