When you go into a construction materials supply store, you’re bound to find a number of different types of plasterboard to choose from. With varying colours and features, it can be overwhelming to decide which type of plasterboard to use. So, to help you with your project, we’ve put up a comprehensive guide on the common types of plasterboard and their uses. Read on to know how to pick the right plasterboard, whether you’re working on bathrooms, ceilings, or other areas of your home.
What’s in a plasterboard and why use it?
Because it’s cost-effective, easy to install and provides a smooth surface that’s easy to finish, plasterboard is a go-to building material for builders and DIYers. These building sheets are commonly made by sandwiching gypsum paste between thick layers of paper or other facing material.
However, depending on their type, plasterboard can be engineered with special additives and materials to improve its performance and provide extra features like insulation, moisture-resistance, and more. Let’s explore below the most common types of plasterboard and where to use them.
Types of Plasterboard
1. Standard plasterboard
SINIAT Spanshield – standard plasterboard
The most basic form of plasterboard with no specialised features, standard plasterboards are usually used in internal walls and ceilings of areas.
Recommended use: Spaces where there are no specific requirements for moisture, fire-resistance, and so on.
2. Fire-rated plasterboard
SINIAT Fireshield – fire-rated plasterboard
Commonly covered in pink paper, fire-rated plasterboards incorporate ingredients to improve fire performance and resistance. These plasterboards are designed to slow down and contain the spread of fire. This helps maintain structural integrity during fire, allowing you extra time for escape in such emergencies.
Recommended use: Areas that need higher fire protection, like party walls, escape routes like stairwells and corridors, and high-risk areas like kitchens and garages. Homes located in bushfire zones are also recommended to use fire-rated plasterboards to meet BAL requirements.
3. Moisture-resistant or wet area plasterboard
SINIAT Watershield – wet area plasterboard
Made using water-repellent additives or coatings, wet area plasterboard often has a low absorption core to withstand humidity and moisture that often damages homes. Depending on the manufacturer, they can be covered with a light blue or green facing to indicate their special features.
Recommended use: wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, or crawl spaces where pipes run. Those who live in coastal areas in Perth that experience high humidity during the wet season can also use wet area plasterboards in external ceilings.
4. Acoustic or sound-rated plasterboard
SINIAT Soundshield – acoustic plasterboard
Installing acoustic building materials like sound-rated plasterboard for homes is a great way to maintain your family’s privacy, peace and comfort. These are usually made denser, with materials like glass fibres that help absorb sound.
Recommended use: rooms that need enhanced privacy and quiet, like bedrooms, media rooms, and home offices. Acoustic plasterboards can also be used in party walls and ceilings in apartment settings.
5. Impact-resistant plasterboard
SIniat Impactshield – impact-resistant plasterboard
Made dense and tough, impact-resistant plasterboards feature heavier paper liners for increased durability as well as improved acoustic performance. As the name suggests, they’re highly resistant to soft and hard body contact.
Recommended use: high-traffic or high-activity areas like entryways, hallways, garages, home gyms, and workshops.
6. Flexible or curved plasterboard
SINIAT Curveshield – flexible plasterboard
Specially designed to be thinner yet still durable, flexible plasterboards can bend to desired shapes. This allows installation for curved surfaces without the need for dampening or scoring plasterboards, which can affect their durability. Convenient and easy to handle, flexible plasterboards offer flat, blemish-free surfaces that are ready to paint once installed.
Recommended use: curved features like walls, ceilings, arches, or columns.
Factors to consider when building in WA
Aside from the type of space you’re planning to construct, other environmental factors also come into play when choosing the types of plasterboard to use. In WA, where we experience scorching hot summers and cool, wet winters, the plasterboard type you choose for your project can make or break the longevity of your home. Before going ahead, consider the following:
Bushfire zones
“Do I need to use fire-rated plasterboard?” It ultimately depends on your location. 90% of WA is bushfire-prone because of our long dry summers and vegetation. Depending on where you live and your bushfire attack level (BAL), you might be required to use BAL-rated building materials that meet standards such as non-combustible plasterboard with high fire resistance. Check if your area falls under a bushfire-prone zone through the DFES’s map.
Humidity, moisture, and precipitation levels
The amount of humidity and rain you experience will also affect the structural integrity of your build. Consider moisture-resistant plasterboards if you live in an area that has wet, rainy winters or if you experience a green season with high humidity. These weather conditions encourage the build-up of moisture, and, along with it, moulds and eventual rot.
The top plasterboard for WA homes: Siniat
Offering a wide range of easy-to-install plasterboard options, Siniat (formerly Gtek) is the top choice for WA DIYers, tradies, and builders. Manufactured in plants that meet strict ISO standards, Siniat products are crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring high performance and durability.
Considering its quality for its price, Siniat has been regarded as a great cost-effective alternative to Gyprock, which is why many of our customers are now choosing Siniat plasterboard for their projects. Check out the available Siniat plasterboard products made to strengthen every part of your build here.
Find the perfect plasterboard for your project with Westgyp
Ready to make your DIY plans a reality? Westgyp stocks Siniat’s full range of plasterboard for every need. Whether it’s fire-rated, sound-rated or wet area plasterboard you’re looking for, we have it ready on-hand in our Balcatta warehouse. Backed with years of experience, our staff are also experts in the field. If you’re in need of installation or construction advice, we’re here to help you out. Contact our team today to find the best type of plasterboard for your build.