Future-Proof Your Frames with STRUCTApanel

Written and provided by FTMA Strategic Partner Australian Panels

Future-Proof Your Frames with STRUCTApanel

With the National Construction Code 2022 ushering in a new era of Livable Housing Design, builders and frame & truss manufacturers are rethinking how they approach internal wall construction – especially when it comes to bathrooms.

At the core of the changes is Part 6 of the Livable Housing Design Standard (LHDS), which requires reinforcement of bathroom and sanitary compartment walls to allow for the safe and secure installation of grabrails, seats, or other mobility aids. The goal is to ensure that homes remain functional and accessible over time – for ageing residents, people with disabilities, young children, and anyone experiencing temporary injury.

But compliance isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about choosing the right materials from the start – materials that support safety, longevity, and performance. And that’s exactly where STRUCTApanel 12mm sets itself apart.

Understanding the Standard: What’s Required?

LHDS Part 6 applies to all new Class 1a and 2 buildings, requiring:

• Reinforced backing in bathrooms, toilets, and showers
• Minimum board thickness of 12mm
• A fixing capacity of at least 1100N to ensure grabrails can be installed securely, either at construction or later in the home’s life

These requirements are designed to future-proof homes without the need for costly retrofitting.

While plywood has traditionally been used for wall reinforcement, STRUCTApanel 12mm is emerging as the stronger, smarter, and more sustainable alternative.

Why STRUCTApanel 12mm Outperforms Plywood

• Higher Fixing Capacity

STRUCTApanel 12mm achieves a tested fixing capacity of 1600N, a full 45% above the required minimum. This gives peace of mind that grabrails, fold-down seats, and other fittings will remain secure over time, even with repeated use.

• Bracing Certified

STRUCTApanel 12mm is bracing certified, meaning it can play a structural role in wall assemblies, offering flexibility and reducing the number of products required on-site.

• H2 Termite Treated

Built for Australian conditions, STRUCTApanel includes H2 treatment for protection in high-risk termite zones, critical for long-term durability.

• Sustainable and Australian Made

Manufactured in Australia from plantation-grown, sustainably certified timber, STRUCTApanel supports responsible sourcing and reduces reliance on imported plywood.

• More Affordable than Plywood

With prices fluctuating and supply chains tightening, STRUCTApanel offers a more cost-effective solution, without compromising on strength or compliance.

Why It Matters to the Frame & Truss Sector

Frame and truss manufacturers are now key enablers of compliance. With these new reinforcement requirements needing to be factored in during wall frame detailing, manufacturers who adopt STRUCTApanel into their offering are providing a turnkey solution to their builder clients – one that’s ready for NCC 2022 and beyond.

In fact, offering STRUCTApanel 12mm as part of your standard detailing not only simplifies compliance – it can give you a commercial edge in a rapidly evolving market.

Be Ready—Even Where It’s Not Mandatory Yet

While not all states and territories have adopted the Livable Housing Design, the national direction is clear. Accessibility and adaptability are fast becoming minimum expectations for new housing, and early adopters are already embedding these standards into everyday practice.

Looking ahead? It pays to back a board that’s built for the future.