When it comes to building strong, reliable floors, your choice of subfloor material makes all the difference. In Australia, the two most common options are fibre cement sheeting and plywood flooring. Both are widely used, but they perform very differently when exposed to moisture, heat, and heavy use.
Here’s what every builder should know before laying the first sheet.
Fibre Cement Flooring: Built for Strength and Moisture Resistance
Fibre cement flooring, like the boards supplied through Telos Warehouse, is a cement-based sheet reinforced with cellulose fibres. It’s designed to handle wet areas, exterior decks, and high-traffic zones — places where plywood or particleboard can’t survive long term.
Why builders choose fibre cement:
- Resistant to moisture, rot, and termites
- Tongue-and-groove system allows quick install with nail gun
- Stable, sealed surface for direct tiling, vinyl, or carpet
- Suitable for interior wet areas, decks, balconies, and exteriors
- Maintains shape and strength in humid or coastal conditions
In short: fibre cement doesn’t swell, warp, or break down over time — which makes it a smart long-term choice for Australian projects.
Plywood Flooring: Lightweight, Easy, but Limited
Plywood flooring is a popular alternative in dry internal areas. It’s made from thin layers of wood bonded together with adhesive, creating a light and easy-to-handle sheet.
Where plywood makes sense:
- Works well for dry, internal applications
- Easy to cut and fix on-site
- Cheaper per sheet upfront
But the drawbacks:
- Not waterproof — it absorbs moisture and swells easily
- Vulnerable to termites and rot
- Requires extra protection or sealing before use in wet areas
- Can delaminate or squeak over time
Plywood is fine for bedrooms or living spaces — but for bathrooms, laundries, and balconies, it’s a risky shortcut.
Why Fibre Cement Wins for Australian Builds
Between heat, humidity, and exposure, Australian conditions are tough on materials. Fibre cement boards deliver long-term performance with less maintenance and no surprises after rain.
For builders looking to cut time on-site and reduce call-backs, fibre cement flooring is the reliable option — strong under pressure, stable in moisture, and ready for any finish.
At Telos Warehouse, our fibre cement flooring and wall systems are made for builders who value time, strength, and precision. Available in standard 2700 × 600 mm sheets at 19 mm thickness, each board is sealed, stable, and ready for direct install.
Whether for wet areas, outdoor decks, or commercial projects, Telos Warehouse delivers the material performance that plywood can’t match.
