How to Install Dincel Walls: Step‑by‑Step Guide
- Murs Projects
- Jul 20
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Installing Dincel structural walling systems requires precision, planning, and strict adherence to engineering and NCC compliance standards. At Murs Projects, we’ve developed this complete step-by-step guide to help Australian builders, contractors, and project managers understand exactly how to install Dincel walls from slab preparation to concrete pour and finishing.
Whether you're constructing a basement in Sydney, a multi-level lift core in Melbourne, or a retaining wall on a remote infrastructure project, this guide provides the technical detail, sequencing, and real-world insights needed to deliver compliant, structurally sound results - on time and to spec.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin installing Dincel walls, it's crucial to have all necessary tools and materials prepped on-site. Missing even a single item can cause unnecessary delays or compromise structural quality during the concrete pour.
Here’s what you’ll need for a smooth, efficient Dincel wall installation:
Materials:
Dincel polymer panels: 110 mm, 155 mm, 200 mm, or 275 mm widths depending on structural design.
Starter tracks & end stops: to secure the base and terminations of wall lines.
Snap-lock connectors: for quick and watertight panel joins.
Steel reinforcement: typically N12–N20 vertical bars and lateral stirrups per engineering.
Approved sealants: fire-rated and acoustic compliant to AS1530.4.
Concrete mix: 25–32 MPa with 75–125 mm slump; 10 mm max aggregate size recommended.
Tools:
Circular saw with fine-tooth poly blade (for panel cuts)
Power drill with self-tapping concrete screws
Laser level and stringlines for wall layout
Spirit level and straightedge for plumb checking
Concrete vibrator (25 mm needle head)
Bracing props or adjustable frames
PPE: gloves, safety glasses, steel caps, hearing protection
Step 1: Prepare the Slab and Set Out the Dincel Wall Layout
The success of any Dincel wall installation begins with precise slab preparation and accurate set-out. This stage establishes the alignment, load transfer, and verticality of the entire wall system.
1.1 Confirm Slab Condition
Ensure the concrete slab is level, fully cured (minimum 7 days), and structurally ready to receive vertical load-bearing walls.
Use a laser level to confirm flatness - variations greater than 3 mm over 3 m should be corrected before installation.
1.2 Install Starter Bars
Verify that starter bars (N12 or N16) are cast-in at correct spacings to match your chosen Dincel panel width (200 mm or 275 mm centres).
Bars must be plumb, upright, and long enough to develop anchorage once poured.
1.3 Fix the Starter Track
Align the galvanised steel or PVC starter track over the starter bars using stringlines or a laser line.
Fix the track to the slab at 400–600 mm centres using mechanical anchors or concrete screws.
The track must be straight and firmly fixed—any misalignment here will affect panel positioning and reinforcement clearance.
1.4 Plan Expansion and Control Joints
If walling runs exceed 6–8 m, control joints or expansion breaks should be included, aligned with slab joints where possible.
Ensure joints are backed and sealed for waterproofing and fire compliance.
Step 2: Panel Preparation & Placement
With the slab and starter tracks in place, the next step is to prepare and install the Dincel panels. Precision in cutting and alignment is essential for ensuring structural continuity, waterproofing, and correct reinforcement positioning.
2.1 Cutting Dincel Panels
Use a circular saw with a fine-tooth poly blade to trim panels to length.
Cut all window and door openings prior to installation where possible.
Always de-burr edges and maintain square cuts—improper cuts can compromise snap-lock integrity and joint sealing.
2.2 Placing Panels into the Starter Track
Starting at a corner or end wall, place each panel into the starter track.
Check the base alignment before moving to the next panel.
Ensure verticality with a spirit level or laser line as you go—early correction is easier than adjusting after bracing.
2.3 Joining with Snap-Lock System
Apply a soapy water solution to panel edges to ease installation.
Push panels together until the snap-lock joint audibly clicks—this creates a waterproof and airtight seal without sealants.
For curved walls or tight areas, use temporary joiners or locking clamps as needed.
2.4 Confirm Alignment at Every 3–4 Panels
Stop and visually check alignment every few panels.
Measure from slab edges and corners to maintain wall straightness, especially on long runs.
Step 3: Bracing and Propping
Once your Dincel panels are in place, bracing and propping are critical to maintaining alignment and resisting lateral pressure during the concrete pour. This is not just about holding panels in place - proper bracing is essential to structural integrity and finish quality.
3.1 Install Horizontal Bracing (Walers)
Use timber or steel walers across the panel face to hold shape and prevent bowing.
Fix walers every 1.2 to 1.5 metres vertically, depending on wall height and engineer’s instructions.
On curved or angled walls, increase waler frequency to control deflection.
3.2 Set Up Adjustable Props
Props should be fixed to the slab or floor and connected to the bracing frames.
Use adjustable turnbuckles or threaded props to allow for precise vertical alignment.
For walls over 3 metres in height, install mid-height or back-facing bracing to reduce flex during pouring.
3.3 Double-Check Alignment
After full bracing setup, check plumb and straightness along the full run using a laser level or stringline.
Tighten all connections and make final adjustments before placing reinforcement.
Step 4: Reinforcement & Openings
With your Dincel panels braced and aligned, it’s time to install the steel reinforcement and prepare any openings for services or access. This is a critical step in the structural integrity and compliance of the wall system.
4.1 Place Vertical Reinforcement Bars
Insert N12 or N16 bars vertically into each Dincel core (void) per engineering drawings.
Maintain 30 mm minimum concrete cover from the panel face using Dincel’s clip-in chairs or approved plastic spacers.
Bars must be clean, rust-free, and continuous across full panel height unless spliced with lapped joints per AS 3600.
4.2 Add Lateral Ties or Stirrups
Where specified, insert lateral ties or Dincel clip-in reinforcement supports to hold bar spacing.
These ties help prevent displacement during the concrete pour and improve wall integrity—especially in multi-storey or load-bearing applications.
4.3 Prepare Window, Door & Service Openings
All door and window penetrations must be cut before the pour and structurally framed with timber or steel.
Confirm that all electrical conduits, plumbing pipes, or HVAC sleeves are installed, sealed, and braced within the wall cavity.
Service openings must be reinstated post-pour with fire-rated collars or acoustic sleeves as required by NCC.
Step 5: Concrete Pouring
Once reinforcement is complete and bracing checked, the Dincel wall is ready to be poured. The concrete placement process is where everything comes together—structural integrity, wall straightness, and system compliance depend on it.
5.1 Select the Correct Concrete Mix
Use a structural-grade mix, typically 25–32 MPa.
Slump should be 75–125 mm, depending on pour height and weather conditions.
Maximum aggregate size of 10 mm is recommended for smooth flow through the Dincel core.
Consider using plasticisers to improve workability without excess water.
5.2 Pour Methodology
Pour in lifts no greater than 2.4 m. For walls above 3 m, pour in multiple stages to avoid panel stress.
Use a 25 mm pencil vibrator for compaction—insert vertically every 600–800 mm, holding for 3–5 seconds per depth.
Avoid over-vibration: this can force separation at joints, cause panel bulging, or shift reinforcement.
5.3 Pour Rate and Control
Target pour rate: 10–12 linear metres per hour, adjusting for wall thickness and complexity.
Continuously monitor for:
Leaks at snap-lock joints (tighten bracing if needed)
Bowing panels (pause and correct before resuming)
Concrete consistency (check for segregation or blocked cores)
A well-controlled pour ensures the Dincel wall system performs as a fully bonded, monolithic structure—meeting load and fire resistance requirements without the defects often seen in rushed or poorly braced installs.
Step 6: Curing, Cleaning & Sealants
Post-pour procedures are critical in ensuring the long-term durability and compliance of the Dincel wall. This stage involves three core actions: curing the concrete, cleaning the panels, and sealing all necessary joints and penetrations.
6.1 Concrete Curing
Begin curing immediately after the pour using curing compound or wet hessian to retain moisture.
Maintain curing conditions for a minimum of 7 days.
Avoid applying any structural loads, heavy fixings, or finishes during this time.
In hot conditions, start curing within 30 minutes to prevent rapid drying and shrinkage cracks.
6.2 Cleaning Panel Surfaces
Wash off slurry and splatter within 30–60 minutes of the pour using a soft brush and low-pressure water.
Dried residue can affect surface finishes and acoustic/fire sealant adhesion.
Inspect all joins and panel faces—clean any voids or protrusions before applying render, cladding, or paint.
6.3 Joint Sealing & Fire Compliance
Apply fire-rated sealants (e.g. intumescent or mastic-based, AS1530.4 certified) at:
Control joints
Penetrations (electrical, plumbing)
Panel terminations (top and side ends)
For acoustic-rated partitions, use NCC-compliant acoustic sealants to maintain Rw+Ctr ratings.
Sealant curing times should align with the product spec sheet—typically 24–48 hours.
Step 7: Finishing & Handover
Once the Dincel wall has cured and passed all checks, the final step is to prepare the surface for finishes and complete QA handover. This includes documentation, final inspections, and preparing the wall for rendering, cladding, or internal lining.
7.1 Surface Finishing
Depending on your project specifications, Dincel walls can be:
Left exposed (plant rooms, garages, basements)
Rendered using acrylic or cementitious base coats
Clad or lined internally with plasterboard, FC sheet, or architectural panels
Before applying any finish:
Lightly sand any rough joints or high points
Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of slurry residue
For rendered surfaces, use a bonding primer if recommended by the finish manufacturer
7.2 Final QA & Compliance Checks
Prior to handover:
Confirm reinforcement has been placed and recorded per engineering requirements
Validate curing time and panel alignment tolerances
Ensure all penetrations are sealed with certified products
Photograph reinforcement, services, and bracing prior to pour for documentation
7.3 Documentation & Certification
Provide the builder or superintendent with:
Structural QA checklist and slab-to-pour report
FRL and acoustic sealant certification
Batch slips for concrete used
Warranty documentation for Dincel system components (if applicable)
This final step confirms that the wall system is compliant, durable, and ready for handover, aligning with both the National Construction Code and project-specific performance requirements.
Choose Murs Projects for Your Dincel Wall Installation
At Murs Projects, we bring certified expertise and site-proven precision to every Dincel wall installation. Our team understands the structural, compliance, and sequencing requirements unique to Dincel systems, whether you’re building a basement in a residential duplex, a commercial lift core, or retaining walls on an infrastructure site. From slab preparation to QA handover, we manage the process end-to-end, ensuring alignment with NCC, AS3600, and AS1530.4 standards. Every wall we build is delivered with documented reinforcement placement, bracing sign-offs, sealant certification, and finish-readiness—backed by years of real project outcomes in Australia.
When structural performance, compliance, and program certainty matter, partner with a contractor that specialises in more than just panel installation. We integrate Dincel systems into your project with zero guesswork, maximum accountability, and a firm focus on doing things right the first time. Contact Murs Projects today to discuss your next project, request a tailored quote, or secure a certified installation crew ready to deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Installing Dincel Walls
How long does it take to install Dincel walls?
Install time varies based on wall height and crew size. On average, a trained team can install and brace up to 25–35 linear metres per day before concrete pour. Total install time, including curing and finishing - ranges from 2 to 4 days per section.
Do I need special tools to install Dincel walls?
You’ll need common construction tools (drill, circular saw, laser level) plus Dincel-specific accessories like starter tracks, joiners, and bracing equipment. A 25 mm concrete vibrator is essential for compaction.
Are Dincel walls compliant with the NCC?incel walls compliant with the NCC?
Yes. Dincel wall systems are compliant with the NCC, including requirements for fire resistance, acoustic separation, and waterproofing. Always use certified fire-stop and sealants for compliance.
Can services (electrical, plumbing) run through Dincel walls?
Absolutely. Services should be sleeved and placed prior to pour. Penetrations post-pour are possible, but must be fire and acoustically reinstated to maintain compliance.
Can I install Dincel walls myself, or do I need a licensed installer?
Small non-structural applications may be done by experienced builders, but for structural walls, it’s recommended to use certified Dincel installers like Murs Projects to ensure compliance, safety, and structural performance.