Although most walls tend to look much the same - flat and vertical - they actually serve a variety of needs and purposes. External walls provide a barrier against the outdoors and support your roof and any upper storeys your home might have. Interior walls might help carry weight from the roof, hide plumbing or wiring, help insulate your home, or simply divide interior space for privacy and functionality. Not only do walls have many structural and functional purposes, they can be decorated in a wide variety of finishes.
Many home builders and renovators install standard plasterboard ceilings throughout their homes without considering the benefits of a more decorative or experimental finish. This can be a shame - especially when you compare the resale value of a beautifully finished home to one without any special touches. Whether you're looking for a contemporary industrial look or something more old-world, it's worth investigating what kinds of ceilings will suit your taste and budget.
Types of ceilings
While most homes in Australia will be built with a conventional plasterboard ceiling, there are quite a few different types of ceilings that exist for both decorative and functional purposes.
Internal walls
Walls inside a home serve some different purposes to those on the outside of your home. Find out more about internal walls.
External walls
The walls on the outside of your home not only protect it against the elements, but also provide support, and help to control the atmosphere inside your home.
Types of mouldings
Mouldings offer many ways to decorate and finish walls and ceilings. Common types of mouldings include skirting boards, cornices, architraves and dado rails.