Drywall Plaster Screws

Drywall plaster screws are a great choice for DIY enthusiasts or professional contractors. They can be used in commercial and residential settings. Perfect for home renovations, It’s important to use the correct drywall screws for the job at hand. Using the wrong screws can lead to structural issues and weak holds, possibly causing damage to your wall.

Our drywall plaster screws are best used for attaching plasterboard to metal and wooden studs. Being a specialised type of screw, they are manufactured to provide a strong maximum hold. The design also prevents damage to the gypsum core of the drywall, ensuring your wall remains stable for years to come.

Benefits of using Drywall Plaster Screws:

• Self Drilling Sharp Tip: Designed with a pointed tip,drywall plaster screws allow easy penetration and don’t require any pre-drilling. This saves time during installation.
• Fine Threads: The fine threads provide a strong, reliable, and secure grip on the plasterboard while reducing damage to the drywall.
• Specialist Design: Drywall plaster screws feature a countersunk head that sits flush with the drywall, helping to create a smoother finish and preparing the surface for jointing and taping.

Why choose Drywall Plasterboard Screws?

Whilst it might seem more cost effective to use cheaper alternatives such as typical wood screws or nails, It’s vital to use the correct screws on plasterboard. Using improper screws can lead to several problems. Whether you're planning on fixing drywall to metal studs or a timber frame, using the correct drywall plasterboard screw will provide a long lasting result. It’s important to understand that not all drywall screws are the same. Picking the right screws depends on several different factors. Consider the thickness of the plasterboard and condition of the instal;lation area. Understanding the different types of drywall screws will help you choose the perfect fastener for the job.

Drywall Screw Types & Uses

1. Coarse-Thread Drywall Screws

Best for: Wood studs and timber framing

Why they work: The wide, deep threads bite into wood for a strong hold, keeping drywall secure over time.

Common lengths: 25mm (for thin panels) up to 75mm (thicker walls or double layers).

Head type: Bugle head (countersinks smoothly into drywall).

These are the ideal screws for most home construction. Their grip prevents drywall from sagging or pulling away from wood studs.

2. Fine-Thread Drywall Screws

Best for: Metal studs and steel framing

Why they work: The tighter, finer threads reduce stripping in thin metal and help avoid cracking the drywall.

Common lengths: 25mm to 50mm (standard for metal studs).

Head type: Bugle or wafer head (distributes pressure evenly).

If you're working with metal framing, these screws are a must. They stay secure without wobbling or chewing up the studs.

3. Self-Drilling Drywall Screws

Best for: Heavy duty metal framing and commercial jobs

Key advantage: No pre-drilling needed. The sharp tip cuts through metal on its own.

Common lengths: 32mm to 75mm (for thick steel studs).

Extra protection: Often zinc or ceramic coated to resist rust.

These save serious time on big projects. Just drive them straight in, no pilot holes required.

Picking the Right Length

• Single layer drywall (12.5mm): 32mm screws (at least 15mm into the stud).
• Double layer drywall: 50mm screws for a solid anchor.
• Ceilings: 38mm-50mm screws for extra holding power.

Drywall Screws FAQs

What is the difference between drywall screws and regular screws?

Drywall screws feature a bugle head that sits flush with the surface, preventing paper tearing, and have fine or coarse threads specifically designed for plasterboard. Regular screws lack these features and may split the drywall or fail to hold securely.

Can I use drywall screws for wood?

Yes, but only coarse-thread drywall screws should be used for wood framing. Fine-thread screws are designed for metal and may not grip wood effectively.

How long should drywall screws be?

For standard 12.5mm plasterboard, 32mm screws are ideal. For double-layer installations, 50mm screws ensure proper penetration. Ceilings may require slightly longer screws (38mm-50mm) for added strength.

Do drywall screws rust?

Standard black phosphate screws offer minimal rust resistance and are best for indoor use. In humid areas (bathrooms, basements), zinc-plated or galvanised screws are recommended.

How many drywall screws per sheet?

A standard 2.4m x 1.2m sheet requires:

• 32 screws for walls (spaced 300mm apart on studs)
• 40–45 screws for ceilings (spaced 150mm–200mm apart for extra support)

Can drywall screws be used for plasterboard ceilings?

Yes, but they must be long enough to penetrate the studs properly (at least 32mm for single-layer, 50mm for double-layer). Using screws that are too short can lead to sagging over time.

What’s the best screw for metal stud drywall?

Fine-thread drywall screws (25mm–50mm) are best for metal frames. Self-drilling screws are even better for heavy-duty applications, as they eliminate the need for pre-drilling.