Updated August 2026

Since its introduction to our shores in the late 1940s, plasterboard has remained one of the most popular and enduring building products used throughout Australian homes. A simple and effective choice for creating interior surfaces inside a home, the versatility, affordability and relatively low environmental impact of plasterboard makes it suitable for nearly every room in the house.

But with average home design and performance requirements so far removed from the 1940s, or even different from only a decade ago, a one-size-fits-all plasterboard solution will no longer satisfy requirements.

Speciality rooms such as home theatres and entertainment rooms, alfresco areas and outdoor kitchens, as well as bathrooms and laundries all require special consideration to ensure maximum enjoyment and minimum hassle.

Fortunately, today’s manufacturers and suppliers of plasterboard in Australia offer tailored solutions for every room in the modern home.

HOME THEATRES

70-inch TVs, 100-inch projectors and twelve-speaker audio systems are no longer merely the domain of the rich and famous, but a must-have room for all homes that is becoming as essential as the kitchen. But dropping big money on the hottest home theatre system can quickly turn to big disappointment if careful consideration isn’t first given to the acoustic requirements of the room.

Careful planning is necessary to block out external neighbourhood noise such as traffic, aircraft and dogs, block internal noise entering from other rooms in the house, and minimise sound reverberation within the room. Of course, being able to enjoy the home theatre system without disturbing others in the house is also essential. With low-frequency noise—such as that from a subwoofer—easily transferred through standard plasterboard, a special plasterboard that provides acoustic performance is necessary.

While a complete acoustic system will also include a solution to sound flanking (sound that travels around walls through wall gaps, air-conditioning ducts, ceiling cavities etc.), a plasterboard that reflects sound as well as absorbs sound to limit both noise transfer and reverberation will play a huge role in providing acoustic comfort.

Stratopanel by Knauf

STRATOPANEL® is a unique acoustic ceiling lining with high acoustic performance and six edge-to-edge perforation patterns. STRATOPANEL is an easy-to install ceiling solution that provides design flexibility and assists in delivering comfortable spaces for your project. The Stratopanel ceiling system reduces noise reverberation in the internal space. The choice of Stratopanel perforation patterns can fine-tune the acoustic performance of the space by adjusting the depth of the ceiling cavity and specified Knauf Insulation. Stratopanel perforated plasterboard offers acoustic performances of up to NRC 0.90.

Echostop by Knauf

Echostop® perforated plasterboard is designed to create a decorative finish whilst providing a high level of sound absorption to the space. Echostop perforated plasterboard is suitable for full ceiling installation or feature panels on internal walls or ceilings. Created for sound absorption treatment, Echostop is available in five stylish designs with either slotted, square or round perforations to suit multiple design applications. Echostop contains a combination of FGD and recycled gypsum encased in 100% recycled paper and lined with black acoustic fabric..

Impactstop by Knauf

Engineered for multi-attribute performance, Impactstop replaces single-purpose acoustic boards by combining enhanced acoustic control with fire resistance and high impact resistance. Used as part of dedicated wall system build-ups, it allows full enjoyment of home theatre systems while isolating room noise and protecting high-traffic walls from everyday wear and tear.

WET AREAS

Because of high exposure to moisture and the risk that poorly lined wet areas can have on other rooms, wet areas including bathrooms, ensuites, showers, laundries and toilets require special consideration when specifying a plasterboard.

The NCC requires that wet areas are treated in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3740 Waterproofing of Wet Areas within Residential Buildings. The standard specifies requirements for physical elements of construction including floors, walls, junctions and penetrations. Water-resistant plasterboard sheeting must comply with these requirements, as well as be manufactured in accordance with Australian Standard AS 2588 Gypsum Plasterboard.

The design criteria in the standard is separated into three risk levels: high (shower areas), medium (bathrooms, areas adjacent to baths or spas), and low (walls adjoining sinks, basins, laundry tubs), and the level of risk will determine design and installation criteria for floors, walls, junctions and penetrations, including water-resistant plasterboard. Ensuring the plasterboard specified meets requirements for the specific application is crucial to avoiding consequences ranging from mould and damage to building contents through to potential structural damage.

WaterShield by Siniat

Engineered specifically for wet area walls and ceilings in both residential and commercial applications, Siniat WaterShield features a moisture-resistant core encased in recycled blue paper. It prevents water wicking to protect framing members against structural damage while providing a stable, durable substrate for ceramic tiling in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens.

SHEETROCK® PLUS by Knauf

For residential applications, SHEETROCK® PLUS provides a lightweight 10mm multi-function board that combines water resistance with enhanced acoustic and impact performance. Designed for fast handling and installation in residential wet areas like bathrooms and laundries, it delivers a durable, moisture-resistant substrate for tiling while meeting domestic performance needs.

Wetstop™ by Knauf

For commercial-grade wet areas requiring a heavier-duty 13mm specification, Wetstop™ features a recessed edge and a specialized water-resistant core. Designed to satisfy strict regulatory requirements in high-demand wet area applications, Wetstop™ provides an exceptionally stable, moisture-resistant substrate for tiling across commercial amenities, change rooms and healthcare settings.

ALFRESCO AREAS

The Australian climate lends itself well to outdoor entertaining all year round, and bringing the outside in through covered outdoor areas including alfresco entertainment areas, outdoor kitchens, and porticos is a design trend that is more and more becoming a key part of modern housing.

The plasterboard walls and ceilings for these areas, which also includes carports and balconies, are subject to more extreme loads and conditions than normal internal ceilings including winds, condensation and exposure to other atmospheric variations including humidity and temperature.

Aquachek by CSR Gyprock

A gypsum plasterboard with the core, face and back treated to make it resistant to moisture and humidity, Aquachek has extremely low water absorption characteristics compared to other lining materials, eliminating the possibility of water wicking up the lining board causing subsequent damage to the structure or finishing.

Because Aquachek is not subject to moisture movement, it provides an ideal surface for painting and other decorative treatments as well as an excellent stable substrate for ceramic tiles. It is a recessed edge plasterboard so joints can be taped and set.

FIBEROCK® Aqua-Tough™ by Knauf

A unique, gypsum-fibre product that includes a water-resistant core for supreme durability and superior performance. Easy to cut and install, these panels provide durability in wet and dry environments alike. FIBEROCK® Aqua-Tough™ is Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) certified and may contribute to Green Star points when assessed under various Green Star rating tools.

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