Plasterboard Shelving

PresidentMike

Plasterboard shelves seem to be very easy to do and also inexpensive.

I have watched a few Youtube clips but mainly in Spanich and Brazilian. I couldn't find many references in English.

Is this a crazy idea that an Irish drywaller will not be willing to make? Or do you agree this is quite easy and inexpensive?

I am concerned that whoever I contact will think this is not doable and I would like to get opinions before I call someone.

I better add that my walls are timber frame (plasterboard on studs) and this would be the support for the new plasterboard shelves. The shelving units would run from the floor to the ceiling so they can also be supported on those.

Poor Uncle Tom

If I'm reading this right there would be just a layer of plasterboard at the back of the shelves between that and the next room?

mfceiling

Plasterboard won't really support much weight.

I did a few small ones a few years back but they were for artificial candles to go into and were for decoration only.

PresidentMike

Poor Uncle Tom wrote: »

If I'm reading this right there would be just a layer of plasterboard at the back of the shelves between that and the next room?

This is to be fixed to the external wall.
So, at the back of the shelves I'll have a layer of plasterboard, timber studs with insulation in between and blockwork.

PresidentMike

mfceiling wrote: »

Plasterboard won't really support much weight.

Do you not agree the metal frame will give it the necessary strength?

I've seen 2 ways of doing this:
1- with a metal frame and the plasterboard is fixed (glued? screwed?) to the structure. See YouTube clip here: http://youtu.be/n-dtrqMgUBs
2- with a thicker type of plasterboard (maybe structural...?) and without the metal structure. YouTube clip here: http://youtu.be/_G9BeNH4GWI

I do plan to have books on these shelves! Not candles...
Is this a crazy idea?

mfceiling

Simple enough to frame and build.

I'd still be inclined to use ply and then "cap" it with plasterboard to give it strength.

If you only wanted to use plasterboard then i would use "core board" or "plank" as it's called sometimes. 25mm thick and a fecker to cut!!

richban

I hate the idea of plasterboard shelves - I bought my house with some internal window boards removed - instead there's a plasterboard shelf at 2 windows - the plasterboard stains easily, can never be truly wiped clean and if it gets wet, its goodnight vienna - when i eventually get around to it, I'll tile these shelves. I'd seriously consider MDF - painted or sprayed finish for more gloss - surely its important to be able to wipe clean - plasterboard is also quite brittle in terms of knocks/ falling objects - thats just my opinion anyway