Lesson 1Metal stud erection: fixing tracks to floor/ ceiling, setting studs plumb, spacing, bracing, and cutting to fitMaster putting up metal stud walls by attaching tracks, setting studs straight and square, managing gaps and supports, and matching openings and services for a strong, precise frame for plasterboard.
Fixing head and floor tracks securelySetting studs plumb and alignedStud spacing at 400mm or 600mmNogging, bracing, and stiffeningForming openings within stud wallsLesson 2Fixing plasterboard: screw patterns, board orientation (stagger joints), cutting for openings and returnsLearn right plasterboard attachment, including board direction, joint offsetting, screw layouts, and cutting for openings, while managing gaps, edge support, and damage for a stable, even lining ready for finish.
Board orientation on walls and ceilingsStaggering vertical and horizontal jointsScrew types, spacing, and edge distancesCutting boards for sockets and servicesForming returns, corners, and soffitsLesson 3Trim and finishing: beads, movement joints, perimeter seals, and prepping for paintingLearn to fit trims, beads, movement joints, and edge seals, then ready surfaces for painting by fixing small faults, cleaning dust, and using proper primers for strong decorative finishes.
Fixing angle and stop beadsDefining and sealing movement jointsPerimeter acoustic and fire sealsFilling pinholes and minor blemishesDust removal and primer selectionLesson 4Preparing substrate: cleaning, repairing loose masonry, raking out joints, treating damp or contaminationLearn to prepare bases for dry lining by cleaning, fixing, and steadying stonework, handling moisture and dirt, and making a solid, even, matching base that holds adhesion and performance long-term.
Cleaning and degreasing wall surfacesRaking out and repairing loose jointsRebonding hollow or friable masonryTreating damp, salts, and stainingPrimers and bonding agents selectionLesson 5Taping and jointing sequence: joint tape selection, setting coat, fill coat, finish coat, sanding and defect inspectionFollow a clear taping and joining order, from tape choice and base coats to fill, finish, and sanding, while managing drying, light, and fault checks for smooth, paint-ready surfaces.
Choosing paper or mesh joint tapeApplying setting and fill coatsFinish coats and feathering edgesDrying times and environmental controlSanding, backlighting, and snag checksLesson 6Final inspection and handover checks: plumb, flatness tolerances, acoustic checks (basic in-situ tests)Understand final checks and handover, including straightness and evenness limits, joint quality, noise checks, and records, ensuring dry lining meets specs and is ready for next workers.
Checking plumb, level, and flatnessInspecting joints, beads, and cornersBasic in-situ acoustic performance checksRecording defects and remedial actionsHandover documentation and sign-offLesson 7Installing insulation and allowances for services: routing electrical and data, using service zones and conduit strategiesFind out how to fit insulation and plan services in dry lining, using service areas, pipes, and covers to protect wires and keep noise, fire, and heat performance without harming linings.
Types and placement of cavity insulationService zones in walls and ceilingsRouting electrical and low-voltage dataConduit, capping, and cable protectionMaintaining fire and acoustic integrityLesson 8Door and window reveals: framing reveals, jamb linings, lintel/ disable transition detailsUnderstand how to frame and line door and window edges, including stud framing, side linings, beam details, and shifts to nearby finishes, while keeping spaces, fire, and noise performance.
Framing studs around openingsSetting jamb studs and trimmersBoarding window and door revealsLintel and head detail treatmentsManaging movement and sealant gapsLesson 9Dot-and-dab adhesive method: adhesive specification, dab patterns, board positioning and temporary fixationUnderstand the spot adhesive method, including glue types, mixing, spot layout, and board placing, while controlling straightness, evenness, curing, and temp support for secure, even linings on stone walls.
Adhesive types and manufacturer specsMixing, pot life, and workability checksSetting out dab lines and patternsPositioning boards and tapping to lineTemporary props and curing timesLesson 10Setting out and marking: datum lines, plaster thickness allowances, stud centers (600mm or 400mm), and door/window revealsBuild accurate marking skills by setting base lines, checking levels and straightness, allowing for plaster thickness, and noting stud centers, openings, and edges for consistent, teamed dry lining layouts.
Establishing horizontal datum linesTransferring levels and checking plumbAllowances for plaster and skim depthMarking stud centers and grid linesSetting out door and window openings
