25+ Years of Local Experience
Drylining (Dot & Dab)
Plasterboard bonded straight to block and brick walls with adhesive dabs: flat, straight walls without the wait of wet plaster.
- Family-owned & local
- Residential & commercial
- Free site visits
About this service
Drylining that gives you flat, straight walls, fast.
Drylining means lining walls with plasterboard instead of wet plaster. On solid block and brick walls we use the dot and dab method (also called direct bonding): dabs of adhesive go on the wall and each board is pressed back to a straight edge, so the finished wall is flat even when the masonry behind it is not.
It is quicker, cleaner and drier than traditional plastering, so rooms are ready for skim or decoration much sooner. Alongside dot and dab we tack boards to timber and build metal stud walls, so we can line every wall on a project.
What's included
- Walls checked for damp, loose material and suction
- Continuous adhesive ribbons around edges, openings and sockets for air-tightness
- Adhesive dabs at the correct spacing across each board
- Boards plumbed and levelled to a straight edge and laser
- Window reveals, returns and corners formed neatly
- Secondary mechanical fixings where the board system requires them
- Sockets and services cut in accurately
- Finished ready for skim or tape and joint
Why it works
The benefits of drylining (dot & dab)
- 01
Quicker and drier
No long drying time like wet plaster, so decorating can follow much sooner.
- 02
Straight from uneven walls
The adhesive takes up irregular masonry so the finished face is flat.
- 03
Less mess on site
A largely dry process, with far less water and mess than a full plaster job.
- 04
Consistent finish
A smooth, even surface every time, ready for skim or a dry finish.
Options
Systems we install
Who it's for
Housing & commercial
Housing
Homeowners, builders and developers.
- Renovations
- Replacing old plaster
- Block-built extensions
- New builds
- Garage conversions
Commercial
Main contractors, fit-out firms and businesses.
- Blockwork new builds
- Office and school refurbishments
- Stairwells and cores
- Retail units
Our work
From our sites
How it works
Simple from start to finish
- 01
Tell us about the job
Use the quote form, call or send photos on WhatsApp.
- 02
Free site visit
We measure up, check the walls and ceilings and talk through options.
- 03
Clear written quote
An itemised price by system and area, with no vague provisional sums.
- 04
We get it done
Built to programme, snagged with you and left clean and ready to finish.
FAQs
Drylining (Dot & Dab): your questions
Something else? Ask us when you request a quote, or call and talk it through.
What is drylining?
Drylining is lining walls (and ceilings) with plasterboard instead of applying wet plaster. The boards are bonded to masonry with dot and dab, screwed to timber (tacking) or fixed to a metal frame, then finished with a skim or tape and joint.
Is dot and dab better than plastering?
For most solid walls it is faster, cleaner and drier, and gives a very flat result. Traditional plaster still has its place on some period properties. We will advise which suits your walls.
Can you dot and dab onto old walls?
Yes, as long as the wall is sound and dry. Loose or flaking material is removed first, and any damp problem needs fixing before boarding.
Can I hang things on a dot and dab wall?
Yes, with the right fixings. For heavy items like TVs or kitchen units, tell us beforehand so we can add solid adhesive or backing in the right place.
Is dot and dab suitable for a party wall?
Dot and dab can carry sound through the dabs. Where noise from next door is the concern, we usually recommend an independent stud lining with acoustic board and insulation instead.
Other services
More from D&D
Timber studs02Tacking
Plasterboard screwed directly to timber stud walls and ceiling joists, ready for skim or tape and joint.Explore tacking
Metal stud03First & Second Fix Partitions
Metal stud partitions from first fix framing to second fix boarding, to divide rooms or create new layouts.Explore first & second fix partitions
Suspended04MF Ceilings
MF suspended plasterboard ceilings: a hidden metal grid that gives a flat, seamless ceiling below pipes, ducts and steels.Explore MF ceilings
Lift-out tiles05Grid Ceilings
Exposed-grid suspended ceilings with lift-out tiles for offices, shops and schools, coordinated with lights and services.Explore grid ceilings
Acoustic06Soundproofing
High-density acoustic plasterboard, resilient bars and mineral wool insulation fitted together to block noise.Explore soundproofing
Fire-rated07Fire Protection
Fire-rated plasterboard (typically pink-faced) to meet Building Regulations in kitchens, garage ceilings and loft conversions.Explore fire protection
Need drylining (dot & dab)? Let's price it.
Tell us about the job and we will come back with a clear, itemised price. Site visits are free.