Fixing a 'not so nice' ceiling can be done in many ways. Each 'professional' tiktok commenter we come across prefers a different method, but if you're like us, over-boarding is the way to go!
Why did we over-board? Our ceilings were covered in a thin layer of wood-chip wallpaper which was impossible to get off in more than 1cm strips. Beneath this was a layer of original white emulation paint which seemed to be lime based - famously known to be disliked by plaster. In other words, our plaster wouldn't adhere to this.
We were left with two options. Take down the ceilings and re-start; or over-board....
After tackling near enough a whole house, here's some tips we have learnt to make your life easier!
TIP 1: Finding Joist
Finding your joist is an essential part of the process. Determining where the joists are will let you know exactly where you can screw down the plaster-board.
The quickest way for this may be to invest in a joist detector right? But who wants to spend money un-nessessarily.
As we were boarding the ceilings anyway, we weren't scared to smash a few holes through (where we'd expect a joist). This meant we were able to feel and confirm where each joist lay and in which direction. Simple.
TIP 2: Central Line
The next step in making life easy would be to mark your joist. This ensures your plasterboard joints always land around the centre of the joist to be screwed down, and reminds you were you can/can't screw.
Our top tip for this is to part-screw a screw at either end of your ceiling; centre of the joist. You can then add a chalk line between each screw to create a perfect straight line across your ceiling, mimicking the centre of the joist. This method is fast and easiest for larger ceilings - but by all- means get our your pencil and ruler is you desire!
If you're interested in a chalk line, we use them often through-out our renovation, so are super handy! Here's one we recommend: https://amzn.to/3jNHr5g
TIP 3: Stagger your Joins
We can't emphasise this enough (literally). Stagger your joins!
When adding plaster-board to your ceiling, you are doing so with intention of plastering. The last thing you'd want is your plaster cracking, right?
By staggering the joins of your plaster-board, you are less likely to get cracks in your plaster. Here's what we mean...
TIP 4: Types of Screw
The screw you use may not impact on the finish too much, however it's important to make your life easy where you can, so making sure they'll do the job is a great way to start!
In practice, we have been using plasterboard screws. Though they come in two different sizes (small - 32mm; Large - 60mm), the larger screw is usually the one used for ceilings.
When screwing down the boards, it's important to get a good hold (no bowing or sagging) without over doing it! We recommend spacing your screws 15-20cm apart for that nice in between.
TIP 5: Save those Arms
On your own? We know how you feel! If you don't have a handy helping hand to hold up the boards while you screw them down, try dot & dabbing them first with adhesive, to temporarily adhere them to the ceiling while you screw them in. This is great for stairway ceilings (we found out the hard way), to avoid your arms aching!
Any help?
We hope you found these tips helpful! Over-boarding ceilings may not be everyone's 'go-to' solution, however it doesn't mean this isn't best practice. We're more than happy to explain the ins & outs of its uses and benefits, however, despite losing a few mil off the ceiling height, it's generally well used by many plasters (trust our research!)
Got more handy tricks we can use? Why not let us know! You can find us at:
Email: Renowithus10@gmail.com
Tiktok: Reno_with_Us
Instagram: Reno_withUs
YouTube: Reno_With_Us
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