Drywall System Profiles - CD, UD, CW, UW Knauf

Price

The Knauf profile system is engineered to work together. Mix another brand's profile with a Knauf board and you risk joints that won't close or a ceiling that vibrates.

Two main subsystems:

Ceiling systems (CD and UD):
UD is the perimeter wall track. CD are the main profiles to which the board is fixed. Spacing between CD: 500mm for a single board layer, 400mm for two layers or heavier boards. Suspended on direct hangers or threaded rods from the structure above.

Partition systems (CW and UW):
UW is the floor and ceiling track. CW are the vertical studs. Widths: 50, 75, 100mm. Standard stud spacing: 600mm for single layer, 400mm for double or walls above 3m height.

Knauf corner beads and accessories - PA (external corner), PL (internal with tape), PA-V (variable width for non-standard angles). Clean joints at visible corners.

Without corner bead, skim coat cracks at corners in the first winter from natural board movement. Corners take the most mechanical stress in any dry system.

CD is the ceiling profile - for suspended ceiling systems, fixed to hangers. CW is the wall stud profile - vertical stud in partitions. They're not interchangeable: the geometry and steel gauge differ.

500mm between CD centres for a single 12.5mm board layer. For double layers or heavier boards - 400mm. Direct hangers go at maximum 900mm intervals along each CD.

Dimensionally yes - European standard sizing is common. But the Knauf warranty covers complete Knauf systems only. With a mixed system the manufacturer can refuse warranty claims.

At 600mm centres across 4m you need about 9 studs plus 2 end studs - call it 11 CW profiles. Plus UW track: 4m floor and 4m ceiling = 8 linear metres of UW. Add 10% for cuts.

Tin snips for quick straight cuts. Angle grinder with metal disc for thicker profiles. Don't use a wood cutting disc - it can shatter. After grinding, remove burrs with a file or pliers before handling.