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Project guide

Stud wall materials list: what do I need?

A timber stud partition is CLS studs at 400mm centres between a head and sole plate, boarded both sides. Here is everything on the list and how much of each.

Updated Based on manufacturer guidance, sources below

The short answer

For a 3.5m long, 2.4m high wall with one doorway, insulated: 19 lengths of 38 x 89mm CLS (12 studs plus plates, noggins and the door head), 6 sheets of 12.5mm plasterboard, 2 rolls of acoustic insulation, 1 box of 42mm drywall screws, 1 roll of scrim, 2 bags of Multi-Finish and frame fixings.

The formula

  • Studs = wall length / 0.4 + 1, plus 2 per doorway
  • Plates = 2 x (wall length / 2.4), rounded up; 1 row of noggins (2 if over 2.4m high)
  • Plasterboard = (length x height - 1.7 m² per door) x 2 sides / 2.88 x 1.1
  • Multi-Finish = board area (both sides) x 1.1 / 10

Worked example

A 3.5m wall, 2.4m high, one doorway, insulated:

  • Studs: 3.5 / 0.4 = 8.75, so 9 + 1 + 2 for the door = 12 studs
  • Plates 4, noggins 2, door head 1: 19 lengths of 2.4m CLS in total
  • Board: (8.4 - 1.7) x 2 = 13.4 m², so 13.4 / 2.88 x 1.1 = 6 sheets
  • Insulation: 6.7 m² / 6 m² per roll = 2 rolls. Multi-Finish: 2 bags

Work it out for your job

Change the measurements and the quantities update straight away.

Studs
12 at 400mm centres
Board area
13.4 m² (both sides)
Noggin rows
1

Your list

  • 19CLS 38 x 89mm x 2.4m (studs, plates, noggins)
  • 612.5mm plasterboard, both sides
  • 2Acoustic insulation roll 100mm (6 m² each)
  • 142mm drywall screws, boxes of 1000
  • 1Scrim tape, 90m rolls
  • 2Multi-Finish plaster, 25kg bags
  • 1Screws 5 x 60mm for the frame, packs of 200
  • 1Frame fixings 10 x 100mm, pack of 100
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Materials checklist

  • CLS timber 38 x 89mmStuds at 400mm centres, head and sole plates, noggins and door heads.
  • 12.5mm plasterboardBoth sides of the wall, plus 10% for cuts.
  • Acoustic insulation roll 100mmFills the cavity to cut sound through the wall.
  • 42mm drywall screwsAt 300mm centres, reaching at least 25mm into the studs.
  • Scrim tapeOver every board joint, both sides.
  • Multi-Finish plasterA 2mm skim, both sides.
  • Wood screws 5 x 60mmTo fix studs and noggins to the plates.
  • Frame fixings 10 x 100mmTo fix the frame to the floor, ceiling and walls about every 600mm.

You'll also need

  • Door lining set and architrave for each doorway
  • Long 5 x 100mm screws if fixing into timber joists
  • Spirit level, saw, drill/driver
  • Plastering trowel, mixing paddle and bucket
  • Dust mask and safety glasses

Step by step

  1. Mark outMark the line of the wall on the floor and ceiling, using a level or laser to keep it plumb.
  2. Fix the platesFix the sole plate to the floor and the head plate to the ceiling joists.
  3. Fit the studsFit studs at 400mm centres, plus a stud each side of every doorway and a head over it.
  4. Add nogginsFit a row of noggins to stiffen the frame and support board joints and fixtures.
  5. Board, insulate and skimBoard one side, fit the insulation, board the other side, then tape and skim.

Tips from the manufacturers

  • Studs are the wall height minus the two 38mm plates. Walls taller than about 2.48m need longer CLS than 2.4m.
  • Use 42mm drywall screws: 12.5mm board plus at least 25mm into the timber, as British Gypsum specifies, at 300mm centres.
  • New walls around bedrooms and bathrooms in new homes and conversions must meet the Part E sound rules (Rw 40dB). Mineral wool in the cavity with 12.5mm board each side is the usual way to meet them.
  • Plan where sockets, switches, shelves or a TV will go and add noggins there before boarding.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Forgetting the extra studs and head for a doorway.
  • Leaving out noggins, which makes the wall flex and the board joints crack.
  • Using 32mm screws that do not reach far enough into the studs.
  • Not checking Building Regulations when the wall creates a new room, affects an escape route, or blocks a window or ventilation.

Frequently asked questions

How far apart should studs be?

400mm centres for 12.5mm plasterboard, so the board edges land on a stud. 600mm centres are sometimes used with thicker board.

What size timber for a stud wall?

38 x 89mm CLS is the usual choice for a non-structural partition. 63mm CLS suits thinner walls with less height.

How many sheets of plasterboard for a stud wall?

Work out the wall area, double it for both sides, divide by 2.88 m² per sheet and add 10%. A 3.5 x 2.4m wall with one door needs 6 sheets.

Does a stud wall need insulation?

It is not always required, but acoustic insulation makes a big difference around bedrooms and bathrooms. In new homes and conversions, Part E sound rules apply.

Do I need Building Regulations approval for a stud wall?

A non-structural partition does not usually need planning permission, but the work may need to meet Building Regulations, for example on sound, fire escape routes or ventilation. Ask your council's Building Control if you are unsure.

Sources

Quantities are estimates for typical jobs, using the coverage figures above. Products vary, so check the data sheet for the product you buy, and talk to a professional for structural, electrical or gas work. SmartBuild is independent and not affiliated with any of the manufacturers listed.

How much plasterboard do I need?Each standard 2400 x 1200mm sheet covers 2.88 m². Divide your area by that, add 10% for cuts, then work out the screws, tape and plaster to go with it. How much plaster do I need to skim a room?A finish skim is about 2mm thick. British Gypsum says a 25kg bag of Multi-Finish covers about 10 m² at that thickness. How much paint do I need for a room?Measure the walls, take off doors and windows, multiply by the number of coats and divide by 12. Here is the rule, a worked example and a calculator that does it for you.

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