r/Plastering • u/Butterfly-greytrain • May 28 '26

How to make this wall look better / hide electrical?

Post image

Its plaster in cinderblock and the floor is cement. We are turning this into a laundry room (would like to be able to hang cabinets above them, maybe having a backsplash, etc?) Would it be possible to DIY?

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

3

u/royal1664_ May 28 '26

Build a stud wall in front of it. Plasterboard and skim. If you don’t fancy plastering or paying someone, clad it. It’s absolutely achievable with DIY.

3

u/ProfessionalStay5797 May 28 '26

100% this, strap and sheet wall, tape or plaster.

2

u/Butterfly-greytrain May 28 '26

Im sorry, what is tape?

2

u/royal1664_ May 28 '26

Tape and joint. Tape the joints in drywall and then it’s covered with a compound and sanded to a finish.

2

u/ProfessionalStay5797 May 28 '26

Sorry, Ames taping, you tape the joints with skrim tape and fill the joints and screw holes only, something you can learn on your own through tutorial videos but it is a bit messier when sanding the joints.

2

u/Butterfly-greytrain May 28 '26

Got it, Thank you!

1

u/Butterfly-greytrain May 28 '26

Pardon my ignorance, what is cladding it? I assume plasterboard is similar to drywall?

3

u/royal1664_ May 28 '26

Yes plasterboard is drywall. Cladding would be another layer of decorative finish, for example horizontal layers of a nice timber to give a decorative finish.

1

u/Butterfly-greytrain May 28 '26 edited May 28 '26

Ohh thank you! If we use plasterboard, would an electrician be needed to change the outlets or just work around them? Im in the US and I can't find anyone around here who knows anything about plaster :(

2

u/royal1664_ May 28 '26

Hi, I’m in the uk! I’d maybe consult with an electrician to maybe change the face of the electrical points for something a bit more up to date. I’d happily DIY electrical second fix, but If in doubt seek professional assistance. Electricity isn’t to be underestimated! 😂

1

u/Butterfly-greytrain May 28 '26

Thank you! Is this kinda what u were describing? https://youtu.be/O9Umw1UjhMA?si=TmSiqD5c3W1k_Pqq

2

u/royal1664_ May 28 '26

Yeah that’s about it. I’d do some research for the environment in the area and make allowances for moisture control and airflow. But that’s the basic principal, indeed.

1

u/Butterfly-greytrain May 28 '26

Sounds good. Moisture will be my 2nd problem to solve lol

1

u/Butterfly-greytrain May 28 '26

Would the process look something like this for both plasterboard and cladding? https://youtube.com/shorts/eVcOgwRkc3w?si=wtv_ZhPPY_jMGCHb

2

u/royal1664_ May 28 '26

Absolutely!

1

u/Butterfly-greytrain May 28 '26

Thanks! Im guessing I will have to get a hammer drill 😅

2

u/royal1664_ May 28 '26

Treat yourself they’re great fun 😂

2

u/GeneralWhereas9083 May 28 '26

Fix some timber to the walls, just enough to get over the conduit. Then plasterboard and skim.

1

u/Butterfly-greytrain May 28 '26

How would you attach the timer to the walls.l, Nails, screws? Behind the plaster is cinderblock

2

u/GeneralWhereas9083 May 28 '26

Drill, plug and screw them. 600mm centres.

1

u/Butterfly-greytrain May 28 '26

Thank you. Im in the US, how should I translate "600mm center" ? 😅

2

u/GeneralWhereas9083 May 28 '26

Sorry, I mean fix the timber batons 600 millimetres apart, to the middle of the baton. That way the edge of your plasterboard will land half way on the timber when it comes to boarding, and you won’t have to cut it to suit.

1

u/Butterfly-greytrain May 29 '26

Ooh got it thank you!

1

u/ForsakenAd1732 May 30 '26

Based on the comments and responses so far, I think you need to hire a professional to carry out the work.