Best Dry Lining Boxes for Plasterboard Walls: 2025 Expert Review
Oli
Owner, OR Electrics
If you live in a modern home or a renovated Victorian conversion in Leeds, chances are your walls are plasterboard. When a socket starts to wobble or pulls away from the wall, the culprit is usually a fail in the 'dry lining box' (often called a patress box or fast-fix box) behind it.
Dry lining boxes rely on plastic lugs (wings) that grip the back of the plasterboard. Cheap ones have brittle lugs that snap, or soft threads that strip, leaving your socket hanging dangerously loose. In my trade, there's nothing more frustrating than fitting a quality socket into a cheap box that fails immediately.
In this review, I'm comparing three options available right now: a deep box for modern smart home needs, a bulk pack for larger projects, and a classic trade-favourite problem solver for tighter wall cavities.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Depth Claims (35mm vs 47mm)"
"Any box will fit any standard wall."
In Leeds renovations where plasterboard is 'dot and dabbed' over brick, a 47mm box often won't fit without chiselling the brick behind it. Always check your cavity depth before buying deep boxes.
The Spec: ""Fast-Fix" Lugs"
"Simply tighten the screw and the lugs grip the wall instantly."
If you use an impact driver or over-tighten by hand, the plastic thread pulls through or the lug snaps off. These must be tightened by hand with care, or the box becomes useless.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Evoges 1 Gang Dry Lining Back Box 47mm | Fast-Fit Design (1)
EVOGES
This single unit is the ideal low-cost solution for a homeowner needing to replace a single broken back box without buying surplus stock. The 47mm depth is generous, making it perfect for accommodating bulky USB sockets or dimmer switches.
The Good
- 47mm depth allows plenty of room for modern wiring and USB sockets
- Flame-retardant plastic ensures safety compliance
- Strong spring-loaded lugs for a secure fit
The Bad
- More expensive per unit than buying a multipack
- 47mm depth might be too deep for some dot-and-dab walls
Installer Tip:
Because this is a deep 47mm box, ensure you clear any insulation behind the plasterboard to let the box sit flush. If fitting a dimmer switch, this extra depth is a lifesaver for cooling and cable management.
Priced at £4.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonEvoges 1 Gang Dry Lining Back Box 47mm | Fast-Fit Design (5)
EVOGES
If you are renovating a room or rewiring a kitchen, this 5-pack offers professional-grade quality with far better value for money. The consistent build involves robust yellow lugs that don't warp easily, ensuring a flush finish across multiple installation points.
The Good
- Excellent price per unit compared to buying singles
- Consistent manufacturing quality across the batch
- Deep 47mm profile ideal for flat plate accessories
The Bad
- Requires 47mm wall cavity depth
- Overkill for a single quick repair
Installer Tip:
When cutting the hole for these, cut slightly tighter than your template markings. It's easier to rasp away a millimetre of plasterboard for a snug fit than to try and fix a box in a hole that's too loose.
Priced at £8.49 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonAppleby Plastic Double Dry Lining Plasterboard Wall Box 35mm
Best Price Square (Appleby Style)
This double box is an absolute classic in the trade. At 35mm deep, it solves the common problem found in Leeds' renovated terraces: shallow cavities. Where a 47mm box hits the brickwork behind dot-and-dab plasterboard, this 35mm box fits perfectly whilst still providing enough room for standard double sockets.
The Good
- 35mm depth fits into shallower wall cavities common in renovations
- Trusted design compatible with almost all standard double sockets
- Robust flange sits flush against the wall surface
The Bad
- Not deep enough for some bulky smart switches or dimmer modules
- Colour may vary (though this is hidden inside the wall)
Installer Tip:
If you are fitting this into a lathe-and-plaster wall (common in older Leeds houses), be extremely gentle when tightening the lugs. The old plaster can crumble. I sometimes reinforce the back of the hole with a thin plywood batten if the wall is particularly crumbly.
Priced at £4.40 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 35mm and 47mm dry lining boxes?
How do I stop a dry lining box from pulling out of the wall?
Can I install a dry lining box in a solid brick wall?
Do I need a qualified electrician to change a back box?
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