Panel-It AUS Specifier and Installer Guide by itiaustralia

1. Product Overview

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels are a collection of architecturally inspired decorative panels, with a hidden tongue and groove join, designed to add texture, character, and visual impact, helping you create spaces with a truly individual style

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels are manufactured from Moisture Resistant (MR), Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), and are used for lining interior walls and ceilings, offering a stylish and durable alternative to traditional plasterboard or other wall finishes. They are suitable for both traditional and contemporary homes as well as commercial applications and are ideal for adding visual impact to spaces such as dining areas, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, studies, offices, retail environments, restaurants, apartments, and hotels.

1.1 Product Benefits

• Architecturally inspired decorative profiles to panel surface

• Hidden tongue & groove system

• Made from durable (MR) MDF.

• Primed and ready to paint for fast, easy installation.

• No joint sealing or sanding required.

• High impact resistance.

• Consistent board surface with no knots, splinters, or inconsistencies.

1.2 Product Specification

2. Scope of Use

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels are used for general purpose internal wall and ceiling lining on timber or steel framing in residential buildings to the Performance Requirements of BCA NCC 2022 Volume Two, or light commercial buildings to the Performance Requirements of BCA NCC 2022 Volume One

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels are fixed to framing with mechanical fixing, supported by construction adhesive, and are supplied pre-primed. Panel-It™ Decorative Panels require painting to be finished.

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels must be installed in accordance with published literature.

2.1 Limitations

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels must NOT be used in the following applications:

• Wet areas, or where a vessel (bath, tapware, basin or shower) is within 75mm of the lining as determined by ABCB Housing Provisions Part 10.2 Wet Area Waterproofing.

• Fixed directly to tiles, natural stone, textiles or wallpaper.

3. Compliance

The following provisions of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 are relevant to the use of PanelIt™ Decorative Panels.

Structural Performance

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels are a non-structural decorative lining and do not contribute to bracing or structural capacity. Structural performance is provided by the supporting wall framing.

Durability

When installed in a dry internal environment and maintained in accordance with published recommendations, Panel-It™ Decorative Panels satisfy the intended durability performance of NCC Volume One 2022, and NCC Volume Two 2022, A5G1.

Durability is further supported by the Panel-It™ Decorative Panel standard product warranty.

3.1 Basis of Compliance

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels Specification Guide and MSDS

4. Responsibilities

This Specifier and Installer Guide outlines recommended design and construction practices and is intended as a general reference for typical internal lining and ceiling lining applications. It is not a substitute for the expertise and responsibility of qualified building professionals in designing projects and carrying out installations, nor does it cover every possible situation. Architects, designers, and installers remain responsible for confirming that the details provided are suitable for the specific application and installers must ensure all fixings, adhesives, and sealants are compatible with adjoining materials.

5. Sustainability

In the timber industry, wood which is sourced from well managed forests that are in accordance with one or more independent internationally recognised certification organisations is known as sustainable timber. These international organisations ensure that the certified forests are not only replanted but are responsible in order to protect the micro and macro climate including ethical and cultural sensitivities of the forest region.

Developments over the past few years have placed emphasis on Resource Certification. FSC® and PEFC are the two leading third-party Resource Certification schemes currently operating, and ITI Australia is proud to be the first major timber importer accredited by FSC® and PEFC chain-of-custody. FSC certification is available on the ITI Australia website.

The mark of responsible forestry FSC C109057

6. Design

6.1 Structure

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels can be fixed directly to timber or light gauge steel framing. Battens are required where Panel-It™ Decorative Panels are fixed over concrete, masonry block or brick walls Take care to ensure the battens are packed to be in plumb line and have a flat even surface to adhere the panels Panel-It™ Decorative Panels should not be fixed directly to masonry surfaces.

6.2 Internal Moisture

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels should not to be used in wet areas, or where a vessel (bath, tapware, basin or shower) is within 75mm of the lining as determined by ABCB Housing Provisions Part 10.2 Wet Area Waterproofing

All applications where Panel-It™ Decorative Panels are used must be designed, installed, and maintained in a way that prevents moisture penetration.

6.3 Expansion & Clearance

All expansion joints must be maintained throughout, between Panel-It™ Decorative Panels and elements in the building such as floors, ceilings, architraves, skirtings, fixtures and fittings.

Maintain all required clearances between panels and adjacent building elements to accommodate movement and prevent distortion

• A minimum of 5mm between the top edge of Panel-It™ Decorative Panels and the primary ceiling.

• A minimum of 10mm between the bottom surface Panel-It™ Decorative Panels and top surface of the primary floor

• A minimum of 3mm at corners.

• A minimum of 1mm at panel butt joints between long edges of panels.

• A minimum of 5mm at panel butt joints between short edges of panels.

6.4 Repeating Patterns

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels come with profiles to panel surface. Consideration to the aesthetic of joins and where sheets meet is important at corners and transitions around interrupted areas where cuts are required.

When using multiple Panel-It™ Decorative Panel patterns in a project, the visual alignment of joints should be considered. A rail, partition, or corner can be used to separate and transition between patterns.

7. Installation

7.1 Health & Safety

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels are manufactured from wood-based products. Standard health and safety precautions should always be followed when working with wood panels.

For Australian work health & safety requirements, the national WHS policy framework developed by Safe Work Australia can be a helpful resource (along with state/territory specific toolkits). These resources provide practical checklists and support in meeting duties under the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations. Relevant topics include:

• Site Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment.

• Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) & Work Procedures

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Tool, Equipment & Plant Safety

• Slips, Trips, Falls & Working at Heights Control Measures

When cutting, drilling, or fixing panels, equipment should be fitted with dust collection systems and used in well-ventilated areas. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn at all times, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and a P1 or P2 dust mask.

Before operating power tools, ensure:

• The correct tool, saw, or blade is being used for the task.

• All tools and machinery are maintained in good repair.

• Safety devices and guards are fitted, secure, and operating correctly.

• Operators are trained and competent in safe use

For more detailed product specific information, refer to relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on the ITI Australia website.

7.2 Storage & Handling

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels should be stored and handled with care to prevent damage and reduce risk of injury. Storage areas should be level, dry, and protected from the weather. Panels are best kept flat on bearers at even spacing to avoid distortion.

When moving panels, use correct manual-handling techniques or mechanical aids where possible. Heavy or large panels should always be lifted by two people to avoid strain or injury. Take care to maintain clear site access and ensure panels are stacked securely to prevent slipping or collapse. Lift panels from the stack instead of sliding or dragging them, to prevent surface damage.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety footwear should be worn when handling panels. Always be aware of nearby workers and the public when shifting materials around the site.

7.3 Tools & Processing

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels can be cut using standard woodworking tools. For best results: When using a power saw, cut the panel with the face side down. When using a Hand Saw, cut the panel with the face side up.

Fixing

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels can be installed using hand tools or power tools (nail gun, or screw gun).

When using power tools, adjust the driving pressure so the fixing head sits just below the surface. Excessive pressure may drive the fixing too deep, causing panel damage and leaving visible tool marks. All timber fixings must be long enough to penetrate the studs by a minimum of 30mm.

Fix Panel-It™ Decorative Panels to framing at 200-300mm centres.

Adhesive

A flexible construction adhesive or stud adhesive should be used for fixing the sheets to the studs and dwangs to allow for movement to take place, for example Sika Nailbond PB or equivalent. Refer to adhesive manufacturer for recommended adhesives and guidelines of use.

Sealants

For best results, a flexible (25% movement capability) paintable sealant should be used when fixing skirtings, cornices and timber mouldings to Panel-It™ Decorative Panels. Refer to sealant manufacturer for recommended sealants and guidelines of use.

7.4 Components & Accessories

Product Description

Supplier

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels ITI Australia

Timber Framing Fixing

Nail: 2 x 40mm anti-rust bullet head

Screw: CSK 8 x 20mm or 30mm By Others

Timber Framing Brad Fixing

Wall: Paslode ND Brads 14ga x 45mm

Ceiling: Paslode Duo-Fast C2.5 x 45 Ring Shank By Others

Steel Framing Fixing

CSK 8 x 20mm or 30mm By Others

Adhesive & Sealant

Flexible construction adhesive (Sika Nailbond PB or equivalent)

Flexible paintable sealant (25% movement capability) By Others

7.5 Pre-installation Check List

• The building is fully enclosed and weather-tight before panel installation.

• Panels have had at least 48 hours to acclimatise in the room prior to installation.

• All walls and ceilings are straight and true.

• Wall studs are spaced at a maximum of 600mm centres.

• Ceiling trusses are spaced at 700mm max. centres, with battens installed at a maximum of 450mm spacing.

Do not

• Install panels without proper expansion gaps.

• Knock tongue and groove joins together too tightly (allow a 1mm gap).

• Use unsuitable fixings or adhesives.

• Butt-join ceiling panels (use trim or decorative battens to cover joints).

7.6 Framing

Ensure frames are straight and true before installing Panel-It™ Decorative Panels. A recommended tolerance of 3 to 4mm over a 3m length of framing is good practice.

Studs must be spaced at no more than 600mm centres. For commercial high traffic areas, 450mm centres are recommended.

Where panels are joined between studs, dwangs (nogs) are required to be installed to support the joint When panels are part way up the wall (for example, partial height panels) install a dwang (nog) at the top of the panel to support the top panel edge.

Panel-It™ Installed on 600mm Studs

Panel-It™ Installed on 450mm Studs

7.7 Panel Jointing

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels are joined using the hidden tongue and groove 11mm x 3mm ribbed tongue.

Ensure there is a minimum of 1mm between installed panels to allow for expansion. When the short 1200mm edges of the panels are joined (for example, installing sheets horizontally), a 5mm expansion gap is required.

Typical Panel-It™ Joint

7.8 Masonry Walls

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels are fixed to 18–22mm horizontal furring channels or battens fixed to masonry at 450mm centres to promote airflow and ensure a flat surface.

7.9 Ceilings

Panel-It™ Installed on Masonry

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels are fixed to trusses, battens, or furring channels. Ceiling trusses should be at maximum 700mm centres, with battens spaced at 450mm. Avoid brick pattern layouts as end joins should align for covering with decorative trim.

Panel-It™ Installed on Ceilings

7.10 Existing Wall Linings

Check the existing wall surface for damage and correct if necessary. Use a stud finder to locate studs or battens for fixings.

Panel-It™ Installed on Existing Walls

7.11 Horizontal Panels

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels can be installed horizontally. Ensure they are orientated with the tongue facing upward and ensure panel ends are supported by studs or battens

Panel-It™ Installed Horizontally

7.12 Installation Process

7.13 Finishing & Painting

Apply adhesive to the frame behind the first panel (Sika Nailbond PB or equivalent).

Use spacers at the bottom edge to ensure floor clearance.

Press the panel against the wall, and ensure it is straight and level.

Fix the panel using selected fixings at 200–300mm intervals.

Continue installing subsequent panels, maintaining a 1mm gap between tongue and groove joins.

Cut the final panel to size as required and fit skirtings, architraves, or cornices to finish.

Ensure all clearances are maintained throughout installation of panels at floor, ceiling, corners and between panels at joints.

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels are supplied pre-primed and require painting or staining to be finished. Lightly sand panels, clean with a damp cloth, and ensure moisture content is below 15% before finishing. Oil or acrylic-based paints can be used Refer to paint manufacturer for recommended finishes and guidelines of use.

Use a Flexible paintable sealant (25% movement capability) to fill gaps and mouldings, cornices, skirtings, and architraves prior to finishing

8. Decorative Profiles

9. Construction Details

The following details are available from the ITI Australia website. Description

PANEL-IT™ TIMBER AND STEEL WALL STANDARD 600MM STUD

PANEL-IT™ TIMBER AND STEEL WALL 450MM STUD

PANEL-IT™ MASONRY WALL

PANEL-IT™ EXISTING LINED WALL

PANEL-IT™ HORIZONTAL PANEL WALL

PANEL-IT™ CEILING

PANEL-IT™ PANEL STANDARD JOINT

PANEL-IT™ DECORATIVE PROFILES

ITIPAN-01

ITIPAN-02

ITIPAN-03

ITIPAN-04

ITIPAN-05

ITIPAN-06

ITIPAN-07

ITIPAN-08

10. Warranty & Maintenance

Panel-It™ Decorative Panels are supplied with a 7-year product warranty. The full warranty document is available from the ITI Australia website.

11. More Information

ITI Australia imports and supplies a wide variety of timber for different applications such as plywood, hardwood T&G flooring, cladding and hardwood decking. For more information, contact ITI Australia

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