Installing lightweight and versatile plasterboard structures is very simple, even for a beginner in this matter. It is enough to study the sequence and technology of installing the frame, make accurate measurements, a drawing, buy necessary materials and equip yourself with the necessary tools.
It doesn’t matter whether you are going to make a prefabricated one, or a prefabricated one, the basis of any design will be metal profiles. It is from them that the frame is formed on which the sheets of drywall will be placed. Modern products Made from thin but durable metal plates. They have a wide range of applications, impart rigidity to plasterboard structures without weighing them down, and are also very convenient to use. Bent metal slats are indispensable in creating complex decorative elements for your home.
What types of profiles are there?
If this is your first time working with drywall, familiarize yourself with the main types of profiles for creating a rigid frame. A huge number of their types and fastening elements can confuse a novice master.
Six main types (markings) metal profiles:
- Guides for frame assembly (PN) or (UW). Their standard depth– 40mm, width – 50mm, 75mm or 100mm, depending on the thickness of the wall. As the name suggests, this guide product is a kind of rail, the basis for the subsequent fastening of rack and ceiling guide profiles.
- Ceiling guides (PNP) or (UD) have the same functions and are designed for mounting the base of ceilings under plasterboard sheathing. This type is indispensable for installing multi-level suspended ceilings.
- Ceiling (PP) or (CD) is attached to the ceiling with direct hangers or anchor clamps. The ceiling frame itself is formed from this type of slats.
- Rack-mount (PS) or (CW) are used for mounting the base of future plasterboard partitions and walls, it is fixed directly into the guide profile.
- A beacon profile for leveling a wall (LM), it can be called a rail along which the rule runs. It is very convenient to use when plastering walls.
- The corner profile is designed to level and strengthen corners (CP).
Fastening devices different types profiles are: “crab” connectors, creating their cross perpendicular fastenings in the frame, extensions for various combinations of metal pieces, anchor clamps, straight hangers, two-level CD connectors and others.
To create structures from profiles, you will need pliers for fastening them without screws (clip profile), a cutter, a roughing plane (rasp), a bending tool, and wire cutters. Counting required amount products of each type, do not forget that their standard length is 3 or 4 meters.
When constructing any structure made of plasterboard, you need a base - a frame, on which the gypsum board sheets are attached. This frame is assembled using technology from special products— profiles. About what a profile for plasterboard can be, its types and sizes, scope of application - in this article.
Materials: what are profiles for gypsum plasterboard made from?
Profiles for drywall of any type are made of steel and aluminum. Steel ones (regular or galvanized) are more common, since aluminum ones, although they have excellent characteristics, are very expensive.
Steel can be ordinary or with a protective layer - galvanized. Conventional ones - made of black steel - have a lower cost and are suitable for rooms with normal operating conditions. With their help they make a suspended ceiling, in living rooms ah, the corridors. In rooms with high humidity- bathrooms, kitchens, etc. - it is better to use galvanized steel or aluminum.
Types and sizes of profiles for drywall
In any place that sells materials for gypsum boards, there are profiles different types and size. In order to choose and not make a mistake, you need to know how they differ.
To create wireframes
There are profiles for drywall of the following types:
- Guide. Designated as PN (UD) (interpretation - guide profile). The cross-section is U-shaped, with smooth side walls. Used as a support base for racks and lintels. It is attached around the perimeter of the structure, and then all other elements of the system are installed into it. Dimensions:
- Rack-mounted. Designated PS (CD) - rack profile. It is inserted into the guides, and gypsum boards are attached to it. Accordingly, it bears the main load and must have high rigidity. It has a U-shaped structure with additional shelves and stiffening ribs, which give it greater rigidity. Dimensions:
- Ceiling. Designated PP and PPN. Accordingly, a guide and load-bearing ceiling profile. The ceiling guide has a cross-section in the shape of the letter “P” and has a smaller cross-section than the wall one. Ceiling support profile - has shelves and stiffeners, but is distinguished by shelves of lower height. The lower height means that it takes less height away from the room and that the ceiling plasterboard is thinner, creating less stress on the frame.
- Arched. It has complex structure- with cuts on the side edges for increased flexibility. Essential for creating curved surfaces.
These are all types of profiles for gypsum board that are used to construct the frame. A “frame” is assembled from the PN guides; PS racks are inserted into them, which are then connected by jumpers (usually from PN) for greater structural rigidity.
Additional profiles and accessories
There are several types of additional profiles that are used in finishing works, when creating a suspended frame for the ceiling, for attaching rack profiles to walls, etc.
- Angular. The cross section is a right angle with a slightly protruding central part. Used to decorate the corners of plasterboard structures. There are several types:
- Perforated hangers. This fastener in the form of a tape 125*60 mm. It is divided into three parts. The middle one is used to fix the suspension to the ceiling/wall, the outer ones are perforated, bend at 90°, and profiles are attached to them.
- Anchor hangers for PP (ceiling profiles). There are several types. Used in the construction of suspended ceilings. Distinctive feature— it’s easy to adjust the height, which is necessary when setting the ceiling plane.
Anchor suspension - for easy height adjustment suspended ceiling
- Single-level and two-level connector for PP (crab). Plate with fixing elements for fastening intersecting profiles. Used in constructing frames for suspended ceilings.
Connectors - single-level and two-level
- Profile extension. Small sizes bracket (110*58 mm) for splicing two sections of the same type and size.
You can do without most of these devices. For example, two profiles are joined using a piece of a guide profile of a suitable size. It is inserted inside, the shelves are pressed with pliers, and screwed with self-tapping screws. The connection is more rigid than with special devices.
When creating a frame located along the wall, it is secured not with perforated hangers, but with boots - sections of profiles bent in the shape of the letter “L” (called “boot” - after its characteristic shape).
Two ways to fix rack profiles to the wall - using a perforated hanger and a piece of profile
This is not so much a way to save money as an opportunity to get a more rigid fastening, since perforated hangers were originally developed for suspended ceilings and can hardly withstand the load from wall plasterboard, especially laid in two rows.
Profile length
The profile for each type of drywall may differ in length. Standard lengths are 2.4 and 2.8 meters. but there is up to 4 m.
Should I look for long profiles? This doesn't make much sense. Perhaps the assembly of the frame will speed up a little. Profiles for gypsum plasterboard fit perfectly together, the strength of the structure does not suffer. Only when assembling the frame should you make sure that the joints on adjacent racks are not at the same level. Usually joints are made alternately at the top, then at the bottom.
How to choose a profile for gypsum boards
In a more or less large hardware store or even on the market there are profiles for drywall of the same type and length, but with a significant difference in price. The cost may differ by two times, and sometimes more. Moreover, the most expensive are usually Knauf, the cheapest are unnamed China, the middle range is domestic manufacturers.
Metal thickness
The difference will become clear as soon as you pick up the profile. Some are strong, rigid, made of steel with a thickness of 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.6 mm and more. Others are made of such thin metal that they change their geometry even if the profile is lifted by one edge.
With this parameter everything is more or less simple and clear. The thicker the metal, the stronger and stiffer the profile, but the price is also higher. Optimal for creating partitions when standard height walls, take profiles with a metal thickness of 0.5 or 0.55 mm. If possible, you can take 0.6 mm.
The dimensions are standard, but the weight of the same profile may be different - due to the different thickness of the metal from which it is made
It makes sense to take a greater thickness of metal only if the height of the partition is large - the load will be more significant and additional strength will not hurt. But in this case, you need to look at what will cost less - a profile for plasterboard made of thicker metal or more often installed racks and crossbars. You just need to keep in mind that racks are usually installed in increments of 60 cm - so that the joint of the gypsum board sheets falls in the middle of one of the rack profiles. When reducing the pitch, you need to achieve the same thing - the joint of the drywall sheets should not hang in the air. So it will be possible to install them only after 40 cm. So the seam will also be on the profile. But this is too many racks and is unlikely to be cheaper. In general, you do the math.
Manufacturer selection
Choosing a manufacturer of drywall guides is both simple and difficult at the same time. All experts unanimously say that the best are Knauf. They always correspond to the stated parameters and have an ideal geometry: the racks fit perfectly into the guides, do not dangle or push them apart. In general, work with profiles for plasterboard Knauf easy, simple, work progresses quickly. But these are precisely the most expensive of the entire range. Despite this, the advice is this: if you have no experience working with drywall, it’s better to buy Knauf.
There are several Russian companies in the middle price range. These are Giprok (Giprok) and Metallist. There are also regional little-known campaigns. It depends on your luck. Trust your feelings and feedback. It is not always possible to rely on the words of sellers. U domestic producers There are good games, and there are bad ones. In most cases, there is a problem such as a mismatch in the sizes of the rack-mount PS and the PN guide profiles. The posts must fit exactly inside the guide. In order for the stated width to be, for example, 50 mm, the actual width should be 1.5 mm less. Problems arise with the accuracy of observing this difference. In addition, the declared thickness of the metal must be checked (with a micrometer). In general, you will be able to save money, but you will waste a significant amount of your nerves and time.
Giprok has a profile with a corrugated surface. All sides of the profiles - both the back and the shelves - have extruded “pimples”. They increase the rigidity of the profile. This is true - the design is more rigid. But the connection of the racks and guides turns out to be more clumsy - due to the mismatch of the “pimples”, they do not attract closely like smooth metal walls. There is a second point - structures made from such profiles creak more. With all this, such profiles cost a little less than Knauf, but they are more difficult to work with. In general, it's up to you.
How to count the number of profiles
Knowing what type and type of drywall profiles there are, their dimensions are not enough. It is necessary to calculate the quantity of each type. It will be easier to calculate if you draw a frame plan on a piece of paper, sign the names of the profiles, and put down the dimensions. This will not take much time, but will help you determine the quantity more accurately.
Calculation of the number of guides for one wall
If the walls are very uneven, you can level them using drywall. A parallel wall is erected, but set strictly according to the level. In this case, the calculation of the number of profiles for drywall will be as follows:
If all the walls in a room are covered with plasterboard, a similar calculation is carried out for each wall, then the results are summed up.
Number of profiles for plasterboard for suspended ceilings - PP and PNP
The calculation here is a little simpler: the frame is assembled “in a cage”, so it’s easier to calculate it. Otherwise the approach is the same as described above. So we think:
In total, for a suspended ceiling in a room measuring 3*4 meters you will need 14 m + 20 m = 34 m of PP profile, 21 meter of PNP profile.
With its help you can implement different design ideas from and arches to multi-level ceilings. All these structures are mounted on a lightweight, durable . It is difficult for someone who is faced with this task for the first time to immediately understand the variety of their types. We will tell you what sizes and types of profiles there are for drywall, and for what purposes it can be used.
What is a metal profile
It is a channel, the walls of which are responsible for the rigidity and reliability of the base, and the back serves for attachment to a vertical or horizontal surface. For its production, cold-rolled billets made of aluminum or steel are used. The former have excellent characteristics, but their price is higher. Therefore, steel ones are more popular.
Conventional ferrous metal profiles are suitable for living rooms and, i.e. those premises where normal conditions operation. Galvanized ones have anti-corrosion properties, so they are used in rooms with high humidity - kitchens, bathrooms.
Types of profiles
Products differ in appearance, purpose and parameters. Dimensions are usually calculated in millimeters.
The following types of profiles for drywall and their purpose are distinguished.
Guide
It is designated by the marking PN or international UD and is a base that is mounted along the edge of the future structure and where rack channels are then attached. Used for walls and partitions. Has a U-shaped section and smooth side walls. Dimensions of the guide profile for plasterboard: depth 40, width 50, 75, 100 (depending on the thickness of the wall), length 3000.
Ceiling guide (PPN)
Needed for installation hanging frames: it is screwed along the edge of the structure, and then ceiling models are inserted into it. In addition, it can be used as a rack for mounting a frame when finishing the surface with plasterboard. Dimensions: depth 27, width 28, length 3000.
Ceiling (PP)
Suitable for single and multi-level devices. It differs from PPN in that it is mounted to the ceiling with special parts. It can also be used for wall cladding using gypsum plasterboard. In order to save as much as possible the height of the room consumed by the ceiling, it is customary to make its depth small - 27. The remaining parameters are width 60, length 3000.
Rackmount (PS or CD)
It is the main part during construction interior walls and partitions. It has a C-shaped section. It is inserted into a frame created from guide models, so its side walls (shelves) are slightly bent inward. This type of backrest has holes for technical communications. Parameters: depth 50, width varies - 50, 75, 100, length 3000.
An example of mounting a rack model. Sizes and types partition profile for drywall depend on the configuration of the structure: walls, niches and shelves.
Auxiliary
- Beacon (PM) - with its help you can guide the rule during plastering.
- Corner (PU) is used to strengthen the end faces of gypsum boards at the corners. There are holes on its surface for free penetration of the finishing solution into the base.
Other types
Other varieties used in individual cases: arched and reinforced. Arched or flexible needed for and rounded ceiling structures. Dimensions: width 60, length 3000. However, its price is quite high. Therefore, in order to save money, experienced craftsmen use ceiling models (PP). Using metal scissors, cut the sides and bend them to the desired contour.
Reinforced (UA) is used as a rack for partitions. Since this area bears the weight door leaf, it is strengthened to 2 mm (at Knauf) and 1.5 mm at other companies. Other sizes: depth 40, width 50, 75, 100, length 3000, 4000, 6000.
Thickness selection
This is the main indicator of the reliability of the future structure. The thicker the product, the more possibilities for its application. This figure differs for different manufacturers - from 0.35 to 0.6 mm. It is recommended to build interior walls and partitions using channels 0.6 mm thick. If you choose thinner types, then when installing gypsum plasterboard sheets, the screws may turn and the structure itself may bend, which will reduce its strength. In addition, cabinets will probably be hung on the future wall. The reliability of their mounting on a wall with a thin profile will be a big question.
Manufacturing companies
The most famous specialized company is the KNAUF plant. All manufactured products are of the same thickness - 0.6 mm. In addition, it is distinguished by precise dimensions and high-quality raw materials. Each product is marked with a name and technical specifications. However, their cost is quite high. Gyproc is a worthy competitor. All the channels they produce are perforated, so even with a thickness of 0.5 mm they are stronger than smooth-rolled ones with their 0.6 mm. However, according to reviews from craftsmen, not everyone is comfortable working with corrugated ones due to the difficulties of inserting the rack into the guides. In the middle price segment it works Russian company"Metallist", producing galvanized models. There are other manufacturers. The quality of their products may differ in the composition of raw materials and product configuration. Some have additional grooves added to enhance rigidity and holes for fastening.
What profile is needed for plasterboard walls?
To correctly calculate the number of profiles, you can draw a design plan, indicate the types and dimensions of the models. In some construction stores you can find painted products. Consultants say it serves additional protection material. But that's not true. Most often, a manufacturing defect is hidden under the paint. Therefore, buying such a product is extremely risky.
What profile is needed for a plasterboard partition? When choosing between smooth and corrugated varieties, you need to keep in mind that corrugated types are not suitable for installation. Any building can shrink. And the channels with uneven surface are fixed rigidly. As a result, cracks may appear on the drywall sheets.
In construction stores, the standard length of these products is 3000 mm. However, manufacturers produce models of different lengths - from 2500 to 6000 mm. Therefore, if necessary, you can order a non-standard size from the selling company. Pay attention to the economy profile. It differs from standard products in its reduced dimensions, thickness, and lower price. The scope of its application is also protrusions. Use it to mount partitions or ceilings experienced craftsmen not recommended.
To install a partition or other structure at home, you need a profile for. The sizes and types of such products may vary significantly. We suggest you understand their features in order to avoid mistakes during the purchase.
Read in the article
Types of profiles for drywall and their purpose: main classification
Manufacturers offer products various shapes and size. To purchase everything you need to install a specific structure, you need to clearly understand what types of drywall profiles exist and their purpose. We invite you to get acquainted with the main classification.
Surface-plane profile for plasterboard
Can be attached to the ceiling or. Their configuration is standardized, but there are differences in the thickness of the material, the length and transverse dimensions of the product itself. Allows you to form a reliable frame for fastening drywall when making the right choice standard size and compliance with installation technology. It is important to remember that the price of a profile depends on the size and type.
Drywall guide profile: distinctive features
Marked PN (UW). Is the starting profile for . The section is U-shaped. The walls are smooth. Acts as a support for various racks and jumpers. During the installation process, the remaining structural elements are put on it.
The guide profile for drywall can have different lengths (up to 4.5 m). The most popular is 3 m. Transverse dimensions are selected individually for a specific system.
Rack profile for drywall: design features
Marked PS (CW). It is installed inside the guide and is used to fasten other elements of the system. The rack profile for drywall is quite rigid. Capable of accepting significant construction. Has a U-shaped additional section with additional shelves for fixing other structural elements.
Attention! If the base is level, the rack can be attached directly to the wall or ceiling.
Plasterboard ceiling profile: main types
It can be a load-bearing PP (CD) or a guide PP (UD). Products with U-shaped cross section, but with smaller dimensions than the wall one to save space. To increase the rigidity of the ceiling profile for plasterboard, additional shelves and ribs.
To fix elements, you can use a special one. Allows you to install ceiling structures of any shape and size.
Corner profile for drywall
To strengthen the outer corners of walls plasterboard construction It is possible to use a perforated corner metal profile. For its manufacture, metal with a thickness of 0.3-0.4 mm is used. The corners are installed on and covered with a layer of putty on top.
Partition load-bearing profile for drywall and photos of finished structures
For the manufacture of plasterboard partitions, the UW and CW profiles are used. The first allows you to form the skin of the structure. It is used to form the perimeter of the partition and provide the required configuration.
The partition profile for CW plasterboard allows for sufficient rigidity of the system. Sheets can be fastened on both sides.
We invite you to look at the photos that you can create:
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Arched plasterboard profile
Characteristically complex design. It has side slits to ensure sufficient flexibility. Additional perforation increases the rigidity of the product.
Allows you to form a structure with radial bending. It is most often made from PP 60/27. The standard length of the profile for plasterboard is 3 m. The minimum bending radius of the concave element is 500 mm.
Auxiliary components for the profile frame for plasterboard
For system installation the right size and forms may be required special components for drywall, each element has its own specific purpose. You will need a connecting longitudinal bracket if you need to connect the elements.
You may also need to purchase a profile:
- basement to create restrictions around the perimeter of the cladding. External side putty;
- hat for installation of sheet metal. Attached to the base. Allows you to eliminate guides;
- L-shaped, if you need to install a finishing or starting strip in a wall with open ends;
- z-shaped to increase the rigidity of the system;
- beacon if the base needs to be leveled.
Fasteners
To fix the profile, dowels are used. They are hammered or twisted at the intersection of adjacent elements. The fastening elements can be:
- suspensions used during installation. If necessary, they can always be bent to obtain a plate of the desired size;
- crabs with a characteristic cross-shaped configuration. With their help, you can provide a rigid connection of intersecting planks;
- two-level brackets, relevant when installing a multi-level ceiling;
- corner brackets installed at the ends of structural elements.
Advice! When choosing fasteners, be sure to consider the dimensions of the metal element.
Criteria for choosing a metal profile made of plasterboard
In order for the mounted structure to last long enough, you need to choose the right metal profile for drywall. It is not only its appearance or size that deserves attention, but also other important points, which are worth paying attention to.
Profile coating and material thickness
When purchasing, you should give preference to galvanized products. In this case, it is necessary to check the integrity of the coating.
The thickness of the product deserves special attention. The larger this parameter, the stronger and stiffer the metal profile will be and the higher its cost. If the thickness of the element is insufficient during installation and under operational load, it can change its geometry.
Any specialist, having familiarized himself with the design of a plasterboard structure, wonders what materials will be required in the manufacture of its frame. Naturally, for a “knowledgeable” person solving this problem will not be difficult at all, but what should a beginner do? home handyman? We decided to help craftsmen who will be assembling a frame for the first time by examining in our article the types of profiles for drywall and its dimensions.
1 - UD; 2 - CD; 3 - CW; 4 - UW
Let us note that the story only about the types of metal profiles for drywall, as about one structural element, in our opinion, will not bring much practical benefit. Therefore, we decided to add here a description of fasteners and related materials used for in various ways installation of the frame.
Main types of profiles for drywall
This, without a doubt, the main structural element, has several varieties, four of which are designed for frame assembly and are made of thin steel by cold rolling.
Guide – PN (English UW)
It is used to create partitions and wall decoration, serving as a guide to which the racks are attached. This plasterboard wall profile has the following dimensions (mm):
- length – 3000;
- shelf height (side part) – 40;
- width of the back (base) – 50; 65; 75; or 100.
The back has 8 mm holes for dowels.
Rack-mount – PS (CW)
It is the main element of lathing walls and partitions. Mounted in a guide located around the perimeter working area. It differs in that the upper edges of its side parts are C-shaped. The most common dimensions of the rack metal profile for drywall are as follows (mm):
Ceiling – PP (CD)
Used for installation of ceiling structures. It differs from a rack-mount one in that it is attached to the ceiling using special fasteners. The sides and base (“grooves”) are stiffening ribs that give it additional strength. The standard dimensions of the ceiling profile (mm) are:
Ceiling guide – PN (UD)
Designed specifically for creating ceiling frames, it serves as the guiding “base” of the entire structure. Its side parts have longitudinal corrugations, which give it the necessary rigidity, and the base is equipped with holes for mounting dowels. The ceiling guide profile for plasterboard has dimensions (mm):
In addition to these varieties, there are special elements frame structure, which can strengthen it, provide protection, facilitate finishing or give it a “curved” shape.
Reinforced – UA
Used as racks during installation doorways in partitions, is made of high-quality steel, which has increased resistance to corrosion. Standard dimensions of reinforced rack profile for plasterboard (mm):
Corner – PU (protective)
The part is mounted on external corners structures, protecting them from possible damage during operation. The shelves of the element are equipped with holes into which the finishing solution (putty or plaster) penetrates, providing stronger contact with the surface. Dimensions of corner metal profiles for plasterboard (mm):
Corner – PU (plaster)
It is attached to the corners of openings, the ends of partitions and other surfaces that will be plastered. Just like the protective one, it has holes for the penetration of finishing solutions (previously applied to the corner of the structure) and is made of galvanized steel, resistant to corrosion. Standard dimensions of plaster profile for plasterboard (mm):
Mayachkovy – PM
Used as a supporting guide base in order to obtain a more even surface during finishing plastering work. Material of manufacture – galvanized steel High Quality, having excellent anti-corrosion properties. Among modern specialists in the renovation of residential and production premises The most common beacon profile for gypsum plasterboards is of the following sizes (mm):
Arched – PA
Most often, this element is made from PP 60/27, which we described in one of previous sections articles. It comes in two types and is used when installing a frame for non-standard “curvilinear” ceiling structures based on gypsum plasterboard, as well as arches, columns and domes made of this material. The main difference of the product: if necessary, it can be easily bent in a smooth arc. The arched profile for plasterboard has dimensions (mm):
It should be noted that professional and experienced craftsmen involved in finishing premises using gypsum plasterboard use only proven and proven materials in their work.
One of the quality standards is products German company KNAUF, according to the classification of which this review was prepared. You can easily find all of the above types and sizes of metal profiles for drywall under the corporate logo of this famous brand.
Fasteners and additional elements
In addition to the described elements, when installing the frame and securing its base to the floors, some standard parts are used that must be prepared before performing the work:
Conclusion
As can be seen from our research, in such a difficult task at first glance as arranging a structure made of gypsum plasterboard, everything is thought out and calculated to the smallest detail. You just have to have the desire and be patient - the result will surpass all expectations. Go ahead, and if you have any questions about the method of installing the frame, the type or size of profiles for drywall, feel free to contact us, here you will receive qualified and competent assistance.
