INSTALLATION GUIDE

Decorative Walls & Ceilings

Contents
Product type & application 3

Considerations 4

Installation essentials 5

Installation: Timber or steel frames 6

Installation: Masonry and ceilings 8

Installation: existing Wall Linings 10

Installation: existing Panels Horizontally 11

Installation: Partial Height Panels & ASCOT 12

Installation: Wet Area 14

Installation: Semi-Exterior 14

Finishing options - mouldings 19

Installing near Fireplaces and Heat Sources 21

Painting 21

What NOT to do 23

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WALL PANELLING

Fixing to timber, steel, plasterboard, masonry walls, ceilings

and over other existing linings

product type & application

General Purpose Interior Wet Area Interior

Look for the Green Tongue Look for the Blue Tongue

Designed for interior walls and ceilings in a range of A ultra-high moisture resistant board that is offered in a
decorative profiles. range of decorative profiles. Allows seamless flow from
living rooms to internal wet areas.
Suitable for:
Suitable for:
• A replacement for traditional plasterboard or to cover existing wall
finishes. • Use in internal areas subject to high moisture and humidity for walls
& ceiling linings.
• Residential applications: Dining, kitchen, lounge, family, bedroom,
study, media, games. • Residential applications: Bathroom, laundry, kitchen, basement,
garage, storeroom.
• Commercial applications: Foyers, classrooms, offices, rental
properties, retail, restaurants, apartments, hotels, aged care • Commercial applications: Offices, rental properties, restaurants,
facilities. apartments, hotels, hospitals, aged care.

Semi Exterior

Look for the Blue Tongue / dark brown substrate

The perfect product for outdoor-undercover use. This

pressed hardwood lining comes pre-primed and ready to
paint.

Suitable for:

• Use in semi exterior undercover areas for walls & ceiling linings.

• Residential applications: Alfresco, patio, outdoor rooms, bbq areas.

• Commercial applications: Toilet blocks, outdoor kitchens,

laundries, garages, storage units.

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WALL PANELLING

Fixing to timber, steel, plasterboard, masonry walls, ceilings

and over other existing linings

Considerations
• Before installation the building must be watertight with windows / doors / exterior cladding installed, the panel is hygroscopic meaning
it will expand and contract when humidity and temperature change, exposed openings during high humidity outside conditions will
enable moisture into the building which can impact the panel in terms of expansion

• All walls and ceilings should be straight and true for best results.

• Sheets joined on wall studs will give the best results.

• Wall stud spacing of 600mm centres maximum (DADO full wall panels 450mm centres maximum)

• Ceiling truss should have a spacing of 700mm centres max. with battens attached at max. 450mm spacings.

• Panels can be joined off the studs, but these joins must be supported by additional noggins at 700mm maximum spacings.

• Wall panels should NOT be to butt joined to other panels including ceiling panels. Manufacturing variations can result in the grooves not
lining up and expansion can cause the painted join to crack. Adhere to expansion gap guidelines and conceal joints with trim, such as a
dressed batten or cornice. Refer to Figure 11.

• The product should be allowed to acclimatise in the room for 48 hours prior to installation, with evenly aligned bearers to prevent sag
under- pack and enable air to circulate freely, please note if product is being installed in a high humidity area ie close to the beach or large
body of water the panel should be acclimatized for longer ie 2 weeks

• Never store material outdoors or in an open area (veranda), or areas with newly poured concrete or in rooms that have been recently
plastered.

• Do NOT plastic wrap the panel as this can cause it to sweat

• All wood products are hygroscopic, which means they have the ability to absorb and release moisture, causing expansion and contraction.
Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the framing, wall and ceiling cavities, and the existing wall linings where panels are being installed have
the appropriate moisture content.

• You can not tile directy over easycraft panels or install easycraft over the top of tiles

• The panel should NOT be used as a splash back or behind a cook top in a kitchen

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Tools Required
• P1 or P2 Dust Mask & Safety Glasses • Hammer / Nail Gun or Screw Gun • Planer • Pencil • String line
• Caulking Cartridge Gun or Spatula • Hand saw / Power saw • Spirit Level • Tape measure • Spacers

Fixings
• The supplier of the fixings should confirm their suitability for installation before use.

• When fixing into steel, screws should be used.

• Fixings should be long enough to penetrate at least 25 - 30mm into the timber frame.

• Fixings should be spaced 200 - 300mm across top, bottom plates, noggins, battens, furring channels and down studs with a min. 10mm
distance to the edges of the panel.

• Fixings should be anti-rust for internal wet and semi exterior areas

• When using a nail gun adjust gun pressure so head of nail goes just under the surface, to high a pressure can cause “blow out” of the
substrate around the nail head which shows up as a lump when painting.

• Nails
• Hammer - 2mm bullet head
• Nail gun - 14g brad
- Walls - 14g brad
- Ceilings / semi exterior - 16g finishing.
• Screws
• Into timber - 8g
• Into steel - 8g needle point self head imbedding CSK / PH2

Adhesives, Sealants and Gap Fillers

• The supplier of adhesives, sealants, and gap fillers should confirm their suitability for installation before use via there technical
data sheet

• Use a flexible sealant or gap filler that can be painted and has a 25% expansion capacity for sealing joints and filling gaps between sheets,
corners, and for adhering to trims like mouldings, cornices, skirtings, architraves, and dado rails.

• Apply generous amounts of construction adhesive with a 25% expansion capability to attach the panel to studs, noggins, top and
bottom plates placed approximately 300mm apart. When adhering to plasterboard or other wall linings, create a bead around the perimeter
and a zigzag pattern down the wall.

• Use a timber based gap fuller to full nail or screw head holes

• When installing onto battens or furring channels it is recommended to use a continuous bead in a zig zag pattern.

Expansion Gap Allowances

For walls allow:

• 5 mm at wall to ceiling interface and 10mm at wall to floor interface.

• 1mm between tongue and grooved joins on each sheet, DO NOT hard knock panels together.

• 3mm in the corners and wall intersections.

• 5mm at bottom of panel if placed on top of a skirting.

• 5mm between end of each sheet if sheets are installed end to end with both ends supported by the stud, noggin, batten or furring channel.
Refer to Figure 11

For ceilings allow:

• 5mm around perimeter of ceiling.

• 1mm between tongue and grooved joins, DO NOT hard knock panels together.

• 5mm between end of each sheet if sheets are installed end to endwith both ends supported by the truss, batten, or furring channel.
Refer to Figure 11

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Moisture content of wall, ceiling and existing wall linings onto which a panel is being installed
• All wood products are hygroscopic, which means they have the ability to absorb and release moisture, causing expansion and contraction.
Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the framing, wall and ceiling cavities, and the existing wall linings where easycraft wall linings are being
installed have the appropriate moisture content.

• Excessive moisture can lead to the development of mould. Employing moisture vapor barrier linings and implementing proper ventilation
are commonly employed construction methods to minimise the ingress of moisture into wall or ceiling cavities..

• As ceilings, masonry and external facing walls pose a risk of higher moisture, it is advisable to seal the rear, edges, and service penetrations
of the panels being installed on these surfaces and an appropriate moisture vapor barrier is installed.

• As a guide, safe moisture levels are

• Wall cavity relative humidity = 50%
• Ceiling roof cavity relative humidity = 50%
• Plasterboard = < 1%
• Other timber wall lining = <14%

Installation
Timber and Steel 450mm and 600mm Stud Frame Wall Installation Figure 1 and Figure 2

• Follow fixing, adhesive, sealant, and expansion gap requirements.

• Check frames are straight and true.

• Check studs are max. 600mm apart.

• If studs are less than 600mm apart then extra noggins need to be installed to support the join, max. 700mm distance between the noggins.

• Decide how you wish to finish off internal and external corners before you install the first sheet.

• Wall panels should NOT be to butt joined to other panels including ceiling panels. Manufacturing variations can result in the grooves not
lining up and expansion can cause the painted join to crack. Adhere to expansion gap guidelines and conceal joints with trim, such as a
dressed batten or cornice. Refer to Figure 11

• Start at one end or corner of the wall.

• Apply adhesive to the frame behind the first panel to be installed.

• Using appropriate spacers depending on if you are installing to the floor or on top of a skirting rest the bottom edge on the spacers, then
press the panel against the wall.

• Check the first panel is straight and level, then fix it into place with nails or screws.

• Remove the spacers and set in place for the second panel to be installed.

• Repeat the above process for the remaining panels.

• Measure and cut the last panel to fit as required.

• Skirting, architraves, mouldings and cornice material can then be fitted.

• Seal / gap joins / full fixing head holes.

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 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Timber and Steel 450mm Stud Frame Wall Installation

Figure 1

Extra noggins need be installed max. 700mm spacings

on a 450mm centre stud wall to support each panel join
Min. 5mm Top
expansion plate
gap at ceiling

Studs at
450mm
centres

Min. 10mm Bottom

expansion plate
gap at floor
Min. 3mm expansion Min. 1mm expansion gap
gap at corners between sheet joins

Timber and Steel 600mm Stud Frame Wall Installation

Figure 2

Min. 5mm Top

expansion plate
gap at ceiling

Studs at
600mm
centres

Min. 10mm Bottom

expansion plate
gap at floor
Min. 3mm expansion Min. 1mm expansion gap
gap at corners between sheet joins

7
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Installation onto Masonry Walls Figure 3

• Follow fixing, adhesive, sealant, and expansion gap requirements.

• Fix and level 8 - 22mm horizontal furring channels or battens to the masonry wall at max. 450mm centres, this promotes airflow behind the
panelto reduce moisture uptake as well as enables the wall to be levelled if needed.

• Wall panels should NOT be to butt joined to other panels including ceiling panels. Manufacturing variations can result in the grooves not
lining up and expansion can cause the painted join to crack. Adhere to expansion gap guidelines and conceal joints with trim, such as a
dressed batten or cornice. Refer to Figure 11

• Other installation principles are the same as fixing onto timber and steel frames.

Installation onto Masonry Walls

Figure 3
Masonry wall
Masonry wall Min. 10mm distance from edges of board
Min. 5mm
expansion
gap at ceiling

Timber battens Timber battens

at max. 450mm at max. 450mm
centres centres

easycraft

Min. 10mm
expansion
gap at floor
Min. 3mm expansion Min. 1mm expansion gap 18 - 20mm
gap at corners between sheet joins

8
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Installation onto Ceilings Figure 4

• Follow fixing, adhesive, sealant, and expansion gap requirements.

• If possible purchase a panel longer than the length of the ceiling to avoid joins on the ends of the sheets.

• Install the panels across the trusses, battens, or furring channels rather than down to minimise the potential for the panel to sag.

• Ceiling trusses should be max. 700mm centres.

• Battens or furring channels should be run across the trusses at a max. 450mm spacing.

• If ceiling trusses are max. 450mm apart then the panel can be installed directly across them.

• Panels should not be installed in a brick shaped pattern. The ends of sheets should be installed in a line so a decorative batten
or similar can be installed over the expansion gap to hide the join.

• If installing panels end to end, the non tongue and grooved ends of sheets should finish on a batten with a 5mm expansion gap put
in place before next sheet is started. Different finishing options are available to hide this join.

Installation onto Ceilings

Figure 4 Max. 700mm
joists centres

Min. 5mm Top

expansion gap plate
all around the
perimeter

Timber battens
at max. 450mm
centres
Reflected
Ceiling
Plan

Bottom
plate
Min. 1mm expansion gap Max. 700mm
Easycraft Panel joists centres
between sheet joins
Side
Timber battens at Elevation
max. 450mm centres Plan

18 - 20mm deep

9
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Installation over the top of Plasterboard and other existing Wall Linings Figure 5

• Follow fixing, adhesive, sealant, and expansion gap requirements.

• Check that the wall lining you are attaching to is fixed correctly to the wall frames, if not, corrective measures should be implemented.

• Ensure the surface is in good condition; a gentle sanding may be necessary to eliminate any loose material and facilitate adhesive
adherence. If the surface is damaged, consider taking corrective measures before proceeding further.

• Check the flatness of the wall, if the wall is not flat you may have to consider installing battens / furring channels the same as onto
masonry walls so that you can correct this.

• Wall panels should NOT be to butt joined to other panels including ceiling panels. Manufacturing variations can result in the grooves not
lining up and expansion can cause the painted join to crack. Adhere to expansion gap guidelines and conceal joints with trim, such as a
dressed batten or cornice. Refer to Figure 11

• Use a stud finder to locate position of studs, noggins, battens, or furring channels to fix into.

• Other installation principles are the same as fixing on to timber or steel framed walls.

Installation over the top of Plasterboard and other Existing Wall Linings
Figure 5

Easycraft Panel Adhesive application

lining and apply fixings indicated ready for the next sheet
Min. 5mm
expansion
gap at ceiling

Ensure the
studs have
been located so
that panel can
be fixed using
nails/screws

Min. 10mm
expansion
gap at floor

Min. 3mm expansion Min. 1mm expansion gap

gap at corners between sheet joins

10
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Installation of Panels Horizontally Figure 6

• Note the fixing, adhesive, sealant, and expansion gap requirements.

• The tongue of the panel should be positioned facing upwards. It does not require an extra row of noggins as the tongue will act as a
support for the join.

• Wall panels should NOT be to butt joined to other panels including ceiling panels. Manufacturing variations can result in the grooves not
lining up and expansion can cause the painted join to crack. Adhere to expansion gap guidelines and conceal joints with trim, such as a
dressed batten or cornice. Refer to Figure 11

• The ends of the sheets should be supported by studs, battens, furring channels or adhesives if being installed on an existing wall..

• Other installation principles are the same as fixing on to timber or steel framed walls.

Installation of Panels Horizontally

Figure 6

Min. 5mm
expansion
gap at ceiling

Min. 1mm expansion

gap between sheet joins.
Tongue positioned top
of bottom panel.

Min. 10mm
expansion
gap at floor

Min. 3mm expansion Min. 5mm expansion gap

gap at corners between sheet joins

11
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Installation of Partial Height Panels Figure 7

• Note the fixing, adhesive, sealant, and expansion gap requirements.

• A row of noggins should be placed at the top of the panel to support the non tongue and groove end of the panel.

• A row of noggins should be placed approx. half way between the top of the panel and the bottom.

Installing easyASCOT Full Wall Panels Figure 8

• Studs must be spaced at 450mm centres or less.

• Measure the length of the wall and divide by the width of the panel to determine how many panels are required, order an extra panel that will
be used to complete the installation.

• Work from the centre of the wall out, ensuring you have an equal number of panels on either side of the centre of the wall.

• When you get close to the corner or a doorway, measure the gap from the fixed panel to the corner, cut and use the primed reversed side of
the spare easycraft sheet to finish the wall.

• Note the fixing, adhesive, sealant, and expansion gap requirements.

• Other installation principles are the same as fixing onto timber, steel, or masonry walls.

Installation of Partial Height Panels

Figure 7

Row of
noggins
installed at
top of panel

Min. 10mm
expansion
gap at floor

Min. 3mm expansion Min. 1mm expansion gap

gap at corners between sheet joins

12
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Installing easyASCOT full wall panels

Figure 8

For full wall panels, extra noggins

need be installed on a 450mm
centre stud wall to support where
each panel joins.

Min. 5mm expansion

gap at ceiling

Studs at
450mm
Centres

Min. 10mm
expansion
gap at floor

Min. 3mm expansion

gap at corners Min. 1mm expansion gap
between sheet joins

13
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Installation in internal wet / high humidity areas Figure 9

• WA - Wet area interior paneling should be used ( Blue Tongue )

• Wet area products cannot be installed in direct splash zones AS 3740 - 2021 should be reviewed to ensure compliance.

Bathrooms Figure 9

• Vessels such as freestanding baths, sinks, basins must be a min of 75mm away from the wall for Easycraft panels to be installed behind them.

• If the vessel is within 75mm from the wall then Easycraft panels must be installed with a min 150mm clearance from the top of the vessel,
this requirement includes fixed baths, underbench sinks.

• Easycraft panels must not be installed within 1500mm from the shower head wall connection. ( Note approved variation to this when a fixed
shower screen is used as per below comment )

• Panel should be installed on top of a skirting with a min 5mm expansion gap allowance .

Laundry Figure 9.1

• Easycraft should be installed a min of 150mm from the top of the sink for the length of bench.

• Panel should be installed on top of a skirting with a min 5mm expansion gap allowance .

Kitchen

• Do NOT use as a splash back or behind a cook top.

• Easycraft should be installed a min of 150mm from the top of the sink for the length of bench.

General

• Back of panel / edges and service penetrations should be sealed.

• Wall panels should NOT be to butt joined to other panels including ceiling panels. Manufacturing variations can result in the grooves not
lining up and expansion can cause the painted join to crack. Adhere to expansion gap guidelines and conceal joints with trim, such as a
dressed batten or cornice. Refer to Figure 11

• You can not tile directly over easycraft panels or install easycraft over the top of tiles

• Other installation principles are the same as installing onto a timber or steel framed wall or other wall linings.

Installation in Semi exterior areas

• SE – semi exterior paneling should be used ( Blue Tongue / chocolate brown substrate )

• Semi exterior is defined as outside and undercover from the elements for walls, ceilings and eaves

• Note the fixing, adhesive, sealant, and expansion gap requirements

• Back of panel / edges and service penetrations should be sealed

• Note panel should be installed on top of a skirting following recommended expansion gap required

• Wall panels should NOT be to butt joined to other panels including ceiling panels. Manufacturing variations can result in the grooves not
lining up and expansion can cause the painted join to crack. Adhere to expansion gap guidelines and conceal joints with trim, such as a
dressed batten or cornice. Refer to Figure 11

• Other installation principles are the same as installing onto a timber or steel framed wall or other wall lining

14
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Vanity, Open Shower & Enclosed Shower

Figure 9

3mm
3mm expansion
expansion gap
Suitable for
gap
easycraft
Wet Area
Interior wall
panels

Must use a
waterproof product

Walls must be
water resistant
to a height of not
less than 150mm.

5mm expansion gap

5mm
expansion gap
Panel must be installed
on top of a skirting.
Min 150mm high
Panel must be 1500mm
away from the shower
rose head connector

3mm
3mm expansion
expansion gap
Suitable for
gap
easycraft
Wet Area
Interior wall
panels

Walls must be water

resistant to a height of Must use a
not less than 150mm. waterproof product
If the basin edge is
within 75mm from the
wall, if the basin edge
is greater than 75mm
then easycraft can be
installed behind the
basin

5mm expansion gap

5mm
expansion gap
Panel must be installed
on top of a skirting.
Min 150mm high

15
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Bath Fixed and Free-Standing

Figure 9

Suitable for
easycraft Wet Area
Interior wall panels

Walls must be water

150mm resistant to a height of
not less than 150mm.
Panel must be installed
on top of a skirting.
Min 150mm high

5mm expansion gap

5mm expansion gap

Suitable for
easycraft Wet
Area Interior
wall panels

75mm
Panel must be installed Gap 75mm
on top of a skirting. Gap
Min 150mm high

5mm expansion gap 5mm expansion gap

16
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Laundry and Kitchen

Figure 9.1

Suitable for
easycraft Wet Area
Interior wall panels
3mm expansion gap

Panel must be installed on top

of a skirting.
Min 150mm high
Walls must be water
resistant to a height of
not less than 150mm.

17
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Installation of Mouldings, Cornices, Skirtings & Architraves Figure 10

• Apply flexible gap filler to adhere the trim to the panel.

• Use the same nail fixings as when installing onto walls.

Installation of Mouldings, Cornices, Skirtings & Architraves

Figure 10

Min. 5mm Min. 10mm

Easycraft Panel

Easycraft Panel
expansion gap expansion gap
between skirting between sheet
and panel and floor

STUD STUD

SKIRTING SKIRTING
WALL LINING

WALL BOARD BOARD

WALL
PLATE PLATE

Not recommend for wet

area installation

Installing Panels End to End

Figure 11

Min. 5mm expansion gap between ends CEILING

of panels CEI
LIN Min. 5mm expansion
GP
WALL
Easycraft Panel Easycraft Panel
AN gap between ceiling
DRESSED EL
panel and top plate
COVER MOULD

Min. 5mm expansion

gap between wall
panel and top plate

Moulding
WALL PANEL

18
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Cornice, Mouldings, Skirting and Architrave Ideas

Figure 10

Skirting

Butt Mitre Rebated

Mouldings

Internal and external corners using DAR Stops Internal and external corner moulding

Below are some examples of product found in

your local Reseller that may compliment and
provide options in finishing off your panel
project.

External Corner DAR Stop Tri-Quad Corner Quad Corner Ovolo Corner Scotia Corner
Moulding Moulding Moulding Moulding

19
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Installing near Fireplaces and Heat Sources Figure 12

• Special consideration needs to be taken when installing panels near a fireplace or heat source to avoid any potential safety hazards.

• Each manufacturer of a heat source such as an oven, heater or fireplace may have different exclusion zone requirements depending
on their method of construction.

• It is our recommendation to follow the manufacturer’s installation recommendations in conjunction with Australian and New Zealand
Standard 2918.

• The diagrams in our schematic section are examples only of some common exclusion zones.

Finishing
Painting

• The surface of the panel should be clean and free from dirt and debris. A light sanding of the surface is recommended to promote adhesion
between the primer and top coats.

• After sanding, remove residual dust and debris with a vacuum cleaner and wipe down the wall panels with a clean damp cloth or sponge.
Prior to coating check the moisture content of the board with a moisture meter. The moisture level must be below 15% prior to application.

• Oil or acrylic based paints can be used.

• Follow paint suppliers recommendations regarding top paint coats.

20
 Diagram Legend easycraft panels Glue Glue Fixings

Installing around Fireplaces and Heat Sources

Figure 12

Stove pipe
Flue collar
Firebox
500mm
Glass door

Air control
Hearth

Enclosed self contained

insulated firebox

Panel can be installed

with a 3mm expansion gap
around the perimeter of fully
insulated heat box

EXCLUSION ZONE
600mm to top of
hot air outlet

APPLIANCE
EXCLUSION ZONE

EXCLUSION ZONE

HOT AIR OUTLET

300mm Side of fire box 300mm

21
What NOT to do

X X

Panel joins showing when panels are installed end to end with no expansion
gap or decorative trim cover

Panel used in a bathroom not installed on top of a skirting resulting in water Tongue and groove join showing due to no flexible paintable sealant
wicking up the bottom of the panel and damaging it being used

X X

Incorrect storage of Easycraft products, stored outside and Ceiling panels sagging due to supports being wider than recommended
wrapped in plastic 450mm as well as GP being used instead of Semi exterior in a semi
exterior application

22