A practical solution that provides a smooth, long-lasting surface ideal for a range of floor coverings is to lay drywall on the floor. Whether you’re getting ready for carpet, laminate, or tiles, drywall can offer a level and steady foundation.
Although drywall is typically thought of in relation to walls and ceilings, its application on floors is becoming more and more common because of how affordable and simple it is to install. For optimal outcomes, this process necessitates the application of particular techniques and presents its own set of challenges.
This post will go over the essential procedures for installing drywall on the floor as well as crucial advice for making the process go smoothly. Whether you’re a professional or a do-it-yourself enthusiast, knowing the proper method can make all the difference in getting a perfect finish.
Leveling surfaces and creating a solid foundation for different types of floor coverings can be accomplished with ease by laying drywall on the floor. To provide a smooth, long-lasting finish, this process calls for meticulous planning, accurate cutting, and tight fastening. Achieving professional results requires understanding the specific methods and factors, like the kind of drywall and appropriate installation procedures.
- Is it worth laying drywall on the floor?
- Execution of work
- Preparation of the base and backfilling with expanded clay
- Installation of gypsum boards
- Video on the topic
- Methods for laying a water-heated floor for a wooden house
- Laying a dry screed or super floor from the KNAUF "Super Service" company
- plasterboard floors
- Correct installation of a plasterboard partition
Is it worth laying drywall on the floor?
You must weigh the material’s advantages and disadvantages before selecting it.
- Ideal evenness of sheets. The resulting surface does not need leveling and serious additional preparation. This ensures quick completion of work even with minimal skills.
- Economy. GKL boards cost less than high-quality plywood, self-leveling floors and leveling mixtures. The creation of a preliminary backfill occurs using standard technology, which eliminates the use of expensive materials and complex equipment.
- The speed of work. Installation involves the use of finished products, so you do not need to wait for the surface to dry.
- Small load on the base. The weight of a plasterboard slab at the rate of 1 m2 does not pose a threat to the safety of the structure.
However, there are also notable disadvantages:
- GKL is used only in rooms that do not experience constant and significant load. Otherwise, the coating service life is reduced.
- For most rooms, especially in wooden or recently erected houses, it is recommended to choose moisture -resistant sheets. Great alternative – GVL for the floor.
- For decorative decoration, it is advisable to use hard finish coatings, the use of linoleum and similar products is undesirable.
- The inability to align the curved surface. It is taken into account that the material does not fit directly on the base, always the presence of a loose layer.
As a result, leveling the floor with plasterboard is not preferred or in demand, though it is permitted in certain situations. It is best to use specific slabs that are 18 mm thick for work. These items give you a dependable and long-lasting floor covering, but they are hard to find and are mostly made by German companies.
Execution of work
Installation is done in phases and is done in accordance with standard instructions.
Knowing the floor height in advance is essential because errors could require changing the doors.
Preparation of the base and backfilling with expanded clay
The technology installation requires preparatory work.
- The floor is cleaned of all unnecessary, the old decorative layer is removed. If work is carried out on a previously lined base, it is advisable to remove everything that can contribute to the appearance of defects. The plank surface laid on concrete slabs is completely dismantled.
- The condition of the base is assessed. All cracks and crevices that can let moisture through are sealed. The surface is inspected for mold and mildew, damage is cleaned and treated with an antiseptic.
- The base is thoroughly dried. Residual moisture should be minimal.
- Next, it is necessary to lay a vapor barrier film. Polyethylene can act in this capacity. The product is placed on the surface, the joints are formed with an overlap, the edges should go onto the walls by 10-15 cm. The joints are glued with tape, the gap from the walls is created using an edge tape.
- After the basic preparation, the logs are installed. The parts must be laid with a step of 40 cm, which allows for better distribution of the load and ensures the safety of the drywall. A level and spacers are used, which set the desired position of the elements. Fixation is carried out on dowels or anchors with a step of 60-100 cm.
- The space is filled with expanded clay or an alternative material to the height of the logs. When leveling, you need to move along wooden parts, using auxiliary boards so as not to disturb the structure of the loose layer.
By using this technology, you can properly lay the gypsum boards and prevent damage from load distribution.
Installation of gypsum boards
It is advised to apply the substance in two or three layers.
- The products must be kept indoors for 24 hours for acclimatization, otherwise serious deformation is possible.
- It is better to start work from the door, which eliminates the violation of the integrity of the bulk layer. An alternative method is laying out on the surface of wide boards.
- Sheets are distributed over all areas. Joints should be placed on logs, this will avoid deformation if minor movements or shrinkage occur.
- Self-tapping screws for wood are used for fixing. The caps are recessed flush. The fastening step is 20-25 cm.
- To ensure greater reliability of adhesion, plasterboard fragments are glued.
- The top layer must be laid with an offset of 30 cm so that the seams do not coincide with the lower ones, so the parts are trimmed. Fixation is carried out with screws.
Following the completion of each procedure, the joints are puttied, which involves filling each seam with a mixture and meticulously leveling it. Once the treated areas have dried, more procedures are initiated.
Be aware of this! GKL boards are not commonly found in bathrooms; instead, it is preferable to level the area with mixtures in order to apply more reliable waterproofing.
Step | Description |
Preparation | Ensure the floor is clean, dry, and level before laying the drywall. Remove any debris and repair any uneven spots. |
Cutting | Measure and cut the drywall sheets to fit the floor area. Use a sharp utility knife for clean edges. |
Dry Fitting | Place the cut sheets on the floor without adhesive to check the fit. Make any necessary adjustments. |
Adhesive Application | Apply construction adhesive evenly on the back of the drywall sheets or directly on the floor surface. |
Placing Drywall | Carefully position the drywall sheets onto the adhesive, pressing down to ensure good contact. |
Securing | Use screws to secure the drywall to the floor, spacing them every 12 inches around the edges and across the sheet. |
Finishing | Seal the joints between the sheets with joint tape and compound. Sand smooth once dry. |
A smooth, level surface can be achieved by laying drywall on the floor, particularly in areas where traditional flooring materials might not be appropriate. The procedure calls for meticulous planning and attention to detail, but it is possible to complete it successfully with the appropriate strategy.
Making sure the subfloor is appropriately prepared is one of the crucial steps. This entails checking that it is dry, clean, and devoid of any significant flaws. For the drywall panels to be durable and to stay in place, they must be properly fastened.
You can have a stable, long-lasting floor that suits your needs by using the appropriate materials and adhering to the suggested techniques. For both new construction and renovation projects, this technique can provide a useful and effective way to finish your floors.