Drywall · Lining Solutions
Wall Lining Solutions with Gypsum and Acoustic Perforated Boards
A drywall wall lining is a single face of gypsum board, plain or acoustically perforated, fixed over an existing wall on drywall framing to create a new flat, finishable or sound-absorbing surface.
Linings are used when the wall already exists but its surface does not meet the brief: uneven blockwork, a concrete core wall, a wall that must hide services, or a room that needs sound absorption. Instead of re-plastering, a layer of gypsum board is installed in front of the wall on a light metal frame.
Jawdah's data names wall linings among the uses of its gypsum boards, and describes its acoustic perforated plasterboards as perforated boards for continuous acoustic ceilings and wall linings. Linings are installed on Jawdah drywall suspension systems, which the company supplies for partitions and linings.
- Acoustic board thickness9.5 / 12.5 mm
- Perforation patternsGYPCO PE-01 to PE-06
- NRC & SAA (stated)0.25 up to 0.9
Quick answer
A drywall wall lining covers an existing wall with gypsum board on a metal frame. Jawdah supplies plain boards (RG, FR, MR, FMR; 1200 × 2400 mm; 9.5 to 18 mm) for flat linings and acoustic perforated plasterboards (9.5 or 12.5 mm, patterns GYPCO PE-01 to PE-06) for sound-absorbing linings, with stated NRC and SAA from 0.25 up to 0.9 according to BS EN ISO 354, BS EN ISO 11654 and ASTM C423.
What a lining does that a partition does not
A partition creates a new wall with boards on both sides. A lining adds a single board face to a wall that is already there. It is thinner than a partition, leaves only a shallow service zone, and depends on the existing wall for its position. Typical goals are a straight, paint-ready finish over rough masonry, a concealed route for cables and pipes, an upgraded surface in a wet room, or an acoustic finish that reduces echo in the room.
Because the lining only has one face, its board choice is driven by the room side alone: humid rooms take MR, areas where extra fire performance is specified take FR, and spaces that need sound absorption can use a perforated acoustic board instead of a plain one.
Jawdah products used in wall linings
Two Jawdah board families are relevant to linings. Their stated data differ, so check which one the drawing calls for before ordering.
| Property | Gypsum plasterboard | Acoustic perforated plasterboard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1200 × 2400 mm (other dimensions on request) | 1200 × 2400 mm |
| Thickness | 9.5, 12.5, 15, 16, 18 mm | 9.5, 12.5 mm |
| Types | RG, FR, MR, FMR | Regular, MR, FR, FMR, FMR GRG (fiberglass reinforced) |
| Edges | Tapered and square | Tapered / square |
| Face finish | Natural-finish face paper | Without finish or painted; anti-bacterial paint on request |
| Back | Strong liner paper | White fiberglass acoustical tissue |
| Acoustic data | Not stated | NRC & SAA from 0.25 up to 0.9 |
Lining methods (general guidance)
Framed lining fixed to the wall: furring or channel members are fixed to the existing wall at regular centres, packed out where the wall is uneven, and boards are screwed to them. This is the usual method for uneven masonry and for linings that must carry cables behind the board.
Free-standing framed lining: a stud and runner frame is set just in front of the wall, fixed at floor and head but independent of the wall face. It suits very uneven or damp-prone walls, larger service zones and cases where the lining must be decoupled from the wall for acoustic reasons.
Direct-bonded lining: boards are bonded straight to the wall with adhesive dabs. It is a general industry method for flat, dry substrates, but Jawdah's data does not list a bonding adhesive, so a bonded lining would need a separately specified adhesive.
In all methods, perimeter and opening edges should be supported, and the cavity behind an acoustic perforated board is part of the acoustic build-up, so its depth should follow the system design.
Plain linings and acoustic linings
A plain lining uses Jawdah gypsum plasterboard and is finished like any drywall surface: joints taped and filled, then painted, papered or tiled. Board type follows the room: RG in dry rooms, MR in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas, FR where the specification calls for additional fire performance, and FMR where both apply.
An acoustic lining uses perforated plasterboard to absorb sound on the wall surface. Jawdah lists auditoriums, cinemas, hospitals, shops, offices, airports, exhibition centres, conference rooms and studios as typical uses. Perforation can run continuously across the board or be applied as block perforation inside a plain border, and block perforation can be applied to any available pattern.
How the acoustic perforated board is made
Jawdah produces its acoustic perforated plasterboards on a specialized perforation process line. Each board has a non-combustible gypsum core with natural-finish face paper; the face paper folds around the long edges to reinforce the core, and the ends are square-cut and finished smoothly. The back is enhanced with white fiberglass acoustical tissue, which keeps dust out of the perforations and helps the sound-absorbing action behind the holes.
Sound passes through the perforations into the cavity behind the board, where part of its energy is dissipated instead of being reflected back into the room. The open area of the pattern, the cavity depth and any absorbent material in the cavity together set the absorption achieved, which is why the pattern data is stated as up to values.
GYPCO perforation patterns for acoustic linings
The six GYPCO patterns below are stated by Jawdah as applicable to plasterboards, gypsum tiles and GRG tiles. Values are as given in Jawdah's data; NRC and SAA are maximum figures for each pattern.
| Pattern | Design | Perforation % | Perforation size | NRC | SAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GYPCO PE-01 | Oval | 17.1% | 4 × 14 mm | up to 0.8 | up to 0.69 |
| GYPCO PE-02 | Micro-square | 10.41% | 3 × 3 mm | up to 0.85 | up to 0.71 |
| GYPCO PE-03 | Circle | 7.19% | Ø6 mm | up to 0.8 | up to 0.66 |
| GYPCO PE-04 | Square | 17.94% | 9 × 9 mm | up to 0.85 | up to 0.85 |
| GYPCO PE-05 | Micro-square box | 6.87% | 3 × 3 mm in 4 × 4 box | up to 0.75 | up to 0.64 |
| GYPCO PE-06 | Dual diameter | 11.7% | Ø8 mm – Ø12 mm | up to 0.9 | up to 0.73 |
Overall stated range for acoustic perforated plasterboards: NRC & SAA from 0.25 up to 0.9, according to BS EN ISO 354, BS EN ISO 11654 and ASTM C423.
Standards stated for the boards
Plain gypsum plasterboards comply with ASTM C1396 and EN-520 and are tested per ASTM C473-06a / Clause 11, 12 & 13. For the acoustic perforated plasterboards, Jawdah's specification lists ASTM C1396 and EN-520, C473-06a / Clause 11, 12 & 13, and the acoustic test references BS EN ISO 354, BS EN ISO 11654 and ASTM C423 for the stated NRC and SAA values.
These references describe the boards and their sound absorption. They do not give a lining a fire classification or a sound-insulation value between rooms; absorption (how much sound a surface soaks up) and insulation (how much passes through a wall) are different properties.
Design points for linings
Decide the purpose first. A lining to straighten a wall needs flatness and a firm fixing base; a lining in a wet room needs MR or FMR board and a suitable finish; an acoustic lining needs pattern, open area and cavity depth chosen together. Mixing aims without saying so on the drawing leads to the wrong board on site.
Coordinate with services. Switches, sockets and pipes in a framed lining need enough cavity depth; heavy wall-hung items need backing fixed through to the original wall. In acoustic linings, keep perforated zones clear of fixtures and use block perforation where a plain margin is wanted around switches or edges.
Plan for access where valves or junctions sit behind the lining. Jawdah's partition access doors are designed for wall surfaces of this kind.
Installing a framed lining
Survey the existing wall for line and level and mark the face of the new lining. Fix the frame to the wall or set the free-standing studs in floor and head runners, packing as needed to reach a straight plane. Run services, add backing for fixtures, then screw boards to the frame using Jawdah galvanized gypsum board screws of 25 mm up to 38 mm.
For acoustic boards, align the perforation pattern from board to board and follow the system details for joints so the pattern reads continuously; perforated boards should not be cut through the pattern where a full module is expected. Jawdah's Installation Manual is available in hard copy on request.
Lining mistakes to avoid
Lining errors usually come from treating the lining as a partition, or from ignoring the wall behind it.
- Bonding boards to damp or uneven walls instead of using a framed lining
- Specifying an acoustic perforated board and expecting it to stop noise between rooms
- Choosing a pattern by appearance only without checking its NRC and SAA
- Using RG boards to line bathroom or kitchen walls
- Leaving too little cavity for sockets, pipes or insulation
- Fixing heavy items to the lining board without backing
Cleaning and upkeep
Plain linings are maintained like painted walls. Jawdah describes its acoustic perforated boards as easy to clean and durable; wipe or vacuum the face gently and avoid paint build-up that would close the perforations. Where hygiene matters, the boards are available with anti-bacterial paint on request.
Why Jawdah for wall linings
Jawdah makes both the plain and the perforated boards a lining needs and supplies the drywall framing and screws to fix them, so the acoustic and plain areas of one room can come from one source. Technical references named in its data include the Gypsum Plasterboard Technical Data Sheet, the Acoustic Perforated Gypsum Plasterboard Technical Data Sheet and the Gypsum Ceiling System Catalogue, with Tests available in hard copy; ask the Jawdah team for them.
Key facts
- Jawdah acoustic perforated plasterboards are used for continuous acoustic ceilings and wall linings.
- Jawdah acoustic perforated plasterboards are 1200 × 2400 mm and available in 9.5 and 12.5 mm thicknesses.
- Jawdah offers six GYPCO perforation patterns, PE-01 to PE-06, in continuous or block perforation.
- Jawdah states NRC and SAA from 0.25 up to 0.9 for its acoustic perforated plasterboards, per BS EN ISO 354, BS EN ISO 11654 and ASTM C423.
- The back of Jawdah acoustic perforated plasterboard is enhanced with white fiberglass acoustical tissue.
- Jawdah plain gypsum boards for wall linings come in RG, FR, MR and FMR types.
RFQ / BOQ checklist
- Lining area (m²) per room and wall
- Purpose: flat finish, wet room, services zone or acoustic
- Board type: RG, MR, FR, FMR or acoustic perforated
- Board thickness
- Perforation pattern code and continuous or block layout
- Face finish: unfinished, painted or anti-bacterial paint
- Lining method: fixed to wall or free-standing frame
- Required cavity depth for services or acoustics
- Condition of the existing wall
- Backing and access door positions
- Drawings, elevations and specification clauses
15–18In preparation
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Ask the technical teamFrequently asked questions
What is a drywall wall lining?
It is a single face of gypsum board installed over an existing wall on a light metal frame or furring, giving a new flat or acoustic surface without re-plastering.
How is a lining different from a partition?
A partition is a new wall with boards on both faces of a stud frame. A lining has one board face and relies on an existing wall behind it.
Which Jawdah boards can be used for wall linings?
Plain gypsum plasterboards in RG, FR, MR or FMR types, and acoustic perforated plasterboards in 9.5 or 12.5 mm with GYPCO PE-01 to PE-06 patterns for sound-absorbing linings.
What NRC does an acoustic perforated lining reach?
Jawdah states NRC and SAA from 0.25 up to 0.9 according to BS EN ISO 354, BS EN ISO 11654 and ASTM C423. The highest stated NRC, up to 0.9, is for the PE-06 dual-diameter pattern; the result depends on the build-up.
Will an acoustic lining stop sound passing into the next room?
No. Perforated boards absorb sound within the room to reduce echo. Stopping sound passing between rooms is sound insulation, which depends on the wall's mass, cavity and sealing.
Can I line a bathroom wall with gypsum board?
Yes, using Moisture Resistant (MR) or Fire & Moisture Resistant (FMR) boards with a suitable wet-area finish. Regular boards are intended for dry rooms.
What is block perforation?
It is perforation applied as a defined block on the board, leaving plain margins, instead of continuous perforation across the whole face. Jawdah applies block perforation to any available pattern.
Are anti-bacterial acoustic boards available?
Yes. Jawdah's acoustic perforated plasterboards are available with anti-bacterial paint upon request.
19Next step
Plan a plain or acoustic wall lining
Send elevations and the room's purpose. Jawdah will recommend the board type, perforation pattern and framing for each lined wall and prepare a quotation.