A bathroom renovation is one of the best ways to add comfort and value to your home. It is also one of the easiest jobs to get wrong, because water finds every weak spot. Choosing the right materials from the start protects your walls, ceilings, and hip pocket.
What materials do you need for a bathroom renovation?
You need moisture-resistant wall and ceiling linings, a waterproofing system, tile adhesive, tiles, grout, sealants and proper ventilation. Skipping any of these can lead to leaks, mould and costly repairs later.
In most Australian bathrooms, the build-up works from the inside out: framing, wall lining (wet area board or fibre cement sheet), waterproof membrane, tiles, then sealant at the joints. The ceiling is lined separately with a moisture-resistant product. Every layer has a job, so choose materials rated for wet areas rather than standard indoor products.
What is wet area board?
Wet area board is a moisture-resistant lining sheet designed for rooms with steam and splashes, such as bathrooms, laundries and toilets. It resists humidity far better than standard plasterboard, but it is not waterproof on its own.
There are two common types. Moisture-resistant plasterboard has a treated paper face and a water-repellent core, and suits walls and ceilings outside the direct spray of the shower. Fibre cement and compressed sheet products suit areas that get properly wet. Either way, the sheets must be fixed correctly, the joints sealed and a waterproofing membrane applied to areas that need it under the National Construction Code and AS 3740.
Tip: never use standard plasterboard inside a shower recess, even if you paint it.
Is Villaboard suitable for bathrooms?
Yes. Villaboard is a fibre cement lining from James Hardie, and it is widely used in bathrooms as a tile-ready base for walls and floors. It handles moisture well, stays stable, and gives tile adhesive a firm surface to grip.
Villaboard comes in different thicknesses, commonly 6mm, 9mm and 12mm, so you can match the sheet to your framing and wall type. Remember that it still needs a compliant waterproofing membrane before tiling in shower areas, and the joints should be treated as the manufacturer instructs. Fibre cement is also tougher than paper-faced board if it gets a knock during the build. Builders like it because it cuts and fixes with familiar tools, but always wear a dust mask and use dust-reducing methods when cutting.
Which sealants should you use in a bathroom?
Use a mould-resistant, flexible sealant, usually a neutral-cure silicone, for corners, edges and where fixtures meet walls. Rigid grout cannot handle the small movements of a building, so flexible sealant is essential at changes of plane.
Apply sealant where the wall meets the floor, in internal corners, around the bath, basin and shower screen, and around pipes and penetrations. Acrylic sealants are paintable and handy around trims, but silicone is the better choice for areas that stay wet. A few simple rules help:
- Clean and dry the surface first, as sealant will not stick to dust or damp.
- Use a backing rod in wider gaps so the bead has the right depth.
- Allow the full cure time before using the shower.
- Check if the product is labelled for kitchens and bathrooms.
What ceiling tiles are best for a bathroom?
The best bathroom ceiling tiles are moisture-resistant products, such as PVC-faced or vinyl-faced tiles and humidity-resistant mineral fibre tiles. They resist sagging, staining, and mould in damp conditions.
Standard office-style ceiling tiles absorb moisture and can warp over time, so avoid them. If you prefer a smooth, painted finish, a moisture-resistant plasterboard ceiling is another reliable option. Whichever you choose, pair it with an exhaust fan that vents outside the house, not into the roof space. Good airflow is the cheapest insurance against mould.
Bathroom renovation materials checklist
Print this list or take it to your supplier:
- Wet area board or moisture-resistant plasterboard
- Villaboard or other fibre cement sheets for tiled walls and floors
- Waterproofing membrane and bond breaker (installed by a licensed waterproofer where required)
- Screws, jointing compound and reinforcing tape
- Tile adhesive and grout suited to wet areas
- Mould-resistant silicone and acrylic sealants
- Moisture-resistant ceiling tiles or ceiling board
- Exhaust fan and ducting
- Tiles, trims and spacers
Recommended products
Product ranges differ between suppliers, so ask to confirm what is in stock. These are the types we commonly recommend for bathroom jobs:
- Villaboard fibre cement lining (6mm, 9mm or 12mm): a tile-ready base for shower walls and wet area floors.
- Moisture-resistant plasterboard: a budget-friendly lining for bathroom walls and ceilings away from direct water.
- Neutral-cure bathroom silicone: flexible, mould-resistant and ideal for corners, screens and fixtures.
- Acrylic gap filler: paintable and useful for trims and skirting in drier parts of the room.
- PVC or moisture-resistant ceiling tiles: a lightweight, easy-clean option for steamy bathrooms.
- Waterproofing membrane kits: designed for compliant wet area systems, with application by a licensed tradie where required.
Can you do a bathroom renovation yourself?
You can handle much of the work, such as demolition, lining and tiling, but waterproofing usually must be done by a licensed professional. Rules vary between states and territories, so check with your local building authority before you start. Getting this step right protects your warranty, your insurance and your home.
Get your bathroom materials delivered Australia-wide
Ready to start your renovation? Building Supplies Australia Network delivers across Australia, from capital cities to regional towns. Whether you are a weekend DIYer or a professional builder, we have the wet area board, Villaboard, sealants and ceiling tiles to get the job done properly. Order online today or request a quote, and let our team help you build your materials list with confidence.