Hebel panels are some of the most popular and hardwearing products we use at Empower Construction. This material has revolutionised the construction industry, making it faster than ever to construct quality builds that stand the test of time.

At Empower Construction, we pride ourselves on over a decade of experience advising on, managing, supplying and installing all types of external cladding, facades and finishes.​ We’re proud to lead the industry in Hebel wall installation. From Hebel floor panels to installing Hebel power panels, we’re experts on building with Hebel panels.

As industry leaders in Hebel installation, many of our customers wonder if installing Hebel panels is a trade-off—in exchange for versatility, superfast construction, and outstanding energy efficiency, you get a product that is less hardy.

This simply isn’t the case, and you can drill into Hebel like you would into a brick or plaster wall—with the right material and know-how. Just like whipping out the masonry drill bit for a concrete wall, or the hollow wall anchors for plaster walls, you need the right tools.

In this article, we’ll explain what those tools are, and how to fix to your Hebel walls without causing damage.

What is Hebel?

Hebel is a brand name for a type of autoclaved aerated concrete, and it’s increasingly popular in Australia. If you’ve ever seen those big, light grey building blocks that almost look like giant foam bricks—that’s Hebel.

Hebel panels are made from a mix of sand, cement, lime, and aluminium powder. When that powder reacts with the other ingredients, tiny air bubbles are created throughout the block—which is why it’s called aerated concrete.

Often used for external walls, fencing, or even floor panels, Hebel is known for being easy to install, energy-efficient (great for insulation), and even fire and sound-resistant, which makes it a popular choice for both homes and commercial buildings.

Hebel wall installation is also faster than traditional construction, which saves significantly on labour costs.

Once installed, Hebel and other lightweight panels are often finished with modern render systems such as Exsulite, Dulux Creativo, or Acratex to achieve a durable and stylish exterior.

Can you screw into Hebel?

Although Hebel panels are exceptionally strong, they are also soft and porous. You can screw into Hebel, but like any wall, you need to use the right kind of Hebel screw or fixing to make sure whatever you’re attaching stays put.

For lighter attachments (like picture frames or towel hooks), you can usually get away with a screw and a nylon wall plug. For heavier items—shelves, TV brackets, or handrails—you’ll want something more secure like a chemical anchor, Ramset-style plugs, or toggle bolts that spread the load and grip into the wall.

The most important thing to remember when using Hebel fixings is not to overtighten. Take it slow, pre-drill where needed, and use proper fixings designed for Hebel or masonry.

What screws to use for Hebel

The materials you need will depend on the framing of your Hebel walls, and the weight of what you’re attaching. Hebel is strong, but it is aerated concrete.

The holding power of fittings depends how deep the anchor is, what kind of load (shear or pull-out), and whether the load is static or movable (like a swinging TV mount).

Here’s a general guide to the best Hebel screws, and how to decide what fittings to use for which jobs:

Quick tips: How to screw into Hebel

To use Hebel screws effectively, follow these tips:

• Always pre-drill your holes: Pre-drilling helps prevent cracking and gives your fixings a snug fit. Use a masonry drill bit, and go slow and steady.
  
• Use the right fixing for the job: There’s no one-size-fits-all with Hebel. Light picture frame? Nylon plug. Wall-mounted TV? Chemical anchor or toggle bolt. Matching the fitting to the load is key.
  
• Drill deeper rather than wider: When in doubt, choose longer fixings over fatter ones. You want that screw or anchor to get a good bite deep into the wall, not just skim the surface.
  
• Don’t overtighten: It’s tempting to keep turning the screwdriver, but with Hebel, you’ll just crush the material inside. Tighten just until firm, and then stop.
  
• Spread the load: If you’re mounting something heavy (like a shelf or cabinet), use multiple fixings. Even weight distribution helps avoid stress points and keeps your walls (and your stuff) safe.
  
• Consider a mounting board or batten: For heavy or awkward items, attach a timber batten or metal bracket across two or more points, then mount your item onto that. It spreads the pressure and makes everything more secure.
  
• Watch your wall depth: Some Hebel walls are just cladding, others are structural. Before you start drilling, check you’re not going to pop out the other side or hit something important.
  
• Clean out your holes: After drilling, give the hole a little blow or brush out to remove dust. This helps adhesives (like chemical anchors) bond better and lets screws grip more tightly.
  
• When in doubt, test first: Doing a few trial fixings on an offcut or hidden spot can save you a lot of stress. You’ll get a feel for how the material reacts and what holds best.

If you’re unsure, the team at Empower Construction can give you the right support and advice on the best fixings to use to ensure the installation is done correctly and stands the test of time.

You can also refer to our Hebel Guide for more information.