Dincel Wall vs Versaloc Blocks: Which Walling System Suits Your Project?

If you’re comparing Dincel Wall and Versaloc blocks, you’re probably trying to lock in a walling system that meets structural requirements, stays on program, and doesn’t create waterproofing or finishing headaches later.

This guide compares both options in practical terms: where each system fits, what affects install speed and cost, and what to confirm before you commit. If you want a second set of eyes on your drawings, Murs Projects can review your wall layout and flag constructability risks early.

Call Murs Projects or email your drawings for a walling recommendation and install proposal.

Quick comparison: Dincel Wall vs Versaloc Blocks

Key takeaway: There isn’t a universal winner. The “best” choice depends on wall purpose, loads, height, below-ground conditions, program, access, and the level of coordination across trades.

What is a Dincel Wall System?

A Dincel Wall system is a proprietary walling approach used for structural walling in many Australian commercial and residential builds.

In practice, builders choose it when they want a repeatable wall build, and when the project benefits from controlled installation steps and clear sequencing.

Typical use cases (project dependent)

• Boundary walls where set-out accuracy matters

• Structural walls in commercial builds

• Some retaining/below-ground walls (where design and waterproofing are addressed early)

What to confirm early

• Engineer’s design and reinforcement requirements

• Penetrations and service routes (hydraulics, electrical, fire)

• Waterproofing scope and responsibility (who does what, and when)

• Finishes and fixings (what needs to be supported by the wall)

What are Versaloc Blocks?

Versaloc blocks are a concrete block solution commonly used in structural and retaining wall applications. They’re familiar to most sites and can suit projects where blockwork is already the preferred trade pathway.

Typical use cases (project dependent)

• Retaining walls

• Structural block walls in industrial and commercial settings

• Walls where blockwork detailing is already established in the project documentation

What to confirm early

• Footings and base preparation requirements

• Reinforcement schedule and lap details

• Drainage and waterproofing detailing for retaining/below-ground walls

• Finish requirements and tolerance expectations

Key Differences that Affect Cost and Program

Installation Speed and Site Logistics

Speed isn’t only about the product. It’s about access, set-out, deliveries, and sequencing with other trades.

Questions to answer before choosing:

1. Can materials be delivered and stored without blocking the workface?

2. Are there crane/time restrictions that affect handling?

3. Is the program driven by getting walls up early (to start follow-on trades)?

4. Are penetrations known now, or are they likely to change?

Murs Projects tip: The fastest wall is the one with no rework. Late changes to penetrations and wall openings are common cost blowouts on both systems.

Structural Performance and Design Considerations

Both systems can be engineered to meet project requirements, but the design pathway and detailing differ.

What matters most is:

• Wall height and loading

• Support conditions and bracing

• Reinforcement design

• Any retaining loads (soil, water, surcharge)

• Openings, lintels, and connection details

Practical advice: Don’t choose based on a generic claim like “stronger”. Choose based on what your engineer needs to certify, and what your site can install reliably.

Waterproofing, Drainage, and Moisture risk

If the wall is retaining or below-ground, waterproofing is usually where projects win or lose.

Common risk points on both systems:

• Junctions at slabs and returns

• Penetrations (pipes, conduits, sleeves)

• Changes in wall thickness or step-downs

• Unclear scope split between wall installer and waterproofer

What we recommend:

• Confirm waterproofing system early

• Lock in penetration locations before install

• Coordinate inspections/hold points so defects don’t get buried

Fire Rating and Acoustic Outcomes

Fire and acoustic performance is always spec-driven. The right system depends on the required FRL, any acoustic targets in the documentation, and how the wall is detailed at junctions and penetrations.

Questions to answer before choosing:

1. What FRL is required for the wall (and is it loadbearing or non-loadbearing)?

2. Is there an acoustic requirement (Rw / Rw+Ctr) for this wall location?

3. How many service penetrations are planned, and are they locked in early?

4. What are the key junction details (slab edge, roof line, columns, returns)?

5. Do the required outcomes rely on finishes/linings (for example, additional layers) rather than the wall alone?

Finishes and Follow-on Trades

Finishes affect cost, time, and tolerance expectations.

Confirm:

• Final finish type (paint, render, cladding, lining)

• Fixing requirements (what needs to be mounted)

• Tolerance and straightness requirements (especially for visible walls)

Cost Drivers (what actually moves the number)

Instead of “which is cheaper?”, it’s more accurate to ask what will make this wall cheaper or more expensive on your site.

Typical cost drivers:

• Wall height and total wall area

• Reinforcement and connection details

• Site access and handling constraints

• Number of penetrations and openings

• Waterproofing scope and sequencing

• Finish requirements

• Program constraints (overtime, staged works, restricted hours)

If you share drawings, we can point out the cost drivers before you commit. Contact us to know more.

Which One Should You Choose? (Dincel Wall or Versaloc Blocks)

Choose the option that best matches your project constraints:

Dincel Wall may suit when:

• you want a repeatable installation process across many metres of wall

• the site benefits from a controlled, system-based workflow

• you want to reduce the risk of delays caused by inconsistent wall output

• you can lock in penetrations and sequencing early

  
  

Versaloc blocks may suit when:

• the project is already designed around block construction

• the wall includes retaining conditions and the documentation is blockwork-specific

• the site team and supply chain are set up for efficient blockwork handling

• the wall layout includes details that are easier to execute in block form (project dependent)

If you’re unsure: the right answer is often decided by site logistics + waterproofing detailing + trade sequencing, not the product name.

Typical Project Scenarios in Australia)

1) Tight-access boundary wall (Sydney / Western Sydney)

• Access and storage can decide the install method.

• The “best” system is the one that can be installed without blocking other trades.

2) Retaining wall with waterproofing (Newcastle / Central Coast / Wollongong)

• Drainage and waterproofing need to be locked early.

• Scope gaps cause rework and disputes.

3) Industrial build with program pressure

• The walling system needs to match the builder’s program and follow-on trades.

• Consistency of output is key.

Common Mistakes We See (and How to Avoid Them)

• Penetrations confirmed late → causes rework and patching

  • Fix: do a penetration review before install.

• Waterproofing scope gaps → “not my trade” problems

  • Fix: document who supplies, preps, primes, seals, and signs off.

• Set-out not aligned with steel/slab → tolerance issues

  • Fix: coordinate set-out with structure early and recheck before install.

• No clear QA checkpoints → defects found after finishes

  • Fix: agree on hold points and inspection stages.

Structural Walling Supply and Installation in Australia

Murs Projects supplies and installs structural walling systems across Australia, with strong delivery capability in NSW and active project support in QLD and VIC.

We work with builders and project teams to keep walling simple on site: clear set-out, clean sequencing, and steady output that matches the program.

What you can expect from our structural wall installers team:

• Set-out and coordination that reduces rework (openings, penetrations, interfaces with slab and steel)

• Installation that matches the engineer’s design (reinforcement, connections, bracing and fixings as specified)

• QA checks at the right stages so issues are found early, not after finishes

• Clear communication with the site team to manage access, deliveries, and staging

If you’re deciding between Dincel Wall and Versaloc blocks or planning a project anywhere in Australia, give us a call. We’ll review the wall layout, highlight the main cost and program drivers, and recommend the most practical install approach.

FAQs on Dincel Wall vs Versaloc Blocks

Is Dincel cheaper than Versaloc?

It depends on wall height, reinforcement, access, waterproofing, and finishes. The cheaper option is usually the one that avoids rework and fits your site logistics.

Which is faster to install?

Speed depends on access, deliveries, set-out, and whether penetrations are locked in early. Program delays usually come from coordination issues, not the product.

Which is better for retaining walls?

Both can be used in retaining applications depending on engineering design and detailing. The decision often comes down to waterproofing, drainage, and constructability.

Do I need waterproofing with both?

For below-ground or retaining conditions, waterproofing and drainage are typically critical. Confirm the system, scope split, and inspections early.

Can I hang services/cable trays on these walls?

Usually yes, but the fixing method depends on the system, loads, and finish. Confirm requirements early, especially for heavy services.