Define what the wall lining must achieve
Be clear about your main goal: a fresh surface, a different wall line, space for services or an insulation improvement. These needs may overlap, but they are not interchangeable. The proposed lining needs to address the actual wall and the room's intended use.
Compare adhesive, battened and insulated linings
Dot and dab uses a specified adhesive fixing approach on suitable backgrounds. Battened linings provide a supported board surface with their own depth and detailing. Insulated plasterboard adds an insulation component; its suitability and fixing method still need to be considered as part of the complete system.
Check the wall before covering it
The wall should be assessed before it is covered. Existing plaster, moisture history and construction affect compatibility. A lining is not a treatment for unresolved damp, and an apparently neat new face does not make a defective background suitable.
Allow for room depth and fixtures
Allow for the new surface at windows, doors, skirtings and sockets. Wall thickness can affect room space and fixtures. Tell the person specifying the work about shelves, cupboards or other loads so the required support is considered before the boards are finished.
Agree installation and finishing work
Agree who handles removal, preparation, service adjustments and the final finish. A board-only price is different from a completed plastered wall. Include reveals, corners and any decorative edges in the same scope so the transitions are not left undecided.
PRACTICAL SERVICE DETAILS
Common questions
How is the fixing method chosen?
It depends on the background, the intended build-up and the system requirements. An assessment should establish suitability before a method is selected.
Can boarding hide a damp problem?
It may conceal the appearance without resolving the cause. Damp should be investigated and the wall's suitability established before specifying a lining.
How much room space needs allowing for?
The complete build-up determines the space used. Ask for that depth, including finish, when considering furniture, openings and room dimensions.
Does boarding include moving sockets or skirtings?
Not automatically. Identify those tasks separately and agree responsibility with the relevant trades before the lining is installed.
