What you should have in your kitchen:

• GIB Aqualine® on walls and ceilings

• Rangehood vented to the exterior

• Ceramic Tiling over GIB Aqualine®

• Vented Windows with passive ventilation

• Water Resistant Paint/Wallpaper e.g. Resene Spacecote Kitchen and Bathroom

Helpful Tips

• What is a quality finish? Learn about the different levels of finish and what is best for your home learn more

• Your home can affect your health . Aim higher than the standard for a warmer, drier, healthier home learn more

• Add style and personality . Choose from a number of design & feature options to give your home the personal touch. learn more

Kitchens

Cooking and dish-washing generate a lot of steam and airborne moisture which can over time cause damage to wall and ceiling linings.

So the major considerations in this kitchens is moisture control, ease of cleaning and fire protection. Kitchens are one of the rooms most often used in a home and can be the most costly to repair, so it is important to get the basics right to avoid future damage of expensive appliances, cabinetry and fittings.

These problems can be avoided by incorporating a properly installed GIB Dry Zone^®.

Learn more about GIB Dry Zone^®

Recommendations for your project

BUILDING: An ideal solution is the combination of GIB Quiet Zone^® and GIB Dry Zone^®. Make sure you include a glass or tile splashback and rangehood to help minimise moisture build up.

RENOVATING: First remove the old linings. This is a great opportunity to add comfort by installing insulation and convenience by adding or relocating power points. Check the condition of existing plumbing and framing. Install a GIB Dry Zone^® for protection against steam and moisture damage. GIB Aqualine^® also has a superior fire rating compared to GIB^® Standard plasterboard, offering added fire protection.

Other Kitchen Tips

TILED SURFACES

Most kitchens are finished with a mix of tiles and paint. It's important to remember that tiled surfaces are not totally impervious to moisture as the grouting is porous. Therefore "splash" areas that are tiled must first be coated with a waterproof membrane (a special coating that helps seal the plasterboard surface) for added protection.

FLOORING TIPS

If you are planning a timber, plywood or particleboard floor in "wet areas", an appropriate tile and vinyl underlay should be used before flooring is laid. A waterproof membrane must also be applied and an emergency drain in the floor is also wise in case of accidental overflow.

PLUMBING TIPS

Mains pressure water systems are more expensive than low pressure systems. However, by investing in a mains pressure system,you'll avoid the problems of the shower going cold when someone runs a hot tap somewhere else in the house. And don't forget to invest in tapware that is suited to your pressure system.

RESALE VALUE

Kitchens (and Bathrooms) are key factors in resale; so to protect your investment, plan to do the job properly