Dryliner

Dryliners use plasterboard and panels to build internal walls, suspended ceilings and raised flooring in houses, offices and shops.


Typical Salary

£22,000 – £43,000

per year

Working Hours

40–44

hours per week

Career Area

Plasterers

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Day-to-day tasks

As a dryliner, you'll:

  • measure and cut plasterboard to the right size, following plans
  •  fix panels to timber and metal frames, or to ceiling joists, using studs
  •  cut panels to fit around doorways and create openings for windows
  •  seal joints using tape, filler or adhesive
  •  apply a thin layer of plaster over panels and joints, known as skimming
  •  sand down work areas ready for painting and decorating
  •  dispose of any building waste safely

Skills needed

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of maths 
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Entry requirements

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

Career progression

With experience and further training, you could move into:

  • site management
  •  estimating
  •  plastering
  •  drylining quantity surveying

You could also train apprentices in further education or set up your own business.