13mm vs 10mm Plasterboard

Choosing the right plasterboard thickness is crucial in construction and renovation projects, as it impacts the durability, acoustic performance, and overall finish of walls and ceilings. While both 10mm and 13mm plasterboards are commonly used, they serve different purposes and are best suited to specific applications. Here's a comparison to help you decide which thickness to use for your next project.

1. Durability and Strength

• 13mm Plasterboard: This thickness provides greater strength and durability, making it ideal for areas that require robust walls, such as high-traffic commercial spaces, corridors, and schools. The extra thickness helps resist impacts better, reducing the risk of damage from everyday bumps and knocks.
• 10mm Plasterboard: Lighter and slightly less durable than 13mm plasterboard, 10mm is often used in residential settings where heavy-duty performance isn't as critical. It's a good option for standard walls and ceilings in living spaces, bedrooms, and other low-impact areas.

2. Acoustic Performance

• 13mm Plasterboard: With increased mass, 13mm boards offer better sound insulation. They are preferred in environments where controlling noise is essential, such as in multi-unit dwellings, offices, and media rooms. The thicker board can help to dampen sound transmission, creating quieter and more private spaces.
• 10mm Plasterboard: While still providing some sound insulation, 10mm boards are less effective than 13mm options. They are suitable for general residential use but may not be sufficient in spaces requiring significant noise control.

3. Fire Resistance

• 13mm Plasterboard: Often available with enhanced fire-resistant properties, 13mm plasterboard is suitable for areas that require a higher level of fire protection, such as commercial buildings, kitchens, and between apartment units. Always check for specific fire rating certifications when fire resistance is a concern.
• 10mm Plasterboard: Standard 10mm plasterboard offers basic fire resistance but may not meet the stringent requirements needed in certain applications. It's typically used in areas where fire safety requirements are lower.

4. Ease of Installation and Handling

• 13mm Plasterboard: The added thickness and weight make 13mm plasterboard slightly more challenging to handle and install, requiring more effort and potentially stronger support structures. However, its benefits in durability and acoustic performance often outweigh these challenges.
• 10mm Plasterboard: Easier to handle and install due to its lighter weight, 10mm plasterboard is ideal for DIY projects and situations where ease of installation is a priority. It requires less effort to cut, maneuver, and secure, making it a convenient option for quick installations.

5. Cost Considerations

• 13mm Plasterboard: Generally more expensive than 10mm plasterboard, primarily due to the additional materials and enhanced properties. The cost may also increase with specialized features such as fire resistance or moisture resistance.
• 10mm Plasterboard: Typically less expensive, making it a cost-effective choice for standard applications where the additional benefits of 13mm boards are not necessary.

When to Use Each Type

• Use 13mm Plasterboard When:

  • Enhanced durability and impact resistance are required.
  • Improved sound insulation is important.
  • Fire resistance is a concern.
  • Building codes specify a thicker board.

• Use 10mm Plasterboard When:

• Budget constraints are a factor.
• Lighter weight is desired for ease of handling.
• The project is a DIY or smaller-scale installation.
• Basic wall and ceiling applications suffice

Where To Buy Each Type

    Hume Building Products is the largest privately owned Australian distributor of plasterboard and complementary products. We are an authorised distributor of USG Boral and supply GTEK and other leading brands.

    Wall Board is regular plasterboard encased in a strong 100% recycled paper liner, ideal for a wide range of residential and commercial internal wall and ceiling applications where fire resistance ratings, impact and water resistance are not required.

    Ceiling Board is 10mm thick plasterboard used as a ceiling lining where framing members are spaced at up to 600mm centres.

    Water resistant plasterboard is ideal as an internal lining used in wet areas such as bathrooms, showers, laundries and toilets

    Fire resistant plasterboard must be used in partition wall and ceiling systems where specific fire-resistance ratings are required.

    Sound proof plasterboard both of 10mm and 13mm plasterboard are specifically developed to control room noise levels, improving living comfort in both residential and commercial environments.

    Flexible plasterboard is a 6.5mm thick plasterboard, ideal for curved surface applications such as curved walls, arches, ceilings and feature panels. Flexible Plasterboard produces a smooth flush finish when jointed, providing a superior surface that accepts a wide range of decorative finishes

    Fire moisture plasterboard was developed specifically for use in wet area fire-rated partition systems.

    Shaft wall panels are specially manufactured fire Resistant plasterboard panels, developed to provide fire protection for elevator shafts, vertical ducts and other applications where installation is possible from one side only.

    Perforated plasterboard is a sound absorptive perforated plasterboard with recessed edges available in either square, round or slotted design perforations. Perforated plasterboard is recommended for use as wall or ceiling lining where sound absorption is required and is also ideal for decorative applications.

    Multi-function plasterboard includes a range that can provide resistance to factors such as fire, impact, sound and water: from Multistop™ 3 (impact, fire & acoustic), and Multistop™ 4 (impact, fire, acoustic & water) to Multistop™ 5 (impact, fire, acoustic, water & mould). Multi-function plasterboard is suitable for hospitals, schools and similar environments