Use Case
Coolroom Panels Bunnings vs Direct Supplier: Cost & Quality Guide
Thinking about buying insulated panels from Bunnings for a coolroom or freezer? On paper it seems cheaper and easier than talking to a specialist. In reality, the wrong choice can lead to condensation, high power bills and failed inspections. This guide compares Bunnings coolroom panels vs direct suppliers on cost, steel thickness, warranty and lead times so you can choose the right option for your project.
Introduction: Hardware Store Panels vs Specialist Suppliers
Big-box hardware stores like Bunnings are fantastic for timber, tools and DIY gear. But when it comes to coolroom and freezer construction, the panels you choose need to do much more than simply “look insulated”.
A coolroom panel is an engineered product. It has a specific core density, steel skin thickness, joint system and fire behaviour. These details decide whether your room:
- Holds temperature without overworking the refrigeration system
- Passes council and food safety inspections
- Lasts 15–25 years instead of 3–5
Below we break down the differences between buying panels from Bunnings and ordering from a direct coolroom panel supplier such as Cool Room Master.
Bunnings vs Direct Supplier: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Bunnings / Big-Box Retail | Direct Coolroom Supplier |
|---|---|---|
| Panel purpose | General construction, sheds, garages | Coolrooms, freezers, food & pharma facilities |
| Steel thickness | Often 0.30–0.35 mm skins | Typically 0.45–0.55 mm skins |
| Common thicknesses | Limited, often up to ~50–75 mm | 50–150 mm for coolroom and freezer duty |
| Panel length | Standard sheet sizes, you cut on site | Custom cut 2–6 m to suit your room |
| Fire / food compliance | Rarely documented | EPS & FM-rated PIR options with documentation |
| Design support | None — DIY only | Thickness, span and detail advice for your project |
| Best suited for | DIY sheds and non-critical storage | Commercial coolrooms, freezers, cleanrooms and warehouses |
The further you move from a hobby project and into commercial refrigeration, the more important it is to work with a specialist.
Cost: Why “Cheaper Per Sheet” Can Cost More Overall
On the shelf, Bunnings panels can look cheaper. But there are hidden costs:
- You pay for full sheet sizes then cut them down, creating waste.
- Cut edges expose the core and can compromise vapour barriers.
- Lower-density foam and thinner steel reduce the lifespan of the room.
- There is no support for calculating correct thickness or spans.
With a direct supplier:
- Panels are cut to length to suit your drawings.
- Offcuts and waste are reduced.
- You can choose between EPS and PIR fire-rated cores, in thicknesses from 50–150 mm.
- Per-square-metre pricing improves as project size increases.
Over 10–20 years of operation, a room built with properly specified panels almost always wins on total cost of ownership.
For a deeper dive into how thickness impacts running costs, see our Coolroom Panel Thickness Guide (Australia) .
Thickness Options: Retail vs Industry Grade
Most retail outlets only stock a small range of panel thicknesses intended for roof and shed insulation. These products are not optimised for cold storage.
Bunnings / Big-Box Typical Range
- 30–50 mm panels for sheds and garages
- Occasional 75 mm options
- Limited information on R-values or foam density
Direct Coolroom Supplier Range
- 50 mm — ambient partitions, dry storage
- 75 mm — standard coolrooms (+2°C to +10°C)
- 100 mm — freezers (0°C to −20°C)
- 120–150 mm — blast freezing and critical environments
At Cool Room Master we supply both EPS wall panels and insulated roof panels cut from 2–6 m in length so you can minimise joints and maximise thermal performance.
Steel Thickness: The Hidden Quality Indicator
One of the biggest differences between hardware-store panels and industry-grade coolroom panels is the thickness of the steel skin.
- Bunnings-style panels often use 0.30–0.35 mm steel.
- Commercial coolrooms typically use 0.45–0.55 mm steel.
Thicker steel skins:
- Resist dents from trolleys and pallet jacks.
- Maintain structural integrity under suction and wind loads.
- Help joints stay tight for better airtightness.
Thin skins may look fine on day one, but they can deform over time, especially in busy loading docks and food production areas.
Fire Rating, Hygiene & Compliance
Commercial coolrooms and freezers are subject to strict fire and food safety requirements. This is where big-box products usually fall short.
Retail Panels
- Fire performance often not clearly documented.
- No FM or cleanroom certifications.
- Panel surface coatings may not be food-grade.
Direct-Supply Panels
- EPS core for standard coolrooms and many freezers.
- PIR FM4881 fire-rated panels for higher-risk applications.
- Food-safe coated steel surfaces for hygiene and wash-down.
- Technical data sheets available for council and insurance approvals.
If you’re building for supermarkets, butchers, seafood, pharmaceuticals or cleanrooms, a specialist supplier isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Who Cuts and Installs? DIY vs Supported Projects
When you buy from Bunnings, you are effectively taking responsibility for:
- Panel layout and cutting
- Joint design and sealing
- Selection of doors, flashings and fixings
- Ensuring everything meets code
Many people end up hiring a coolroom installer later to fix air leaks, condensation or structural issues caused by DIY attempts.
With a direct supplier like Cool Room Master:
- We review your drawings and recommend thickness and panel layout.
- Panels are cut to length with the correct locking system.
- We can connect you with experienced installers where required.
When Bunnings Panels Are Fine — And When They Aren’t
Good Use Cases for Bunnings Panels
- Insulating a backyard shed or workshop
- Non-critical hobby rooms or storage
- Short-term or temporary structures
- Projects where exact temperature control is not important
Projects That Should Use Direct-Supply Coolroom Panels
- Restaurant and café coolrooms
- Bottle shops, butchers and seafood outlets
- Distribution centres and warehouses
- Pharmaceutical and medical storage
- Any project with council, HACCP or insurance oversight
If stock value, food safety or compliance are at risk, a big-box hardware store simply isn’t the right place to source your panels.
FAQ: Bunnings vs Direct Coolroom Panel Suppliers
Are big-box store coolroom panels the same grade as specialist panels?
No. Hardware-store panels are typically designed for general construction and shed insulation, with thinner steel skins and lower foam density. Specialist coolroom panels are engineered for refrigeration loads, hygiene and long-term performance.
Who cuts and installs when I buy from a direct supplier?
We cut panels to length according to your drawings and can recommend professional installers who understand refrigeration, vapour barriers and food-safe details. This protects your warranty and ensures the room performs as designed.
Can I mix Bunnings panels with direct-supply coolroom panels?
In most cases we don’t recommend mixing systems. Different joint types, thicknesses and fire behaviours can create weak points and complicate compliance. It’s usually better to stick with one engineered system throughout.
Need Help Choosing the Right Panels for Your Project?
Whether you’re comparing quotes or starting from scratch, Cool Room Master can help you choose the right panel type, thickness and layout for Australian conditions.
Browse our insulated wall and roof panel range here: Coolroom Wall Panels — Shop Online or send us your drawings for a tailored recommendation: Contact Cool Room Master .