Drywall on the Costa del Sol: A Complete Guide for Expats

If you are an expat on the Costa del Sol looking to renovate your home, drywall (known in Spain as pladur) is likely the best solution for most interior work. This guide explains what is available, what to expect and how to work with a local specialist.

What is pladur?

In Spain, drywall and plasterboard are known as pladur — a brand name that became the generic term, like Hoover for vacuum cleaners. It is identical to British plasterboard or American drywall: a gypsum board fixed to a metal frame. The installation process and end result are exactly what you would expect from a UK or US contractor.

What can drywall do for your home?

• Partition walls: Divide a large room, create a home office or separate the living room from the dining area. Installed in one day with no mess or rubble.
• False ceilings: Lower the ceiling to hide pipes and cables, add LED cove lighting or recessed downlights, or create a decorative coffered design.
• Acoustic insulation: Blue acoustic drywall boards combined with rock wool reduce neighbour noise significantly — in just 7 cm of wall thickness.
• Custom built-ins: Shelving units, TV recesses, headboards, decorative fireplaces and columns — all built in drywall and finished to a high standard.
• Fire-rated partitions: Pink fire-resistant boards for restaurants, commercial premises and garages where regulations require fire protection.
• Moisture-resistant boards: Green drywall for kitchens and bathrooms where humidity is higher.

What drywall cannot do

We specialise exclusively in drywall — we do not do electrical work, plumbing or painting. If your project involves wiring for downlights or LED strips, we prepare all the openings and cable runs. The electrical connection is handled by your electrician. If you need a recommendation, we can help.

Do Spanish drywall contractors speak English?

Most do not — but we do. At RMPLADUR we work regularly with English-speaking clients across Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella and Benalmádena. You can WhatsApp or call us in English and we will respond in English. The quote, if you prefer it in English, is in English.

How to get a quote

WhatsApp us on +34 649 53 80 57, call the same number, or fill in our contact form. We respond within 24 hours with a detailed no-obligation quote.