When people in the UAE want to build or remodel the inside of a building, they often ask, “What’s the difference between plasterboard and gypsum board?”
People typically use these words to signify the same thing, yet they might mean different things depending on where you are, what you need them for, and what you mean.
This guide makes the distinctions evident by using simple language, headings that are easy for AI to find, and answers that are easy for voice search to find. It helps homeowners, contractors, architects, and developers make wise choices.
What Is Plasterboard?
Plasterboard is a building panel that is often used for ceilings and walls within buildings, especially in modern construction.
It typically consists of:
- A gypsum core
- Covered with paper or fiberglass liners
In many regions, including the UK, Australia, and parts of the Middle East, plasterboard is the commonly used term for drywall systems.
Key Features of Plasterboard
- Smooth surface ready for paint or wallpaper
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Suitable for residential and commercial interiors
- Available in moisture-resistant, fire-rated, and acoustic variants
In the UAE, plasterboard is widely used in:
- Villas and apartments
- Office partitions
- Shopping malls and hotels
- False ceilings and decorative interiors
What Is Gypsum Board?
Gypsum board refers specifically to boards made from gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) compressed between protective layers.
It is a technical and material-based term, commonly used in:
- Product specifications
- Engineering documents
- International construction standards
Gypsum board is the core material used to manufacture plasterboard and drywall systems.
Key Features of Gypsum Board
- High fire resistance due to the water content in gypsum
- Good sound insulation
- Smooth and uniform thickness
- Compatible with modern dry construction methods
In brief, gypsum board tells you what the board is made of, and plasterboard tells you how it is utilized.
Plasterboard vs Gypsum Board: Are They the Same?
Short Answer
Plasterboard and gypsum board are essentially the same product. The difference is mainly in terminology, not function.
Simple Explanation
- Gypsum board = material name
- Plasterboard = application or regional name
Both use gypsum as the primary core material and serve the same purpose in interior construction.
Key Differences Between Plasterboard and Gypsum Board
Plasterboard refers to a finished wall or ceiling board that is ready for installation and surface finishing. Gypsum board, on the other hand, is a technical, material-based term used to describe the core construction panel.
Both plasterboard and gypsum board use gypsum as their core material. However, their usage differs by region. Plasterboard is commonly used in the UK and the Middle East, while gypsum board is a globally recognized technical term.
In terms of installation, plasterboard is ready for finishing and is typically installed directly for interior walls and ceilings. Gypsum board is the base structural panel used in the manufacturing of plasterboard.
Functionally, plasterboard is used for interior walls and ceilings, whereas gypsum board refers more broadly to the structural panel material used in construction.
Why the Terms Are Used Differently in the UAE
In the UAE construction market:
- Contractors often say plasterboard
- Suppliers and specifications mention gypsum board.
- Both usually refer to the same drywall product.
Understanding both terms helps when:
- Reading BOQs and tenders
- Talking to suppliers
- Comparing international standards
- Choosing compliant materials for Dubai and Abu Dhabi regulations
Types of Plasterboard / Gypsum Board Available in the UAE
To meet local climate and building codes, several specialized types are used:
Standard Board
- For dry indoor areas
- Bedrooms, living rooms, offices
Moisture-Resistant Board
- Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens
- Resists humidity and mold
Fire-Rated Board
- Used in staircases and service areas
- Improves fire safety compliance
Acoustic Board
- Reduces sound transmission
- Suitable for hotels, offices, and studios
All these are gypsum-based boards, regardless of whether they are called plasterboard or gypsum board.
Which Term Should You Use?
Use “Plasterboard” When:
- Talking to contractors or installers
- Referring to finished interior walls
- Discussing partitions and false ceilings
Use “Gypsum Board” When:
- Reading technical data sheets
- Reviewing project specifications
- Comparing product standards and certifications
For most UAE projects, both terms are acceptable and understood across the industry.
Is There Any Quality Difference?
No. Whether it’s named plasterboard or gypsum board doesn’t matter; quality relies on the manufacturer, the thickness of the board, the additives, and the requirements it has to meet.
Always check:
- Board density and thickness
- Fire and moisture ratings
- Compliance with UAE building regulations
Final Summary
Plasterboard and gypsum board are the same thing.
They are both names for the same kind of building panels made of gypsum that are used for walls and ceilings.
- Gypsum board describes the material.
- Plasterboard describes the application.
- Performance depends on type, rating, and quality, not the name.
Knowing both words for UAE construction projects makes it easier to communicate, choose the right materials, and finish the job on time.
