4 Steps to Bend a Gypsum Board and Install It

Summary

 – Step 1: Draw the curved line of your partition on the floor before bending your plasterboard

 – Step 2: Install the metal tracks on the floor and ceiling

 – Step 3: Install the metal framing studs for your gypsum board

 – Step 4: Bend the gypsum board and install it

Bending plasterboard, i.e., giving it a rounded shape, is essential to creating a curved wall. Turning the plasterboard should be done simultaneously with installing your partition. 

Here’s how to bend the gypsum board.

1. Draw the curved line of your partition on the floor before bending your gypsum board

Before starting to bend your plasterboard, it is necessary to trace the curve of your wall on the floor by making a compass with string and a pencil:

 – Attach a piece of string by pointing it to the floor and then connect it to a pencil.

Good to know: the length of the string should be determined according to the curve you want to give to your wall.

 – Move the pencil across the floor to trace the curve of the wall.

 – Transfer the location of the compass point to the ceiling, using a plumb line on the point fixed to the floor.

 – Transfer the two ends of the arc of the circle to the ceiling.

 – Point the string at the ceiling and then retrace the curve by connecting the marked ends.

2. Install the metal tracks on the floor and ceiling

To install the metal tracks on the floor and ceiling:

 – Cut the rails every 5 cm or so with a nibbler so that they can be curved.

 – Position the low rails on the floor, lining up along the curved line.

 – Fasten the end of the rail to the floor using a dowel suitable for the substrate.

 – Shape the rail to the rounding shape, following the line.

 – Screw it into the floor every 30 cm.

 – Use the same method to attach the ceiling track.

3. Install the metal framing studs for your plasterboard

To install the metal framing studs for your gypsum board:

 – Measure the distance between the top and bottom rails.

 – Transfer this measurement to the rail studs, subtracting 1 cm.

 – Insert the starting stud between the rails, then turn it a quarter turn.

 – Attach it to the bottom rail with a crimping tool.

 – Check for verticality, then attach it to the ceiling rail.

 – Insert the other rails every 30 cm by turning them a quarter turn.

 – Secure all the studs in the rails with the crimping tool.

Important: check the verticality regularly with a level.

4. Bend the plasterboards and install them

The bending of the plasterboards is done as you install them. The plasterboards are bent lengthwise and must first be worked dry on 2 trestles close together:

 – Position a sheet of plasterboard on trestles with it sticking out on each side.

Good to know: the closer the trestles are, the more pronounced the curvature of the board will be.

 – If you want to speed up the shaping, you can add weight at each end of the board.

 – Moisten both sides of the plasterboard with a sponge to soften it.

 – Position the plasterboard lengthwise against the metal frame.

 – Temporarily hold the 2 ends to the studs with clamps.

 – Start fixing with 3 screws at the ends of the boards and 2 screws per stud.

 – Perform the same operation for each plasterboard: bending and fixing.

 – Once the first side of the wall is installed, do the same on the other side.

Materials needed to bend gypsum board.

Pencil 

Sponge 

String 

Plumb bob 

Tape measure 

Spirit level 

Crimping pliers 

Plasterboard 

Metal framing rail 

Clamp 

Trestles 

Plasterboard screws (trumpet head) 

Screwdriver

Read more:

5 Steps to Install a Plasterboard Wall