Where “Fibro” Comes From
“Fibro” is short for “fibro-cement”, a cheap building sheet used widely in Australia from the 1940s. A “fibro house” or “fibro shack” is a simple home built with it.
In older fibro, the sheets may contain asbestos, so renovators should get professional advice.
“They grew up in a little fibro house.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
Used in housing and nostalgic talk about family homes and beach shacks.
In Real Life
Fibro houses were built in huge numbers in the decades after World War II because the sheets were cheap and quick to put up. They’re often small and simple, and they’re a common sight in older suburbs, beach towns and holiday “shacks”. Asbestos was widely used in building products in Australia until the 1980s and was banned nationally in 2003, so older fibro can contain it.
Quick Questions
Is all fibro made with asbestos?
No, but older fibro sheets may contain asbestos. Have material tested by a licensed professional before cutting, drilling or sanding it.
What is a fibro shack?
A simple weekend or holiday cottage made of fibro sheets, often near the beach or in the bush.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: FY-broh.
In conversation:
- Nan lived in a fibro cottage.
- They’re doing up an old fibro.
- The old fibro shack by the beach.
Good to know: Older fibro sheets can contain asbestos, so renovating old fibro houses needs care and expert advice.
See also: Granny Flat, Dunny
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