Drywall consists of a gypsum core pressed between two paper layers, screwed to a metal frame to form suspended ceilings, partition walls and decorative details. Fast to install, lightweight and able to conceal services, it has become a staple of modern interiors.
What is drywall used for?
- Suspended ceilings: flat ceilings, stepped ceilings, concealed light coves, downlight housings
- Partition walls: dividing rooms, creating dressing rooms, separating kitchen and living areas
- Wall linings: straightening poor surfaces, hiding services, adding an insulation layer
- Decorative niches: TV units, bookshelf recesses, concealed door details
- Sound and thermal layers: by placing insulation between two boards
Board types
| Board type | Colour | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | White/grey | Dry areas: living room, bedroom |
| Moisture-resistant | Green | Bathroom, kitchen, balcony ceiling |
| Fire-resistant | Red/pink | Boiler rooms, escape routes |
| Acoustic | Blue | Bedroom, office, studio |
Board choice must match the room; using a dry-area board in a bathroom leads to blistering and mould within a short time.
How is concealed lighting planned?
A concealed light cove is formed by creating a channel at the edge of the suspended ceiling and fitting an LED strip inside it. The light reflects off the ceiling for a soft, shadow-free effect. When planning:
- Choose the LED colour temperature (warm, neutral or cool white) to suit the room
- Keep transformers and drivers accessible
- Cove depth affects light distribution; a shallow cove produces a spotted look
- The electrical circuit must be run before the ceiling is closed
The correct sequence
- Measure the ceiling and walls, draw the design
- Install the metal frame (hangers, primary and secondary channels)
- Position electrical, downlight and any air-conditioning ducts
- Screw on the boards
- Apply jointing tape and compound
- Fill and sand screw heads and joints
- Move on to primer and paint
Drywall follows plaster and the services, and precedes paint and flooring. Breaking this order means going back over finished surfaces.
The most common mistakes
- Hangers spaced too far apart: the ceiling sags
- Skipping jointing tape: joint cracks appear over time
- Standard board in a damp room: blistering and mould
- Closing the ceiling before services are planned: cutting it open later
- Insufficient filling and sanding: visible joint lines under paint
What determines the cost?
Area, design complexity (there is a clear difference between a flat ceiling and a stepped one with concealed lighting), board type, insulation layer and lighting equipment.
Demgirişim designs drywall ceilings and partitions alongside the electrical plan, and pays particular attention to jointing and filling quality before painting.
Frequently asked questions
How much ceiling height does a suspended ceiling take?
A flat suspended ceiling usually takes a few centimetres; designs with concealed light coves or downlights need more. The exact figure depends on the services and lighting plan and is set during the consultation.
Can a wardrobe or TV be mounted on a drywall wall?
Yes — but load points must be planned during the framing stage, or suitable fixings must be used. Adding heavy loads later may require reinforcement.
Can drywall be used in bathrooms?
Moisture-resistant (green) boards are used. On surfaces in direct contact with water, waterproofing and tiling details must also be planned.
The initial consultation and written quote for Drywall are free within Istanbul. Scope, duration and cost are confirmed after the consultation.