The Block Bathroom Week 2025 just wrapped up, and as always, it was chaotic, stressful, and inspiring all at the same time. Among the waterproofing dramas and tile tantrums, one quiet hero kept popping up behind the scenes: Villaboard.
Or, as Taz keeps calling it—Vanilla board.
Now, while we love a good dessert as much as the next crew, there’s nothing plain about this powerhouse product. James Hardie’s Villaboard is the gold standard when it comes to wet area lining, and it’s no surprise to see it being used again on The Block. Why? Because when it comes to waterproofing, you want more than what looks good. You want reliability and performance.
At Westgyp, we stock a lot of the products being used on-site this season. If you’re planning a renovation or working on a new build, here’s what you need to know about waterproofing your bathroom like the pros.
What is James Hardie Villaboard, and why is it in every The Block bathroom?
- It’s a high-performance fibre cement sheet
- Designed for wet areas like bathrooms, laundries and kitchens
- Stronger and more durable than plasterboard
- Holds tiles like a pro (even those oversized ones contestants keep choosing to make life hard for themselves)
In short, Villaboard gives tilers and flushers peace of mind that what’s behind the scenes won’t buckle under pressure—literally.
Not just for reality TV bathrooms
At Westgyp, we’re proud to stock the same James Hardie products you’re seeing every week on The Block. So whether you’re renovating an ensuite in the ‘burbs or building a dream home in Duncraig, we’ve got the gear the pros trust:
- Villaboard® for internal wet area walls
- Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding for that sleek, rendered look (without the render)
- Hardie™ Oblique™ and Linea™ Weatherboard for facades that turn heads
Waterproofing: more than a tick-box
We saw it again this week—get the waterproofing wrong, and it’s hard to move past that point. That’s because no amount of stone benchtop or brushed brass tapware can save a bathroom that leaks. Villaboard lays the foundation (literally) for bathrooms that last. Combine it with a quality waterproofing system, and you’re good to go.
Build like The Block (but smarter)
If you’re inspired to start your own bathroom reno or you just want to make sure your next project is built to last, drop by Westgyp. We’re stocked up on all the James Hardie gear the contestants use—minus the stress, cameras, and last-minute tile changes.