Ceiling plasterboard batten intervals

[markharro]

Hi I need to reduce a ceiling height a bit and intend to cross batten the exposed joists but my question is what is the normal width between battens - is 600mm ok?

[Iceverge]

I think it's 400mm for 12.5mm plasterboard. 

 

Maybe @nod will have the definitive answer. 

[JohnMo]

I did ours at 600mm and had to alter to 400mm

[G and J]

Our upstairs ceilings are 12.5mm plasterboard straight onto the bottom cord of the trusses at 600mm centres. 
 

The joints are supported by noggins, and maybe that’s less necessary if on 400mm centres. 
 

But these have been up 34 years and counting. 

Edited March 5 by G and J
Pertinent data missed off

[nod]

400 or 600

 

12.5 boards on 400 

If you use 600 centers you can’t use 12.5 boards Only 15 mil 

 

[crispy_wafer]

I've went a bit overkill 400's with 15mm, I battened with 22*100 sawn and plastic shims to take out the dips.

[Nickfromwales]

10 minutes ago, crispy_wafer said:

I've went a bit overkill 400's with 15mm, I battened with 22*100 sawn and plastic shims to take out the dips.

Adds a good bit to acoustics to do this, but surprisingly few people will pay the extra few £’s to ‘upgrade’. 
 

Seems madness as they’re paying to time and materials anyways, so why not do the ceilings in something that makes the house quieter / nicer to be in? 🤷‍♂️. 

[markharro]

Thanks for the advice. I am double sheeting so 2 x 12.5 - will 400mm centres by ok for that?

[Mr Punter]

Use resilient bar at 400ctrs instead of batten if there is habitable space above.

[Nickfromwales]

7 minutes ago, markharro said:

Thanks for the advice. I am double sheeting so 2 x 12.5 - will 400mm centres by ok for that?

Why are you double boarding? Is this for fire resistance? If not, just fit 1x 15mm.

 

If 2x 12.5 then you’ll defo need to be at 400mm oc because of the weight alone.

[Nickfromwales]

1 minute ago, Mr Punter said:

Use resilient bar at 400ctrs instead of batten if there is habitable space above.

Prob 300 if double boarding? Not sure what weight the RB can handle?

[markharro]

The double boarding is to allow getting the height done the precise amount so that the top of our tiles comes to the exact ceiling height. Its a shower room so sound not really an issue. May go with 300mm as small room so may as well make bombproof.

[Nickfromwales]

1 minute ago, markharro said:

The double boarding is to allow getting the height done the precise amount so that the top of our tiles comes to the exact ceiling height. Its a shower room so sound not really an issue. May go with 300mm as small room so may as well make bombproof.

That’s the kind of crazy I always did, so you’re in good company lol.  
 

“Continue”  

[markharro]

Good to have your approval Nick!

[JohnMo]

11 minutes ago, markharro said:

The double boarding is to allow getting the height done the precise amount so that the top of our tiles comes to the exact ceiling height.

You may well have included all this, but just in case

 

Have included the grout spacing in your calculations be a shame if it doesn't match perfectly.

 

Will you be skimming the ceiling or dry lining have you included this in the calculation?

 

Also, if a shower tray will this be bedded down on anything that may elevate it?

[nod]

31 minutes ago, markharro said:

Thanks for the advice. I am double sheeting so 2 x 12.5 - will 400mm centres by ok for that?

Perfect

[markharro]

@JohnMo thanks these are all very valid points but I have accounted for them yes!