How to fix a hole in plasterboard

Due to the delicate nature of plasterboard, it’s not uncommon to discover dents, marks, or even holes in your walls—especially in busy households or during home renovations. Even the simplest mishaps, like moving furniture or a door swinging open too far, can result in damage. Left untreated, these issues can lead to bigger complications, including problems with your wall’s framework or stud work.

Luckily, whether you're dealing with small indents or need to repair a hole in plasterboard, the process is easier than you might think. With a few tools and a bit of patience, you can achieve a flawless finish. This technique can also be used to fill holes in hollow doors, making it a versatile fix for various DIY needs.

Whether you’re wondering how to fix a hole in plasterboard or how to fix a large hole in plasterboard, this guide will walk you through each stage of the process.

an image of a hole in plasterboard ceiling

@clreliteplastering

Step 1: Prepare the area

Before you begin any kind of plasterboard hole repair, run a wire detector over the damaged area. This is a crucial safety step to make sure there are no hidden pipes, wires, or metal fixtures behind the surface.

Once the area is cleared, square up the hole by trimming the edges. This may feel counterintuitive—especially if you're trying to fix holes in plasterboard—but making the damage more uniform allows for a more stable and neat repair.

Use a padsaw, jabsaw, or hobby knife, depending on the hole’s shape and size.

an image of a wire detector with orange cat

@vjacunskas

Step 2: Cut a repair patch

Now that the hole is neat and square, it’s time to cut a patch. For this, you can use a scrap piece of plasterboard or timber.

Hold your chosen material over the hole and mark its width. Then, cut the patch to size so it fits easily through the gap. Add about an inch of extra height on both the top and bottom of the patch—this overlap is how the patch will secure to the inside of the wall.

an image of a man cutting plasterboard in white room

@atlasallboard

Step 3: Add a screw to the patch

Drill a small hole in the centre of the patch and insert a screw. This will act as your handle to guide and hold the patch while it sets in place. After the adhesive dries, the screw can be removed or pushed into the wall void.

an image of a plasterboard wall painted white

@atlasallboard

Step 4: Apply adhesive

Using a strong construction adhesive, apply glue to the top and bottom inch of the patch, as well as the edges. This will secure the patch to the inside back face of the plasterboard wall.

an image of a man painting plasterboard wall

@atlasallboard

Step 5: Insert the patch

Hold the patch by the screw and carefully insert it into the hole. Adjust it so the adhesive-coated edges grip firmly to the interior side of the wall. Use a gentle pulling motion to ensure firm contact while the glue begins to set.

Once the patch feels secure, leave it to dry for at least 24 hours. Then, remove or push the screw into the cavity.

@atlasallboard

Step 6: Fill the hole

Now it’s time to fill a hole in plasterboard using a suitable filler like Polyfilla. Mix according to the instructions, and apply using a trowel or filling knife. Be sure to press the filler into all corners of the hole for full coverage.

Smooth out the surface as best you can, and once it’s dry, sand down any excess to achieve a flush finish with the wall. At this stage, your plasterboard hole repair should be virtually invisible!

Still unsure how to repair a plasterboard hole? Or looking for tools and materials to fix a hole in plasterboard the right way? Visit your local friendly Howarth branch or contact our expert team at 01472 907051.

You can also explore our wide selection of plasterboard and accessories on the category page, here.

Likewise, if you're wondering how to dispose of plasterboard, how to cut plasterboard, or how to use plasterboard on a ceiling or wall, you can access them via the inspiration and advice page, here.

1st May 2025 Emily Green