Fibre Cement Board vs Gypsum Board: Which Material Performs Better for Interior, Exterior, and Wet Areas?
Compare fibre cement boards and gypsum boards for interior walls, exterior facades, and wet areas. Learn about fire safety, moisture resistance, durability, and maintenance to make the right choice for your construction project.
Choosing the Right Wall and Ceiling Material
When planning construction or renovation, choosing the right wall and ceiling material goes beyond cost. Safety, durability, moisture resistance, and long-term performance are just as important. This is especially true when deciding between fibre cement boards and gypsum boards.
Gypsum Board in Brief
Gypsum board (drywall) is lightweight, easy to cut, and quick to install. It's popular for dry, low-traffic interior spaces like bedrooms, offices, or living rooms.
Its limitations become clear in high-moisture or high-traffic areas. Gypsum board can absorb water, weaken, or swell, and it doesn't hold up well against impacts. Over time, these factors can increase maintenance and replacement costs.
Fibre Cement Board: Built for Modern Projects
Fibre cement boards are made from cement, mineral fillers, and reinforcing fibres. This makes them dense, strong, and non-combustible, able to perform reliably in both interiors and exteriors—even in wet or high-traffic areas.
Advantages of fibre cement boards include:
-- Fire safety: A1 non-combustible
-- Moisture resistance: Maintains stability in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements
-- Durability: Strong impact resistance, low maintenance, and long service life
They are widely used in commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities, where safety and performance are critical.
Quick Comparison Table:
Comparison of fibre cement board vs gypsum board performance for walls and ceilings
Making the Right Choice
Gypsum board still works well in dry, low-traffic interiors, but if your project involves moisture, high traffic, exterior use, or fire safety concerns, fibre cement board is usually the smarter choice.
In short: pick materials that perform and last, not just install quickly. Fibre cement boards are increasingly chosen for durability, safety, and long-term reliability in modern construction.
