PlaceMakers product picks – October 2026   

Every month we round up our top Product Picks showcasing innovation, new products and the brands that builders know and trust. Check out our top product picks for October below. 

When a project calls for a durable, high-performance hardwood, Tali is a strong option to consider. This dense African hardwood is Durability Class 1, putting it in the same class as species such as Blackbutt, Purple Heart and Cumaru (Tonka). 

Tali is naturally resistant to decay and insect attack, making it well suited to demanding outdoor applications, such as decking and other landscaping projects. Its durability also makes it suitable for use in freshwater and seawater environments. 

Why choose Tali?

• Class 1 durability: A highly durable hardwood suited to demanding outdoor applications.
• FSC^® 100% certified: Sourced from responsibly managed forests, supporting more sustainable timber choices. 
• Strong and dense: With a density of approximately 900kg/m³ and a Janka hardness of 13kN, Tali offers the strength and resilience expected from a premium hardwood.
• Distinctive appearance: Ranges from orangey yellow-brown through to rich reddish-brown, with an interlocked grain and coarse texture.
• Versatile outdoor use: Suitable for decking and other applications where durability and resistance to decay are important. 

Available in 19 x 140mm decking, with random lengths typically ranging from 1.8m to 5.4m, Tali provides a durable hardwood option for projects where long-term performance matters. 

For September and October only, receive a BONUS 4L of JSC Decking Oil with every 300 linear metre of Tali Smooth Decking purchased. 

From 1 October 2026, a small number of changes will be made to the GIB® plasterboard range to help reduce on-site waste, simplify installation and ensure the range continues to meet customer needs. 

New GIB Braceline^® / GIB Noiseline^® Sheet Lengths 

Good design often comes down to getting the small details right. Based on customer feedback, we’ve added three new GIB Braceline^® / GIB Noiseline^® sheet lengths to provide more flexibility when planning and installing wall systems. 

The new sizes are intended to help reduce cutting and wastage on site, while making bracing and lining installation more straightforward. 

New GIB Braceline^® / GIB Noiseline^® products 

Placemakers SKU	GIB SKU	Product Description
2804847	16119	10mm GIB Brace/Noise 3.6 x 1.35m TESE
2804846	16120	10mm GIB Brace/Noise 3.6 x 1.2m TESE
2804848	16121	13mm GIB Brace/Noise 3.3 x 1.2m TETE

Looking for a durable flooring substrate that’s built for New Zealand conditions? FutureFloor™ is a CodeMark certified FOSB (Fine Oriented Strand Board) flooring panel designed for residential and commercial construction. It combines an engineered OSB core with fine surface layers and a moisture-resistant to deliver strength, stability and improved moisture performance.

FutureFloor™ is suitable for installation over timber and steel framing and can also be used in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries when installed with a compliant waterproof membrane. The panel features a plastic tongue-and-groove joint along the long edges for easy installation and secure sheet connection.  

Available in 2400 x 1200 x 20mm and 3600 x 1200 x 20mm sheet sizes, FutureFloor™ is supported by both CodeMark certification (CMNZ70219) and a PASS (Product Assurance Supplier Statement), providing confidence that the product meets New Zealand Building Code requirements when used in accordance with the installation guide. 

Learn more about FutureFloor™ and access technical documentation at Independent Building Supplies. IBS | IBS FutureFloor™ 

A quality finish starts with the right preparation. Dulux^® 1Step^™ Prep provides a strong foundation for interior and exterior projects, helping improve adhesion while resisting mould and blocking common stains such as tannin bleed and flash rust. The result is a smoother, longer-lasting finish that stands up to the demands of new builds, renovations and maintenance work.  

For the finishing coat, Dulux^® Wash&Wear^® offers proven durability trusted by professionals across New Zealand. Designed to handle the knocks of everyday life, it delivers exceptional washability along with resistance to scuffs, stains and marks.  

Available in a range of finishes including Matt, Low Sheen, Gloss and Semi-Gloss, Wash&Wear^® makes it easy to achieve the right look and level of performance for every space, from family homes and apartments to high-traffic communal areas. 

Together, Dulux^® 1Step Prep^™ and Dulux^® Wash&Wear^® form a complete painting system that helps builders, painters and specifiers deliver premium results with confidence, reducing maintenance concerns and helping projects look their best long after handover.