Dry Lining, Partitions & Ceilings

Professional drylining, metal stud partitioning, plastering and suspended ceiling installation for commercial and residential projects across the UK.

WHAT WE DO

What Is Dry Lining?

Dry lining is the process of lining interior walls and ceilings with plasterboard fixed to a metal stud or timber frame, rather than applying wet plaster directly to masonry. It's the standard method used in modern commercial fit-outs and refurbishments because it's faster to install, easier to finish to a high standard, and simple to adapt for insulation, soundproofing and fire protection. At Elite Fit Out & Drylining, our team handles everything from first-fix metal stud partitioning through to taping, jointing and a smooth skim finish, ready for decoration. Dry lining is used throughout new build and refurbishment projects - from single office partitions to full-floor commercial fit-outs - because it lets other trades start sooner, keeps programmes on track, and gives a wall or ceiling that's ready to paint, tile or fit out almost as soon as it's skimmed.

Tradesman adjusting a metal profile for a plasterboard ceiling frame - dry lining installation, Northamptonshire
Tradesman fixing plasterboard to a suspended ceiling frame with a screwdriver - commercial dry lining Northampton
THE BENEFITS

Why Choose Dry Lining Over Wet Plaster?

For most commercial and residential projects, dry lining has replaced traditional wet plastering as the standard build method. It's not just faster - a well-installed drylining system gives a straighter, more consistent finish and far more flexibility for what goes on, and in, your walls and ceilings.

OUR SPECIALISMS

Our Dry Lining Services

A single, experienced team covering every stage of the drylining process:

Close-up of a tradesman adjusting a metal profile during plasterboard ceiling installation - dry lining contractor Northamptonshire
Metal profile ceiling frame installed ready for plasterboard - dry lining process Northamptonshire
HOW WE WORK

Our Dry Lining Process

Every project follows the same clear process, whatever the size of the job:

01

Survey & Free Quote

We visit site (or work from your drawings), discuss what you need and provide a free, no-obligation quote with a realistic programme.

02

First-Fix Partitioning

Metal stud or timber frames are set out and fixed, with insulation, cabling and services first-fixed within the void where needed.

03

Boarding

Plasterboard is cut and fixed to the frame, selecting the right board – standard, fire-rated, acoustic or moisture-resistant – for each area.

04

Taping, Jointing & Skimming

Joints are taped and filled, then skimmed to a smooth, decoration-ready finish.

05

Snagging & Handover

We walk the finished areas with you, resolve any snags, and hand over a clean site ready for the next trade or for decoration.

Elite Fit Out & Drylining team member on a commercial dry lining project in Northamptonshire
OUR BENEFITS

Why Choose Us For Your Dry Lining Project

Elite Fit Out & Drylining is led by Steve and Faye, working with an experienced team of skilled tradespeople and trusted specialist subcontractors. Steve brings over 25 years' experience in construction, fit out and project delivery.

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25+ Years Experience

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Quality Workmanship

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Reliable Project Delivery

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Personal Service

WHO WE WORK WITH

Sectors We Cover

Our dry lining team works across commercial and residential projects of all sizes, including:

WHERE WE WORK

Areas We Cover

We carry out dry lining and commercial fit-out projects across:

…and further afield across the UK for larger commercial projects.

FAQS

Dry Lining Questions, Answered

What is dry lining?

Dry lining is a method of finishing interior walls and ceilings using plasterboard fixed to a metal stud or timber frame, rather than applying wet plaster straight onto masonry. It gives a fast, clean, high-quality finish and is the standard approach used in most modern commercial fit-outs and refurbishments.

What's the difference between dry lining and plastering?

Plastering applies a wet material directly to a wall surface, while dry lining builds a plasterboard-clad frame that’s taped, jointed and skimmed. Dry lining is faster to install, creates a straighter finish, and makes it easy to run insulation, cabling and services within the wall or ceiling void.

Do you install suspended ceilings and partitions as well as dry lining?

Yes. Alongside dry lining we install metal stud and glass partitions, suspended (grid) ceilings, and fire-rated or acoustic partitions, so we can deliver the full internal fit-out from a single point of contact.

How long does a dry lining project take?

Timescales depend on the size and complexity of the space, but most commercial dry lining and partitioning projects run from a few days for a single room to several weeks for a full office fit-out. We’ll give you a project timeline as part of your free quote.

What areas do you cover?

We’re based in Northamptonshire and carry out dry lining and commercial fit-out projects across Northampton, Corby, Kettering, Rushden, Daventry, Milton Keynes, Bedford and further afield across the UK.

How much does dry lining cost?

Cost depends on the area to be lined, the specification (standard, fire-rated or acoustic) and the finish required. Get in touch with your project details and we’ll provide a free, no-obligation quote.

Can you install fire-rated and acoustic-rated partitions to meet Building Regulations?

Yes. We install fire-rated and acoustic-rated plasterboard systems specified to meet Building Regulations Part B (fire safety) and Part E (sound insulation) requirements for the project.

Do you work in occupied buildings or outside normal hours?

Yes, we regularly work in occupied offices, shops and other live buildings, and can arrange evening or weekend working where a project needs minimal disruption to your business.

Have a Dry Lining Project in Mind?