What overboarding is
New sheets of plasterboard are screwed through the existing ceiling into the joists above, so the old ceiling stays where it is, sandwiched in place. The joints between the new boards are taped, and the whole ceiling is skimmed to a smooth finish ready to paint.
When it makes sense
- Cracked ceilings, especially long cracks that keep coming back after filling.
- Lath and plaster ceilings that are tired, uneven or starting to let go in places.
- Textured ceilings that are cracked or flaking, where skimming over isn't enough.
- Uneven ceilings that would never look flat with a skim alone.
- Upgrades, such as adding fire-resistant or acoustic board under a bedroom or a loft conversion.
Overboard or take it down?
| Overboarding | Taking the ceiling down | |
|---|---|---|
| Mess | Moderate | A great deal of dust and debris |
| Time | Shorter | Longer, with clearing and disposal |
| Old ceiling | Stays in place, held by the new board | Removed completely |
| When it's right | The old ceiling is still attached and the joists are sound | The ceiling is collapsing, soaked, or the joists need work |
Overboarding isn't always right. A ceiling that's badly sagging, coming away in large sections, or has been soaked through by a leak may need taking down first. If the joists themselves are damaged, they need dealing with before anything goes back up. We'll look before recommending either.
How we overboard a ceiling
- Clear and protect the room. Ceiling work drips; the floor is sheeted and the room cleared as far as possible.
- Find the joists and check the old ceiling is still held up well enough to board over.
- Take down light fittings and make sure cables are long enough to come through the new ceiling.
- Fix the new boards with screws long enough to pass through the old ceiling and into the joists, at the right spacing, with the joints staggered.
- Tape the joints and fit beads where needed.
- Skim the ceiling in two coats to a smooth, flat finish.
Choosing the board
Most ceilings are overboarded with standard plasterboard of a suitable thickness for the joist spacing. Some rooms call for something different. Bathroom ceilings take a lot of steam, so moisture-resistant board is the better choice there. Fire-resistant board is often used where extra fire protection is needed, such as under a loft conversion or above an integral garage, and building regulations may set what's required. Acoustic board can help cut down noise from the room above.
A few things to know
The ceiling drops slightly. A new layer of board lowers the ceiling by the thickness of the board. In most rooms, nobody notices, though it's worth checking around the tops of doors and built-in cupboards.
Coving and cornice. Existing coving usually has to come off, or the new ceiling is boarded up to it, depending on what's there. It's often a good moment to fit new coving. See our page on coving and cornice fitting.
Weight. Overboarding adds weight to the joists. Sound joists normally take it without trouble, but they need to be in good condition.
Lights. If you want new downlights, now is the time. The electrician should do the first fix before the boards go up.
Period ceilings
In older houses, the ceiling may have an original cornice or ceiling rose worth keeping. Overboarding can sometimes be done up to an original cornice, keeping the detail in place. Where the ceiling is part of a listed building, changes can need consent, so check first.
Textured and Artex ceilings
Older textured coatings can contain asbestos. Because overboarding involves screwing through the old ceiling, it's worth having the coating tested first. The Health and Safety Executive lists textured coatings among the common places asbestos is found. If the ceiling is sound and flat enough, skimming over the texture may be an option instead. See our page on Artex ceiling smoothing.
Ceilings damaged by leaks
If a ceiling has been damaged by a leak from a bathroom or the roof, the leak needs fixing and the ceiling needs to dry out first. A ceiling that has stained but stayed firm can usually be overboarded. One that's bulging or soft needs taking down.
Frequently asked questions
What is ceiling overboarding?
Fixing new plasterboard over an existing ceiling, screwed through into the joists, then skimming it smooth.
Is overboarding better than replacing the ceiling?
Usually, yes, if the old ceiling is still attached and the joists are sound. It's quicker and far less messy.
Can you overboard a lath and plaster ceiling?
Yes, in most cases, as long as it isn't collapsing. Badly sagging sections may need taking down first.
Will overboarding lower my ceiling?
Only by the thickness of the board. In most rooms, it's not noticeable.
Can you overboard an Artex ceiling?
Yes. Have the coating tested for asbestos first, because the work involves screwing through it.
Are your quotes free?
Yes. Send us a photo of the ceiling and tell us about any cracks or sagging, and we'll come back to you with a free quote.
Ceiling past its best?
Send us a photo of the ceiling and tell us what's wrong with it. We'll come back to you with the options and a free quote. For the walls in the same room, see our page on plaster skimming and re-skimming.
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