FAQs

Product Information

What is the difference between Easycraft General Purpose (GP), Wet Area Interior (WA) and Semi Exterior (SE) panels?

Read or download our How to Choose the Right Easycraft Panel pdf.

General Purpose panels are made from MR (Moisture Resistant) MDF. MDF stands for Medium-Density Fibreboard. It is a type of engineered wood product that is made from wood fibres that are compressed and bonded together with resins. MDF is a smooth and uniform board surface with no splitting, splinters, or knot holes that can be easily cut, drilled, painted. These panels are for indoor General Purpose Areas that do not come in contact with water.

Wet Area Interior panels are made from Ultra-High Moisture Resistant MDF (UHMR) is a special type of MDF that has the same principles as General Purpose MDF, however, has a higher resistance to moisture and humidity than standard MDF. This makes it perfect for Wet Area Interior applications. UHMR MDF is made with a water-repellent resin that reduces the swelling and warping of the board when exposed to wet conditions.

Semi Exterior panels are made from Compressed Hardwood, also known as high-density compressed wood. This is a type of flooring or wall paneling that is made of solid wood that has been compressed under high pressure and heat. It is also known as engineered wood or laminate flooring. Compressed hardwood is more durable and stable than natural wood, as it does not expand or contract with changes in temperature or humidity.

Time to Install - easycraft vs Plasterboard

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Impact Test - easycraft vs Plasterboard

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What BCA Building Classifications are easycraft products applicable for Wall & Ceiling Linings?

easycraft products are suitable for use in internal applications under The National Construction Code, BCA Buildings Classifications, Class 1 through Class 9.

Can I purchase sheets with horizontal grooves?

All easycraft products have the grooves running vertically with the length of the board. To achieve a horizontal look the sheets can be installed on their side to allow the grooves to run on the horizontal.

Are the easycraft Boards Termite resistant?

No, they are not – the General Purpose Interior Linings are not termite resistant, as they are a natural timber substrate. The Semi Exterior hardwood product does offer great resistance to termites but is not guaranteed.

What materials are used to manufacture easycraft panelling?

easycraft offers a range of products made from various materials:

  • General Purpose Interior – Made from Moisture Resistant MDF
  • Wet Area Interior – Made from Ultra Moisture Resistant MDF
Is easycraft Panelling Safe to Use?

Yes, it is very safe to use in residential & commercial building environments.easycraft Panels are made from a Moisture Resistant Medium Density Fibre board (with an E0 rating) manufactured in Queensland from Australian grown, recycled wood fibres with resin added, under stringently controlled Australian Manufacturing conditions. Read more about the Safety of easycraft Panels on our Safety Product Fact Sheet (PDF).

Where can I use easycraft Decorative Panels?

easycraft Panels can be used/installed in any type of residential or commercial space, with products suited for general purpose interior, wet area interior and semi exterior applications.

Please see our Product Application Guide (PDF) for more information.

Product Application Guide

View our Product Application Guide (PDF) for more information.


Installation: Basics

How can waste be minimized?

In order to save material and prevent wastage, we always suggest starting from each of the sheets opening, to avoid cutting large holes in the middle of sheets.

When fixing panels directly to an existing wall what do you do to address the skirting boards, cornices, door and window frames?

The most efficient solution if you do not want to remove any of these fixtures is to cut the panels to fit up against the architraves around doors and windows, place panels on top of skirting board, and fix up under cornices.

The 9mm thick easycraft panels will (in most applications) fit neatly against these and generally finish off level.

You can also sand back the panel edge to create a smoother transition to existing fixtures.

Weekend DIY: Living Room Feature Wall

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Weekend DIY: Bedroom Feature Wall

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How to Install: Full Height Feature Wall

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How to Install: Half Height Feature Wall

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How to Install: Stud Wall

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How to Install: Existing Wall

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Can I install easycraft panels without removing the skirting on an existing wall?

Yes, easycraft panels can be installed to an existing wall without removing the existing skirting. You can rest the panel on top of the existing skirting (based on skirt thickness) but, a minimum 5mm gap at the top of panel under the cornice or ceiling is required, to cater for any movement of the panel. For this application, the best result is achieved where the top of the skirting is flat and thicker than 9mm, so the panel can sit flush on top.

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Why has a gap or paint cracking appeared at the joins?

As with solid wood, MDF takes up and retains moisture, thus its moisture content depends on the relative humidity and air temperature in the surrounding environment. As the moisture content of MDF changes, it is subject to dimensional changes. There are many variables which can ultimately affect the performance of timber, including the surrounding environment, quality of installation and quality of framing. But managing changes in the environment humidity levels and moisture content plays a very important role in achieving the best results from the product. In environments that can experience large changes in air temperature and humidity you may experience movement in the panel, either expansion or shrinkage.

Can I install panelling around a fireplace?

When considering installing easycraft linings near a fireplace please consult our fireplace guide (PDF). Please note that any local building codes or fireplace manufacturer advice will override our recommendations.

Can I install panelling over a tiled wall?

We would not recommend applying panels directly onto a tiled wall. We recommend you remove the tiles as the wall panels need to be secured to the frame work and studs.

Can I install easycraft panelling behind a stove cook top?

We recommend you install our wall panels at least 100mm away from any electric heat source and 200mm away from any gas heat source. Always consult your Local Building Code Regulations which can override these recommendations.

Can easycraft panels be CURVED when installing?

easycraft’s general interior panels can be CURVED to a certain degree when installing. Please refer to the our Panel Curvature Guide (PDF) for detailed information.

Do I need to glue the plastic joiner into the sheet?

There is no need to glue the joiner into the edge of the sheet. They are a neat fit and usually hold themselves in place until the sheets are installed.

What is the recommended adhesive for installing panels?

A flexible construction adhesive or stud adhesive (gyprock) can be used for fixing the sheets to studs, noggins and over existing walls. You must also fix into the framework structure using nails and screws.

What spacing is required for studs and noggins?

easycraft wall linings have a unique joining system known as the “easyjoin system” which helps provide additional support when joining sheets.

We recommend that studs be spaced at minimum 600mm (or less) and any sheet joins between studs to be supported with noggins spaced at no more than 450mm apart. And to be fixed to noggins.

Can easycraft be fixed to steel frames?

Yes easycraft linings can be fixed over steel frames, below are some recommended screws to use when fixing the panels to the frame.

  • Self-drilling CSK head self embedded head 8 – 18 x 20 or 30mm
  • Self drilling CSK head self embed head collated 8 – 15 x 20 or 30mm
What are the recommended nails or screws for installing panels?

Nails:

  • Hammer – 2mm x 40mm anti-rust bullet head nail (Walls and ceilings)
  • Nail Gun – Paslode ND Brads 14ga x 45mm (Walls)
  • Nail Gun – Paslode Duo-Fast C2.5 x 45 Ring Shark (Ceilings)

Screws:

  • ICCONS: Self-drilling CSK head self embedded head (part No. TP326) 8-18 x 20 or 30mm
  • Self-drilling CSK head self embed head collated (IC Find #344C or 346C) 8-15 x 20 or 30m
Do I need to paint the back of the sheet?

easycraft recommends that the back of the sheet be painted with a primer coat before installation when dealing with external cavities/building envelopes where condensation may be an issue. Painting/sealing the back of the sheet can minimise the potential for water absorption.

When using a registered builder, the builder should ensure the cavity will not have any form of condensation/moisture issues. Therefore, painting/sealing the rear sides of the board is not required.

Does easycraft have recommended installers?

As a manufacturer easycraft is unable to provide recommended installers nationwide. Fortunately given easycraft’s ease of installation any professional builder or carpenter will have no problem installing the linings. easycraft also provide a range of installation videos and guides to assist in the installation process.

Do you have installation videos?

Yes, visit the installation videos page.

Do you have a Master Installation Guide?

Yes, view or download the Master Installation Guide (PDF)


Installation: Finishing

What Finishing trims are available for Wet Area?

easycraft does not have a specific range of trims for wet area applications, but we can recommend you review the Batex range of trims that may suit your application.

How can I finish off corners or joins when installing easycraft Panels?

There are many options for finishing easycraft panels. We highlight in the attached document some examples of finishing options for corners and end joining.These products are available direct from most timber and hardware retailers. Read more about these finishing options (PDF).

How do I finish off easycraft panels?

easycraft has available flat and rebated dado rails to finish the top of 900mm dado panels or to cover visible joins and gaps. See the easyDado product page for more details.

For some finishing options & suggestions please consult easycraft’s recommended trimmings. Additionally, for some other finishing ideas you can refer to the BATEX range of Trims. Refer their range of TILE trims suited for 9mm thickness. Follow the link to their website and State Office Contact details.

Do you have a Master Installation Guide?

Yes, view or download the Master Installation Guide (PDF)


Installation: Wet area and semi-exterior

Can I use easycraft Panels in Full Exterior applications?

easycraft boards CANNOT be exposed to direct weather conditions. However, you can use our Semi Exterior board for use in semi-exterior or undercover areas such as, soffits, eaves, verandas and patio ceilings. Please refer to the Product Fact Sheet (PDF) and Product Data Sheet (PDF) for Semi Exterior product information.

Can I install panelling as a bath or vanity splashback?

easycraft’s Wet Area products can be used in Bathrooms and Laundries as wall and ceiling paneling/lining. However certain areas require a “water resistant” material according to your governments standards.

Behind a bath or vanity are areas that must have a water resistant material (eg: tile, stone, glass) to a height of no less than 150mm above the vessel (for the extent of the vessel) where the vessel is within 75mm of the wall. It is always best to consult an experienced qualified builder or building surveyor to review your particular requirements.

Do you have a Master Installation Guide?

Yes, view or download the Master Installation Guide (PDF)


Installation: Ceiling

Is insulation required when using as a ceiling lining under a metal roof?

It is not a requirement for the panel installation, however we do recommend the back of the sheets be primed for ceiling applications to act as an additional moisture barrier. Any insulation added would also assist with temperature variances. Read our Ceiling Installation Guide (PDF).

Can I join wall & ceiling panel profiles exactly?

easycraft Panels cannot be exactly matched. The panel profile position may not align exactly due to timber manufacturing variances and tolerances. If installing ceiling & wall panelling we recommend you create a visual break (timber moulding or cornice) between the ceiling & wall panels.

You can check the overall width of panel prior to installation and choose those that best match for better wall & ceiling alignment. If you work from the centre of the room any variance in panel width should be minimised.

For best result always create a visual break at the ceiling and wall join.

view or download the easycraft finishing options (PDF).

Do you have a Master Installation Guide?

Yes, view or download the Master Installation Guide (PDF)