Plasterboard in hardcore for base of gravel paths...

DIYNotIan · 4 Dec 2019

Hi there

I'll be carrying out some renovation work in the house soon, part of which will be bring down a fair amount of plasterboard ceilings. The recycling centre will only take a few bags a month, so I'm going to have to think about what I do with the rest...

At the same time, we have a large wild garden and will be creating walk ways around it. Nothing fancy, more the sort you see when walking out in the hills. The plan is to dig out some of the soil, fill with hardcore, compact, and Type 1 on top of that for the final layer. Just something for more firmness, especially in winter.

Can you see where this is going...?

I know I wouldn't want to use just plasterboard, but if I chuck some plasterboard in with the hardcore, would this be ok or will it cause problems?

And if other elements of the hardcore are cement, what problems might this cause (I've been reading about how cement and plasterboard react with each other, although that seems to refer to when the cement is the top layer/finish).

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Cheers

JP_ · 4 Dec 2019

I don't see why not, if it is all compacted down, should be OK?

JohnD · 4 Dec 2019

plaster and plasterboard should not be mixed with cement-based materials such as concrete or lightweight blocks.

The sulphur content breaks down the cement and the weakened mass crumbles and expands.

You can put it on your garden if you want. It improves the texture of clay soils.

DIYNotIan · 4 Dec 2019

OK, so would you say they shouldn't even mix in small amounts as a hardcore base under a non concrete path (i.e. gravelled, or just finished in type one and stone)?

On another note, and I'm sure I'm missing the obvious here, when people plaster brick walls does the plaster not interfere with the mortar pointing?

foxhole · 4 Dec 2019

plaster will breakdown when wet and could leave voids.

sircerebus666 · 4 Dec 2019

Gather a few mates/family members and ask them to help you take the plasterboard to the tip in their cars

Soon have it shifted , might cost you a couple of beers though!

DIYNotIan · 4 Dec 2019

sircerebus666 said:
might cost you a couple of beers though!

Not least of all cos they're all on the other side of the country! A bit too much of a trek for them unfortunately. And even if it wasn't, I can just picture my dad's face now as I ask him to fill his Audi with plasterboard!!! Haha

If we got a skip for it, do you have to pay extra if putting plasterboard in it?

Ta

JP_ · 5 Dec 2019

maybe there are some other tips in the area that will take more? My local recycling centre has no restriction on plasterboard, you can even leave wallpaper attached to it.

DIYNotIan · 5 Dec 2019

Thanks jonbey, I'll check on that. I presumed they'd all be the same as they are under the same council, but maybe not...

Was just reading about whether it's possible to burn but by all counts it needs very high heat and is therefore only suited to burning in industrial furnaces...

Regarding skips, seems these guys will provide a separate coverable skip for plasterboard only, and the explain why here:

https://www.skiphirenetwork.com/news/plasterboard-skip/

And burying is definitely out of the question based on what the article explains RE what happens when it gets wet and the associated dangers....

JP_ · 5 Dec 2019

Maybe skip away is best then. Will be easier, save a lot of time. Pile it all up inside if you can, then it and the skip might all be gone in one day? More time for building!

diynot

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Plasterboard in hardcore for base of gravel paths...

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