How do the main types of plasterboard compare?
Five grades cover almost all Australian work: standard for general walls and ceilings, moisture resistant for wet areas, fire rated for tested fire separating systems, impact resistant for high traffic walls, and acoustic for sound rated construction. They share sheet sizes and install the same way, so the choice is driven by what the wall has to survive.
| Type | Common thickness | Approx. weight | Wet areas | Fire systems | Typical use |
|---|
| Standard | 10mm, 13mm | approx. 7 to 9 kg/m2 | No | No | Bedrooms, living areas, corridors, offices |
|---|
| Moisture resistant | 10mm, 13mm | approx. 7 to 9 kg/m2 | Yes, under a compliant membrane | No | Bathrooms, laundries, kitchens |
|---|
| Fire rated | 13mm, 16mm | approx. 11 to 13 kg/m2 | No | Yes, as part of a tested system | Separating walls, shafts, garages |
|---|
| Impact resistant | 13mm | approx. 10 to 12 kg/m2 | No | Check the system | Corridors, schools, healthcare, hospitality |
|---|
| Acoustic | 13mm, 16mm | approx. 11 to 13 kg/m2 | No | Check the system | Party walls, home theatres, apartments |
|---|
Weights are typical figures for comparison and for planning lifts. Confirm against the current data sheet for the product you buy. Fire and acoustic performance are properties of the tested system rather than of the sheet on its own.
What thickness plasterboard do I need for walls and ceilings?
10mm is the common wall thickness in Australian domestic work. 13mm is the usual choice for ceilings, because the wider batten spacing on a ceiling needs the extra stiffness to stay flat, and it is also preferred on walls where a flatter finish or better fixing holding is wanted. 16mm appears mostly inside fire and acoustic systems.
Check the stud or batten centres before you order. A board that is fine at 450mm centres can telegraph or sag at 600mm.
What drives the price of plasterboard sheets?
Grade is the biggest factor: impact resistant, acoustic and fire rated board cost more per square metre than standard. After that it is thickness, sheet length, brand, quantity and whether you collect or we deliver. We do not publish live trade rates because they move with volume and account terms.
For an impact resistant or acoustic price check, send the grade, sheet size and quantity and we will price it the same day. Request a quote or call (07) 3245 4488.
Where can I buy plasterboard sheets near me?
Bayside Plasterboard stocks plasterboard sheets at four trade yards across South East Queensland: Morningside in Brisbane, Chandler in the Redlands, Caboolture on the northside and Carrara on the Gold Coast. Collect from the counter or book a site delivery. Call (07) 3245 4488 to confirm stock at your nearest branch before you drive out.
| Branch | Address | Typically serves |
|---|
| Brisbane (Morningside) | 367 Thynne Road, Morningside | Inner east, southside and Brisbane CBD sites |
|---|
| Redlands (Chandler) | 3/1424 New Cleveland Road, Chandler | Redlands, bayside and eastern corridor sites |
|---|
| Northside (Caboolture) | 10 Piper Street, Caboolture | Moreton Bay, Morayfield, Bribie Island and Petrie sites |
|---|
| Gold Coast (Carrara) | 106 Eastlake Street, Carrara | Gold Coast and northern Gold Coast sites |
|---|
We supply South East Queensland only. If your site sits outside Brisbane, the Redlands, Moreton Bay or the Gold Coast, call us and we will tell you honestly whether we can service it.
Last updated: 27 July 2026
