Drylining and plastering in Harlow
BBS Drylining provides metal stud partitions, MF ceilings, plasterboarding, taping and jointing, plastering and fire & acoustic systems in Harlow (CM17, CM18, CM19, CM20), including Old Harlow, Mark Hall, Netteswell and Great Parndon. Harlow combines New Town housing that's ready for modernising with business parks and office-to-residential conversions that need commercial drylining.
Drylining in Harlow: the short version
- Postcodes
- CM17, CM18, CM19, CM20
- Areas covered
- Old Harlow, Mark Hall, Netteswell, Great Parndon, Church Langley, Newhall
- Local housing
- A 1947 New Town built to Frederick Gibberd's masterplan, so the bulk of the stock is 1950s–70s, with Newhall and Church Langley from the 1990s
- Building control
- Harlow District Council or a registered building control approver
- Services
- Metal Stud Partitions, MF & Suspended Ceilings, Feature & Coffered Ceilings, Plasterboarding & Wall Linings, Taping & Jointing, Plastering & Skimming, Fire & Acoustic Systems
What drylining work looks like in Harlow
Harlow combines New Town housing that's ready for modernising with business parks and office-to-residential conversions that need commercial drylining.
Post-war and 1960s–80s estates
Much of Harlow's post-war housing has textured (Artex) ceilings and thin original plasterboard. Textured coatings from before 2000 should be tested for asbestos before anyone sands or scrapes them — skimming or overboarding over a sound coating is often the cleanest fix. Reconfiguring layouts with new stud walls is common too.
Newer estates and developments
On Harlow's newer estates we're usually putting right dot and dab — joints that crack, boards that flex, cold spots around sockets — or boarding loft conversions and extensions. We also work for developers and housebuilders on new plots.
Commercial fit-outs
Harlow has a steady stream of office, retail and industrial fit-outs. We supply labour-only or supply-and-fix packages to main contractors — metal stud partitions, MF and grid ceilings, and fire-rated walls to the building's fire strategy — with RAMS and CSCS-carded operatives.
Our services in Harlow
Metal Stud Partitions
Stud & track partitions to any spec — standard, acoustic and fire-rated.
Learn moreMF & Suspended Ceilings
MF plasterboard ceilings, bulkheads and suspended grid ceilings — level and true.
Learn moreFeature & Coffered Ceilings
Coffered, recessed, circular and illuminated ceiling details, built in plasterboard.
Learn morePlasterboarding & Wall Linings
Dot & dab, wall lining systems, overboarding and insulated plasterboard.
Learn moreTaping & Jointing
Hand or machine taping to a smooth, decoration-ready finish.
Learn morePlastering & Skimming
Skim coats, re-plastering and repairs for a flawless finish on new and old walls.
Learn moreFire & Acoustic Systems
Fire-rated and sound-insulated walls and ceilings built to tested systems.
Learn moreDrylining FAQs for Harlow
Do you cover all of Harlow?
Yes — all of CM17, CM18, CM19, CM20, including Old Harlow, Mark Hall, Netteswell, Great Parndon, Church Langley and Newhall, plus the surrounding villages.
Who handles Building Regulations for drylining in Harlow?
Either Harlow District Council's building control team or a registered building control approver of your choice. From April 2028, Harlow District Council is due to be replaced by West Essex Council under local government reorganisation.
Can you cover Artex ceilings in Harlow?
Yes. We'll ask for an asbestos test if the coating predates 2000, then skim over it or overboard it — neither disturbs the coating.
Can you fix cracking dot and dab walls in Harlow?
Usually without starting again: re-fixing loose boards, sealing edges and re-finishing the joints. Badly affected walls can be re-lined on a metal system.
How quickly can you quote for a job in Harlow?
Usually within one working day of seeing drawings or photos. If we need to measure up, we'll arrange a site visit in Harlow at a time that suits you.
Nearby areas
Local housing information from GeoEssex and council records, last reviewed October 2026.