Dot & dab, the fast way to a flat wall.
Plasterboard bonded straight to blockwork or brick. A dry, flat finish in a fraction of the time of wet plaster, ready for skim or tape and joint.
- 24 years' experience
- Housing & commercial
- Suffolk & all of Essex
Dot & dab done properly
Dot and dab, also called sticking or direct bonding, means fixing plasterboard straight onto masonry walls with dabs of adhesive. It's the quickest way to line walls on new builds and extensions, and there's no long drying time before decorators can start.
Done properly it's straight and solid. We apply continuous ribbons of adhesive around the edges and openings, as the regulations require for airtightness, then tap the boards to the line so walls are flat and true. Window reveals, returns and sockets are cut neatly as we go.
We also fit thermal laminate boards, with insulation bonded to the back, to cut heat loss through external walls. That's ideal for older properties and extensions across Suffolk and Essex.
The benefits of dot & dab
Quick turnaround
No waiting days for wet plaster to dry before decorating.
Warmer walls
Thermal laminates add insulation to cold external walls.
Flat and true
Boards tapped to the line for a straight wall, even on uneven blockwork.
Cost-effective
An economical way to line whole houses and developments.
Systems we install
We'll recommend the right build-up for your budget and the performance you need when we survey, free of charge.
| System | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard dot & dab | New builds, extensions | Fastest dry lining to block or brick |
| Thermal laminate | External walls, older homes | Insulation bonded to the board for lower heat loss |
| Moisture-resistant | Kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms | Moisture-resistant board for damp-prone areas |
| Independent lining (alternative) | Very uneven or damp walls | A metal frame instead of adhesive, with space for services |
Housing & commercial
Housing
- Whole-house new builds
- Extensions and garage conversions
- Insulating external walls
- Refurbishing older homes
Commercial
- Housing developments
- Flats and apartments
- Commercial new builds
- Refurbishments to blockwork
From our sites
Real photos from our own jobs across Suffolk and Essex. See the full gallery
Simple from start to finish
Tell us about the job
Use our 1-minute quote form, call, or WhatsApp us some photos.
Free survey
We visit, measure up and recommend the right system.
Clear written quote
An itemised price and a start date, with no hidden extras.
Done properly
Tidy work, handed over ready for the next trade.
Dot & dab: your questions
Is dot and dab better than plastering?
It's faster and drier, so decorators can start sooner. It's ideal for new blockwork and extensions. Traditional wet plaster can still suit some period properties, and we'll advise honestly.
Will dot and dab walls sound hollow?
Fitted properly, with the right number of dabs and continuous perimeter ribbons, the wall feels solid and doesn't crack or drum.
Can you insulate walls with dot and dab?
Yes. Thermal laminate boards have insulation bonded to the back and are fixed the same way, a simple way to improve cold external walls.
What if my walls are very uneven or damp?
Very uneven or damp walls are better suited to an independent metal lining, which stands off the wall. We'll check during the survey and recommend the right option.
Dot & dab across Suffolk & Essex
Based in Sudbury, we cover the whole of Suffolk and Essex.
- Sudbury
- Ipswich
- Bury St Edmunds
- Lowestoft
- Felixstowe
- Colchester
- Chelmsford
- Braintree
- Basildon
- Southend-on-Sea
- Harlow
- Clacton-on-Sea
- + more towns
Other services
Need dot & dab? Let's price it.
Tell us about your project and get a free, no-obligation quote from a local specialist.