13.02.2010 - First, decide the height that you want your ceiling.  Mark a level line around the wall.   Decide on the spaces between the joists.  This will depend on the size and orientation of the rectangular plasterboard sheets.

Robert notches the batten at the joints so that he has a level support for the sheets of plasterboard.

Then fix 50mm by 50mm wooden batten as shown.  Anodised steel screws are best for this.  You can get them from any ferreteria.

Now it’s beginning to look more like a part of the house and less like part of a building site.
Many local ferreterias now stock plasterboard.  Robert fixes it with  ‘dot and dab’ (mortero adhesivo).  Shop around though.  Delivery costs can add a lot to the price, yet some places offer free delivery.

When all the sheets are in place, apply a thin layer of gap cement (‘pasta para juntas de placas’) to the joints, followed by paper tape.  Then apply another layer of gap cement over the top.  Leave this until it is almost dry, then sponge over with a wet sponge.  This gives a slightly textured finish, which matches the rest of the plasterboard.  It takes three or four hours to set.

Useful vocabulary

Tape / cinta
Batten / listón
Plaster board / placa de yeso
Screws / tornillos
Delivery free of charge /
entrega a domicilio gratuitamente
How much do you charge for delivery?  / Cuanto cobran por la entrega a domicilio?

If you have any questions about DIY you can call Robert on 922 814 073, mobile 605 469 352 or email rjmcalees@yahoo.com.



This article appears in the print edition 609 of Island Connections

Gallery: Constructing a Suspended Ceiling

6 pictures found: Go to gallery