It's not overly difficult to apply plasterboard to your home's walls, and with the right tools and a bit of knowhow, you may be able to tackle this job on your own. Before you begin, be sure you've measured the boards and the wall space and have room to work. This will ensure that you reduce the risk of damaging any sheets of plasterboard you may have and that the job looks perfect once you're finished.

1. Use a half sheet as the low board

One trick you might try is to use a half sheet as the low board rather than the high board. This means that you install a full sheet of plasterboard from the ceiling down and then cut a board for the remaining height and add this to the bottom of the wall. Many homeowners start from the bottom of the wall, add a full sheet of plasterboard, and then add a half board to the top. However, using a half sheet as the low board will keep any join marks below your normal line of sight, for a better looking finish to your project.

2. Adding adhesive

Only add adhesive to the wall studs for the board you're applying, and then add adhesive to the next set of studs for the next board. Don't add adhesive to all the wall studs and then start applying the boards, as the adhesive might dry slightly as you work. In turn, it may not adhere as it should to the board. You also want to avoid adding adhesive to the end studs of a wall, as it might shrink and cause the nails to rise up slightly. This isn't typically a problem with nails you cover over in the middle of the wall but for end studs, you may be able to see the nails from the side when they rise.

3. Use the score/cut/fold method

One mistake that some homeowners make in cutting plasterboard is trying to cut all the way through the material. This can damage the material as you try to force the cut. Instead, score the line you want cut, then cut gently through the plasterboard without forcing your blade, and then fold the plasterboard along this line. The material will come apart naturally without crumbling or breaking when you use this method. You can do the same if you have extra material at the end of the wall after the boards are hung.