Ply instead of plasterboard

[craigap]

We have a small hallway/walk though with doors at both ends that has been used as a makeshift utility for the last 10years. However, I want to make it in to a proper utility room with some fitted units and a sink. At the other end I plan to reverse the door to open outwards and make a small 500deep cupboard for coats, shoes, etc. To divide it in to the two 'rooms' I was going to build a plasterboard wall with an 18mm ply pattress floor to ceiling so I can hang a wall unit on it in the utility.
Given the width of the wall being only 960mm and having a floor cabinet for the sink, plus a splashback covering the wall between the two cabinets, is there any reason I couldn't just make one side of the stud wall using ply and not plasterboard?

 

[Deleted member 323070]

We have a small hallway/walk though with doors at both ends that has been used as a makeshift utility for the last 10years. However, I want to make it in to a proper utility room with some fitted units and a sink. At the other end I plan to reverse the door to open outwards and make a small 500deep cupboard for coats, shoes, etc. To divide it in to the two 'rooms' I was going to build a plasterboard wall with an 18mm ply pattress floor to ceiling so I can hang a wall unit on it in the utility.
Given the width of the wall being only 960mm and having a floor cabinet for the sink, plus a splashback covering the wall between the two cabinets, is there any reason I couldn't just make one side of the stud wall using ply and not plasterboard?

No reason at all.
A frequent tactic is to use plywood either instead of, or beneath plasterboard for hanging cabinets.

 

[endecotp]

is there any reason I couldn't just make one side of the stud wall using ply and not plasterboard?

There are building regs about walls not being made of flammable materials. I forget the details; it depends on the wall and floor areas. I think you’ll be fine but you might want to look it up out of curiosity.

 

[craigap]

There are building regs about walls not being made of flammable materials. I forget the details; it depends on the wall and floor areas. I think you’ll be fine but you might want to look it up out of curiosity.

Thanks @endecotp I will definately look in to this before hand, but either way the ply will need to be used in or on the wall. The utility is next to the staircase which I believe is a protected escape route, as is the lounge (I think) on the other side. Both doors are also fire doors, but not sure if this indicates the requirements either way!

 

[endecotp]

the ply will need to be used in or on the wall.

Inside the wall is fine. It’s the surface material that matters.

 

[noseall]

Thanks @endecotp I will definately look in to this before hand, but either way the ply will need to be used in or on the wall. The utility is next to the staircase which I believe is a protected escape route, as is the lounge (I think) on the other side. Both doors are also fire doors, but not sure if this indicates the requirements either way!

Only an issue if it's a protected escape route (unlikely).

even if it was, you could fix ply gussets between the studs (beneath the boards)....

ply2.jpg

• noseall
• 25 Oct 2024

ply1.jpg

• noseall
• 25 Oct 2024

Fill2

• noseall
• 4 May 2022

Fill1

• noseall
• 4 May 2022

20151125_145240

• noseall
• 21 Feb 2016

 

[JohnD]

... so I can hang a wall unit on it in the utility....

You can hang wall cabinets on hanging rail, which is long enough to span two or more studs. It is very strong, and has lots of holes in it so you are pretty certain to find some, also avoiding screws into pipes, cables, and crumbly bits of wall.

As well as my kitchen, I used it in the shed as, once fitted, you can lift cabinets on and off, or move them around, with great ease.

In the kitchen I painted it to match the walls, and it is high enough not to be obtrusive.