What types of plaster beads are there?

The main types used in UK plastering are: angle beads (for external corners, providing a straight, protected edge), stop beads (used where plaster meets a different surface like a door frame), thin-coat beads (for skim coat applications over plasterboard), and reveal beads (for window and door reveals). Most are galvanised steel or stainless steel and come in 2.4m or 3m lengths.

What length plaster beads should I buy?

Standard plaster beads in the UK come in 2.4m and 3m lengths. For rooms with standard 2.4m ceiling height, 2.4m beads are the most efficient as they fit floor-to-ceiling with no cutting needed. Use 3m beads for taller rooms or for window reveals where you can cut multiple pieces from one length.

How do I fix plaster beads?

Plaster beads can be fixed with dabs of plaster (bonding or multi-finish), galvanised nails, or staples from a bead nailer. For dot and dab work, beads are pressed into the adhesive. Always check they are plumb and straight with a spirit level before the fixing sets. Use stainless steel beads in wet areas to prevent rusting. Use our Plaster Coverage Calculator to work out how much plaster you need alongside the beads.

How many beads do I need for a window reveal?

Each standard window reveal needs 3 beads: one on each side (vertical) and one across the top (horizontal). For a bay window, you may need additional beads for the angled sections. Door reveals also need 3 beads: two sides and the top.

What is the difference between angle bead and stop bead?

Angle beads are used on external corners where two plastered walls meet at a right angle — they protect the corner and provide a straight edge. Stop beads are used at the edge of a plastered area where it terminates, for example where plaster meets a door frame or window frame. Stop beads give a clean, defined edge.

Plaster Bead Calculator — Angle Beads & Stop Beads

Calculate how many plaster beads you need for corners, reveals, and edges. Uses standard UK bead lengths.

External Corners

Where two walls meet at an outward angle

Internal Corners

Where two walls meet at an inward angle

Window Reveals

3 beads per window (2 sides + 1 top)

Door Reveals

3 beads per door (2 sides + 1 top)

Bead Length

2.4m fits standard UK ceiling height; 3m for taller rooms

Include wastage allowance

Adds 10% extra for damaged or short beads

Wastage Percentage

10% is standard for bead work

Price Per Bead (optional)

Price per individual bead length

How We Calculate This

Our plaster bead calculator counts up the total number of bead lengths needed based on the number of corners, window reveals, and door reveals in your project. Each feature requires a specific number of bead lengths.

How we count beads

External corners: 1 bead per corner (floor to ceiling)
Internal corners: 1 bead per corner (floor to ceiling)
Window reveals: 3 beads per window (2 sides + 1 top)
Door reveals: 3 beads per door (2 sides + 1 top)

Standard UK sizes

Plaster beads are available in 2.4m and 3m lengths from all major UK suppliers including British Gypsum, Knauf, and Catnic. The 2.4m length matches the standard UK floor-to-ceiling height. Beads are typically galvanised thin-coat or standard depth depending on the plaster system being used.

The wastage allowance accounts for any beads damaged during fitting or cut-offs that are too short to reuse. 10% is usually sufficient for most projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Plaster Coverage Calculator

Calculate how many bags of plaster you need for any wall or ceiling area.

Plasterboard Calculator

Work out how many plasterboard sheets you need for your room.

Skim Coat Calculator

Calculate multi-finish plaster needed for skim coating walls and ceilings.

Rendering Calculator

Calculate sand and cement quantities for external rendering.

Dot and Dab Calculator

Work out adhesive needed for dot and dab plasterboard fixing.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.