When planning a new build or renovation, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right subfloor. Two of the most common options in Australia are fibre cement flooring and yellow tongue particleboard. Both are widely used, but they perform very differently depending on where they’re installed. Here’s a clear comparison to help you decide.
What is Fibre Cement Flooring?
Fibre cement flooring is a cement-based sheet reinforced with cellulose fibres. It is engineered to handle wet areas and exposed environments where particleboard is more vulnerable.
Key benefits of fibre cement flooring:
- Resistant to moisture, rot, and termites
- Tongue-and-groove joints for faster installation with a nail gun
- Stable surface for direct tiling, vinyl, or carpet
- Suitable for interior wet areas, decks, balconies and exteriors
What is Yellow Tongue Particleboard?
Yellow tongue is a structural particleboard flooring commonly used in residential projects. It’s lighter and cheaper upfront, but has known limitations.
Key features of yellow tongue flooring:
- Works well for dry, internal applications
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Cheaper initial cost compared to fibre cement
- Swells and degrades when exposed to moisture or termites
Which Should You Choose?
- For bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, balconies or decks, fibre cement flooring is the safer and more durable choice.
- For dry, internal rooms where cost is the main driver, yellow tongue can be used, but it requires extra care to protect against moisture.
At Telos Warehouse, we supply fibre cement flooring in 2700 x 600 mm, 19 mm thick boards that give builders and homeowners confidence in both wet and dry applications. With direct supply pricing and trade account options, our fibre cement boards provide a sturdy, moisture-resistant alternative to yellow tongue subfloors.
