Cutting plasterboard is a process consisting of three steps: cutting-breaking-cutting of the three layers of material that make up a sheet of plasterboard (paper-plaster-paper).
Steps
Step 1. Measure the length and width of the area where the drywall will be installed
Step 2. Take a new sheet of drywall and carefully measure the part to be cut, tracing its reference points
Step 3. Use a ruler (long enough to cover the entire length of the cut) and place it on the drywall sheet aligning it with the reference points drawn in the previous step
Step 4. Use a cutter or a special tool to cut the drywall and make the first cut
Try to cut only the first layer of paper, without going too deep into the drywall. Make sure you score the entire length of the cut you want to make.
Step 5. It is not necessary to make a deep cut, it will be enough to make a light incision with the blade
The important thing is to cut the first layer of paper, after which the drywall will break very easily, right at the place of the incision.
Step 6. Turn the drywall sheet over and fold the smaller part to form a 90 ° angle
This will break the remaining drywall.
Step 7. After you have folded the drywall along the cut you made, you should be able to score the last layer, made up of paper, to obtain a sheet of drywall of the necessary size
Advice
- Check the measurements twice before cutting the drywall.
- You may need to press the drywall on the back side to get a clean cut.
- Find a friend who can help you support, measure and cut drywall without hurting you.
- Buy a hand saw for plasterboard, it costs 15-20 €. Once you learn how to use it, it will allow you to quadruple the cutting speed.
- Be careful not to tear the paper on the outside of the drywall. This is precisely the element that gives the plasterboard its strength.
