At first glance, a fire rated board might look similar to standard plasterboard—but there are key differences under the surface. Regular plasterboard is made from a gypsum core pressed between two paper liners. It’s lightweight, affordable, and works well for most internal walls and ceilings. However, it’s not designed to resist heat or flames.
A fire rated board, on the other hand, is made from reinforced gypsum with added materials like glass fibres, vermiculite, or other non-combustible compounds. These additions give the board greater strength and thermal resistance. In some cases, fire-rated boards also have special additives or coatings to further delay heat transfer and reduce smoke spread.
How Fire Rated Board Resists Heat and Flame
The main function of a fire rated board is to slow down the spread of fire and provide valuable time for occupants to evacuate safely. These boards are designed to maintain their structural integrity when exposed to direct flames and high temperatures. When installed properly, they help keep walls intact longer and create a fire-resistant barrier between rooms or between levels of a building.
This is why fire-rated boards are commonly used in areas that require extra protection—such as between garages and living spaces, in stairwells, lift shafts, and behind commercial and residential fire doors. In these higher-risk areas, using the right material can be the difference between containing a fire or letting it spread rapidly through the structure.
While plasterboard offers basic fire performance, it simply doesn’t compare to a fire rated board when real protection is required. If you’re working on a project that demands compliance with fire safety codes, especially in commercial spaces or multi-residential buildings, fire-rated options are often not just recommended—they’re required by law.
How Are Fire Rated Boards Built for Safety?
The Role of Additives Like Glass Fibre and Special Coatings
A fire rated board is engineered to do more than just line a wall—it’s built to protect. To resist flames and intense heat, these boards are reinforced with special additives. One of the most common is glass fibre, which helps hold the board together longer under stress. Other materials, like vermiculite or perlite, may be added to enhance fire resistance by expanding when heated, slowing down heat transfer.
Some boards also include fire-resistant coatings that form a protective layer when exposed to high temperatures. These coatings help delay ignition and reduce the amount of smoke generated. All of these enhancements are designed with one goal in mind: to slow down the spread of fire and protect building occupants.
Tested Resistance Times (30, 60, or 90 Minutes)
Fire rated boards are rigorously tested and given a fire resistance level (FRL), such as 30, 60, or 90 minutes. This number indicates how long the board can withstand direct flame and heat before it fails structurally. The higher the rating, the longer it will resist fire.
Because of their superior safety performance, fire rated boards are often required behind commercial and residential fire doors. These areas are critical for slowing the spread of fire and giving people more time to evacuate safely. Whether in stairwells, corridors, or between floors, fire rated boards help form a complete passive fire protection system.
Is Regular Plasterboard Enough for All Wall and Ceiling Jobs?
When Standard Boards Are Suitable
In low-risk areas, like internal partition walls in single-storey homes, regular plasterboard is often enough. It’s affordable, lightweight, and easy to install. For living rooms, bedrooms, or non-fire-rated zones, it can do the job well without any added complexity.
Where They Fall Short in Fire-Prone or Code-Regulated Areas
However, regular plasterboard falls short in areas where extra protection is needed. It can’t withstand sustained high temperatures and tends to break down faster under fire. That’s why builders and developers turn to fire rated board in areas like kitchens, garages, stairwells, and shared apartment walls.
In many commercial and multi-unit residential projects, building codes require the use of fire-rated materials to meet safety standards. That’s why professionals often upgrade from standard plasterboard to fire rated board to ensure compliance—and peace of mind.
Do Fire Rated Boards Work with Decorative Timber Products?
Can You Use Timber Veneer Suppliers’ Products Over Fire Boards?
Absolutely! Many timber veneer suppliers design their products to be compatible with fire-rated substrates. You can apply natural veneer over a fire rated board to achieve both fire safety and beautiful interior finishes.
The key is to follow the correct installation methods. Adhesives and fixings used must also meet fire safety standards, especially in commercial or public spaces.
Using Timber Wood Panel or Cladding Safely with Fire-Rated Systems
If you plan to add a timber wood panel or other decorative cladding over fire-rated surfaces, your installer should check the fire resistance level of the complete system—not just the baseboard. Fire-rated boards can safely support many finishes, as long as they don’t reduce the system’s overall fire performance.
This means you can still create warm, elegant interiors without sacrificing safety.
Which One Performs Better for Sound and Heat Control?
Do Fire Boards Also Block Noise or Insulate?
In addition to fire protection, many fire rated boards provide better acoustic insulation than standard plasterboard. Their denser cores help block sound transmission, making them ideal for walls between apartments or office units.
How Both Materials Compare in Temperature Control
While neither product replaces insulation, fire rated board tends to offer improved thermal resistance due to its thicker, more robust structure. When paired with insulation and finished with veneer laminate, you can create spaces that are both energy-efficient and visually appealing.
These added benefits make fire-rated systems a great option for both safety and comfort.
What About Cost, Weight, and Installation Differences?
Is Fire Rated Board Harder to Install Than Plasterboard?
Yes, a fire rated board is heavier and slightly more rigid than standard plasterboard. This means it takes a bit more effort to lift and install. It may also require specific screws and sealants to ensure fire resistance is maintained at joins and edges.
How It Impacts Time and Labour
Because of the added weight and safety protocols, installation may take slightly longer. However, the difference in labour cost is usually offset by the long-term value. A properly installed fire rated board adds safety and can help buildings pass inspections faster, reducing the risk of expensive rework.
When Should You Choose Fire Rated Board Over Plasterboard?
Required by Code in Certain Commercial Spaces
In many cases, using fire rated board isn’t just a smart choice—it’s a legal requirement. In hospitals, schools, apartment buildings, and offices, fire-rated materials are needed in key zones to meet the Building Code of Australia.
Ideal for Garages, Kitchens, Stairwells, and Shared Walls
Even in homes, there are situations where fire-rated boards are the better (or mandatory) option. For example, in a duplex, the shared wall between units must meet fire resistance levels. In these situations, fire rated board is the clear winner for safety, compliance, and long-term durability.
If you’re building or renovating, it’s worth asking your builder or supplier whether fire-rated materials should be used. They’re often recommended even when not strictly required—and for good reason.
