Choosing the right plasterboard can make a big difference in both comfort and energy efficiency. For builders, homeowners, and renovators, the decision often comes down to two main types: acoustic plasterboard and insulated plasterboard. While both improve building performance, they serve different primary purposes. This guide explains their differences, performance, and ideal applications so you can select the right plasterboard for your project the first time.
What Is Acoustic Plasterboard?
Acoustic plasterboard is designed specifically to reduce sound transmission between rooms. Its composition typically includes denser gypsum and specialised cores that absorb and dampen noise, helping create quieter spaces. Acoustic boards are especially effective at controlling mid- to high-frequency sounds, such as voices, TVs, or office equipment.
Common uses:
- Bedrooms in multi-storey homes or flats
- Offices and conference rooms
- Recording or music studios
- Shared walls or ceilings where noise transfer is a concern
Benefits:
- Reduces sound transmission significantly
- Can improve room privacy and comfort
- Easy to install using standard plasterboard fixing methods
For maximum effectiveness, pair acoustic plasterboard with mineral wool insulation in cavities. This combination can dramatically reduce airborne noise, making it ideal for party walls or studio spaces.
What Is Insulated Plasterboard?
Insulated plasterboard, sometimes called thermal plasterboard, combines a standard plasterboard sheet with an insulating layer, often made from polystyrene, PU foam, or similar materials. Its primary function is thermal efficiency, helping maintain room temperature and reduce energy bills. While its acoustic performance is secondary, some sound reduction is achieved thanks to the density of the insulation layer.
Common uses:
- Loft conversions
- Exterior walls and cold spaces
- Rooms where heat retention is a priority
Benefits:
- Improves thermal performance, reducing heating costs
- Adds some sound reduction compared to standard plasterboard
- Ideal for projects targeting energy efficiency
|
Expert Advice: Choose insulated plasterboard for exterior walls or lofts if thermal performance is a key requirement. Adding acoustic layers on top can be considered if soundproofing is also important. |
Acoustic vs Insulated Plasterboard: Key Differences
The main differences between acoustic and insulated plasterboard are in sound reduction, thermal performance, and cost. Here’s a simple comparison:
|
Feature |
Acoustic Plasterboard |
Insulated Plasterboard |
|
Primary purpose |
Soundproofing |
Thermal insulation |
|
Sound reduction |
High |
Moderate |
|
Thermal performance |
Low |
High |
|
Typical cost |
Medium–High |
Medium |
|
Common applications |
Bedrooms, offices, studios |
Exterior walls, lofts, and cold rooms |
Best Use Cases for Each Type
Choosing the right board depends on the environment and your priorities:
Acoustic Plasterboard:
- Party walls between flats or shared houses
- Recording studios or home offices
- Rooms where noise transfer is the main concern
Insulated Plasterboard:
- Exterior walls and lofts
- Cold rooms or areas with poor thermal retention
- Renovations aimed at energy efficiency
If your project involves both thermal and acoustic considerations, planning the layers carefully can save time and money. Start with your primary goal, sound or heat, and add secondary layers as needed.
When to Combine Acoustic and Insulated Boards
In some projects, using both acoustic and insulated plasterboard can deliver optimal results. This approach is common in multi-storey residential builds or professional studios where both soundproofing and energy efficiency matter.
Layering options:
- Acoustic board first, insulated board second – prioritises soundproofing while adding thermal benefits.
- Insulated board first, acoustic board second – prioritises thermal insulation with additional sound reduction.
Installation tip: Ensure boards are staggered and joints sealed properly. Adding mineral wool or acoustic foam between layers maximises sound attenuation.
|
Expert Advice: Professional builders often use a combination approach for party walls in apartments. This ensures that both residents’ comfort and energy efficiency are maintained without unnecessarily doubling costs. |
Professional Insight
From a trade perspective, the decision often involves balancing sound, thermal efficiency, and budget. Here are key considerations:
- Building regulations: Acoustic performance may be required for new flats or rental properties. Thermal performance is increasingly regulated for energy efficiency.
- Long-term costs: Acoustic plasterboard alone doesn’t improve energy efficiency, and insulated plasterboard alone won’t meet strict soundproofing requirements in certain builds.
- Installation efficiency: Combining boards requires careful planning, but it can save time over retrofitting later.
Construction Megastore’s performance plasterboard solutions are selected with these factors in mind, offering options for both acoustic and thermal priorities, as well as combination installations.
Final Recommendations
- Choose acoustic plasterboard if noise reduction is your priority: bedrooms, offices, studios, and shared walls.
- Choose insulated plasterboard if energy efficiency is your main goal: lofts, exterior walls, and cold spaces.
- Combine both when projects demand both acoustic and thermal performance. Layering correctly ensures optimal comfort and compliance with regulations.
By understanding the differences and applications, you can select the right board the first time, avoiding costly mistakes or retrofits.
Shop Performance Plasterboard Options Now
Find the right plasterboard for your project from our range of high-performance boards and accessories. Whether you need soundproofing, thermal insulation, or both, we have solutions to suit every build.
Acoustic Plasterboard
Explore our selection of acoustic plasterboard, designed to reduce noise transmission and improve privacy in homes, offices, and studios. Perfect for bedrooms, shared walls, and recording spaces, these boards pair easily with insulation to maximise soundproofing.
Shop Acoustic Plasterboard →
Insulated Plasterboard
Discover our insulated plasterboard options for energy-efficient walls, lofts, and cold rooms. These boards combine standard plasterboard with insulating layers to help retain heat, reduce energy bills, and improve overall thermal performance.
Shop Insulated Plasterboard →
Jointing Accessories
Ensure a professional finish with our range of jointing accessories, including tape, compounds, and finishing tools. Proper jointing helps boards perform at their best, whether you’re focusing on soundproofing or thermal insulation.
Explore Jointing Accessories →
