what is a dryliner?
Most modern buildings forego plastering for wall or ceiling linings. A dryliner is a skilled tradesperson who constructs ceilings and wall linings. You can create drywalls in various buildings, from offices to airport terminals and residential properties. The role also involves adding partitions to rooms using metal framing systems and plasterboards to improve the layout of the space.
The purpose of lining walls is to prepare the surfaces for decorations by creating a smooth surface. When you attach plasterboard to a wall, you can easily paint or add wallpaper. It reduces the hassle of waiting for the plaster to dry up before painting. Aside from improving the aesthetics, dryliners use boards to hide electrical wires and pipes. As a dryliner, you also enhance insulation with specialised materials or soundproof the rooms.
what does a dryliner do?
Dryliners work with plasterboards of various thicknesses and sizes alongside other unique materials required for attaching linings to walls. Some fixing techniques require nails, adhesives and screws. You also need sealants or tape to cover the joints and any nails or screws visible on the plasterboard. If the surface isn't smooth, you should sand it to achieve a smooth finish.
Would working in construction as a dryliner suit your interest in creating unique spaces using simple materials? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a dryliner role.
average salary of a dryliner
According to National Careers, the average salary of a dryliner is £17,000 per year at the entry-level position. As you improve your skills and increase your expertise, you can earn up to £30,000 per year. Aside from the basic salary, dryliners also enjoy various allowances and benefits such as medical insurance and contribution to pension schemes. When you work overtime, you will receive extra payments for the overtime hours. Some companies have end-of-year bonuses and incentives like paid vacations for full-time workers.
how to increase your salary as a dryliner
Your earnings as a dryliner mostly rely on the level of expertise and the project size. When you are an entry-level dryliner, you have few transferrable skills and experience, making it hard for you to negotiate higher wages. However, when you have a few years of experience and specialised skills in drylining, your compensation package increases, and you may receive additional benefits. The company also determines the salary range. For instance, if your employer deals with large-scale projects like commercial buildings or shopping centres, the resources are unlimited, and your salary will be high. However, the earnings are low when working on a residential property since it is a small-scale project with limited resources.
types of dryliners
The types of dryliners include:
- drylining fixer: as a dryliner fixer, you focus on construction and put together walls and ceiling linings or partitions based on the plans and detailed drawings. You need to measure and prepare the walls to fix the plasterboards by laying the metal frames supporting the boards. You can use adhesives or screws to fit the linings in place.
- drylining finisher: as a dryliner finisher, you ensure the wall linings or ceilings are smooth and ready for decorations. You should sand the surface after filling the joints for a seamless finish.
working as a dryliner
If you enjoy creating functional walls to add decorative features, you will have fun working as a dryliner. Let's look at the work environment and the tasks of a dryliner.
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dryliner job description
As a dryliner, the standard tasks and duties include:
- studying building plans: as a dryliner, you study building plans to determine the ideal walls for adding the linings. The plans also indicate areas with pipes that should be covered or walls that require insulation and soundproofing. If your project requires partitions, you can check the plans to identify areas for installing the partitions.
- measuring and cutting boards: after measuring the walls, ceilings or floors that require lining, you should cut the plasterboards for creating the partitions and linings. It is also crucial to prepare metal or timber joists that will hold the boards on the walls.
- fixing boards on the walls: when the metal frame is in place, you can use nails to attach the plasterboard in place. Alternatively, use screws to support the plasterboard on the walls. Some dryliners attach boards directly on the walls without a metal frame using dabs of adhesive to stick them on the internal wall unit.
- sealing joints and gaps on the walls: if you find openings on the walls, you need to fill them appropriately. You can cut plasterboards to fit the spaces around doorways and windows. If the wall has joints, find fillers and adhesives to seal them. Alternatively, use tape to cover the spaces between plasterboard sheets or use some plaster to conceal the protruding nail heads. When the plaster dries off, sand the area for a smooth finish.
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work environment
As a dryliner, you will work indoors since wall linings and partitions are installed inside buildings. While the building protects you from harsh weather conditions, new houses are cold and draughty if the windows aren't installed. Fortunately, you won't be exposed to dust since you don't use plaster. Besides, cutting plasterboards and using adhesives leaves the workspace clean. Working as a dryliner involves a lot of lifting and bending. You also spend hours on your feet measuring walls and areas to add partitions. Some projects require working on high walls to install linings, and you need to wear protective clothing like helmets.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the nature of your work, your colleagues might include carpenters, plumbers and painters. You may also work with electricians, estimators and other specialists that could consist of plasterers, site managers and architects.
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work schedule
The work schedule of a dryliner starts from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays for over 39 hours. While you can complete most of the work during the day, sometimes you have to work evenings or weekends. For instance, some office blocks or shopping malls projects require dryliners to work at night to minimise business disruptions. Most dryliners work full-time positions, but you can find part-time roles or short-term contracts. Your job involves a lot of travelling from one project site to the next, but you will rarely work outside your local area.
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job outlook
Dryliners have numerous opportunities for growth since it is a relatively new career. Nowadays, many construction projects have replaced plastering with drylining. You can specialise in drylining, fixing or finishing roles. Alternatively, improve your skills and qualifications and become a design engineer, carpenter or site manager. Some dryliners provide painting or window fitting services. Self-employment is also a possibility, but you should improve your skills to increase your prospects.
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advantages of finding a dryliner job through randstad
Finding your dryliner job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a dryliner is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Start your journey to becoming a dryliner with the following educational qualifications:
- college: to become a dryliner, you have to attend college training. You can do a Level 1 diploma in drylining operations if you have 2 GCSE at grades 3 to 1, or go for a Level 2 or 3 diploma in drylining. The diploma course requires 2 GCSEs in grades 9 to 3.
- traineeship or short courses: instead of attending college, you can do a short course that takes six months to help you gain work experience and skills for the role. Adults from 16 to 24 years qualify for a traineeship.
- apprenticeship: become a dryliner through apprenticeship and learn the trade as you work for 30 hours a week. The intermediate apprenticeship in drylining takes about two years. You need some GCSEs in English and maths to qualify for the apprenticeship.
skills and competencies
The following skills are beneficial for dryliners:
- knowledge in construction: as a dryliner, you apply many construction skills to accomplish your tasks. For instance, you may need to construct frames or mix plaster for sealing joints in your wall lining. Knowledge in construction helps you perform your tasks with minimal effort.
- attention to detail: your job is to ensure the wall or ceiling linings don't leave any gaps. If you are attentive to details, you can identify places that need extra layers of plasterboard or sealants to cover nail heads and screws.
- team skills: when you prepare plasterboards for the walls, you will work with a team. You need interpersonal skills to collaborate with them and incorporate their ideas. Communication skills also help you communicate instructions clearly to avoid mistakes.
- creativity: while dryliners don't perform decorative duties, you use your creativity to ensure the wall linings transform the interior space. If the drawing plans don't specify and create a functional space, you can identify the perfect places for partitions.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a dryliner
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is drylining a good trade?
Becoming a dryliner is a promising trade since many buildings are moving to drylining from plastering. The profession also gives you numerous opportunities for career growth.
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is drylining better than plastering
Drylining uses dry materials that accomplish tasks quickly compared to wet plastering, which takes longer to dry.
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is drylining difficult?
Lining walls or ceilings with plasterboard is simple and only requires measuring and cutting the boards. You don't need specialised skills to complete the tasks.
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what tools does a dryliner need?
A dryliner needs simple tools to attach plasterboards. For instance, you can use a hammer or screw gun to fit the boards on the walls. Want to learn more about working as a dryliner? Then check out this article.
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how much does a plasterer make in the UK?
A dryliner makes between £17,000 and £30,000 per year in the UK. The salary depends on your qualifications.
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how do I apply for a dryliner vacancy?
Applying for a dryliner job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
