How do i attach my ceiling Gyprock?

[Debramac007]

I am converting half of my 9x7.5m garage into a sports room. Based on my research so far I’m going to use 70x35 framing timber for the walls at 600 centres and 175x47 ceiling joists at 600 centres also. Can I attach my ceiling sheets directly to the joists or do I need to attach battens first.

TIA

[EricL]

Hello @Debramac007 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your sports room project.

For your garage-to-sports-room conversion using 175x47 ceiling joists at 600mm centres, you can technically fix plasterboard ceiling sheets directly to the joists especially if you're using standard 10mm or 13mm plasterboard rated for ceiling use. However, while direct fixing is possible in some cases, there are several practical and long-term advantages to installing ceiling battens:

1. Straighter ceiling surface: Joists, especially timber ones, can have natural warping or variation over time. Ceiling battens help level out these inconsistencies, resulting in a flatter, more professional-looking ceiling finish.
    
2. Easier plasterboard installation: Steel or timber battens provide a consistent and uniform surface for fixing, reducing the chance of screw pops or sheet movement. They also make it easier to align sheet joins and reduce waste.
    
3. Better for lighting and services: Battens create a shallow cavity between the plasterboard and joists, which makes it easier to run electrical wiring, install downlights, or hide minor plumbing and ducting.
    
4. Reduced cracking: Batten systems allow for slight movement and can reduce stress on plasterboard joints, which helps prevent cracks from developing due to timber expansion or roof movement.
    
5. Acoustic and thermal insulation improvement: That small air gap created by battens can slightly improve acoustic dampening and thermal performance, especially when combined with insulation batts.

In summary, while you can screw plasterboard directly to ceiling joists spaced at 600mm, installing battens especially metal furring channels or timber ceiling battens at 450mm centres is a worthwhile investment for a flatter, stronger, and more durable ceiling, particularly in a living or activity space like a sports room.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric