Slatwall panelling is great for elevating any space in the home, an interior design that is trending for many reasons. Not only are slatwall panels incredibly easy to install they give an incredible effect that will give your interiors a contemporary stylish feel. Slatwall panels also offer a way of bringing warmth and character from the wood style into any modern space, helping rooms to feel cosier.
Installation of Slatwall Panels -
The installation of slatwall is a clean, quick and easy process using commonly available essential tools. Panels are installed with a solvent free quick grab adhesive and can be easily cut to the desired size using a fine tooth hand saw or jigsaw. Please Note - prior to installation leave the slat panels in the room where they will be installed for 24 hours to equalise their temperature with the ambient temperature of the room.
Tools you will require -
- Tape measureÂ
- Pencil or marker pen
- Fine tooth hand saw or an electrical jigsaw
- Spirit level
- Silicone gun
1. Preparation for slat installation - Before you start installing your slatwall you will need to calculate the number of panels you need. You can find our helpful measuring guide here. Once you have measured your walls you can use our wall panel calculator to calculate quantity of panels required for your project. The wall you intend to apply the slats should be straight, smooth, dry and a dust free surface. Please Note - Clean the wall and check its level before installation. The outer housings of sockets and contacts should be dismantled and holes for lighting should be drilled out.
2. Decide on orientation for slat wall installation - Slatwall can be installed vertically or horizontally or diagonally, this makes it easy to match the visual effect of your interior. You will need to decide which way you are installing before cutting panels.
3. How to cut slatwall - Slat panels are incredibly easy to cut, simply mark out you required measurements on the back of the panel, and cut along the marked line using either a sharp fine tooth hand saw or an electrical jigsaw, for a neat mess-free cut. Please Note - panels should be cut with the front face of the panel facing down (in other words the decorative side of the slat panel).
4. Slat panels adhesive application -Â The panels should be installed using an instant grab adhesive, we recommend a good quality solvent free adhesive -Â pink grip. This adhesive will ensure an instant strong bond between the wall and the slat panel (the panel will not be moving around, so it will be ready for the next panel to be installed flush directly next to it). Apply adhesive to the back of the panel in an eye shape in the form or straight strips all down the back of the panel every 5cm. Tip - In order to use less adhesive and to prevent it from overflowing we recommend cutting off just the tip of the adhesives tube. You are now ready to start installing your first panel.
5. Starting your slatwall installation -Â The installation process is easy, Panels should be installed from left to right OR from bottom to top (depending on your desired orientation). Slat panels are lightweight and very easy to work with - proceed to installing your first panel once cut and the adhesive has been applied to the back of the panel. After securing the first panel to your wall, check the horizontal or vertical alignment with a spirit level to ensure it is straight. You are now ready to attach your next panel, before pressing the panel onto the wall permanently you will need to make sure there is no gap between the panels and check their vertical or horizontal alignment again after each panel install.
6. Socket assembly - If you are installing slat panels over existing sockets you will need to cut out a space for sockets and fixtures alike on the slat panels using a jigsaw. You will need to get the measurement for this and transfer it over to the back of the panel ready for cutting. For the proper installation of a socket you need a correct electrical box, all you need to do is install a spacer ring on an existing electrical box - this will allow for the cables to run the depth of the panel safely. The socket can then be screwed directly into the panels and wall to support the fixture.
7. Screwing into slatwall and hanging - Shelves, cabinets, hangers, TV’s and decorative items can be screwed into a wall that has slatwall on it. You will have to wait 24 hours after installation, before you hang anything on the slatwall, this will allow for the panelling adhesive to fully set in. Fastenings must be achieved to the substrate under the panel and the holes must be pre-drilled. Be sure that the hole is made in the slats (that are sticking out) and not the inner structure of the panel. When installing significant weight to slat wall panelling you should ensure you are screwing through the panels and into the wall behind (so that it is the solid structural wall that is supporting the weight and not the slat panel alone).
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Installing slatwall could not be easier, simply measure, cut, apply adhesive and start your slatwall installation. Watch our installation video below >
The application options for installing these slat wall wood panels in the home are endless, here we have compiled a list of examples where slatwall can be installed -
Feature Wall Slat PanelsÂ
When it comes to a more traditional feature wall panelling ideas like shaker-style panels, trends have moved on from the accent wall to a full room coverage instead. That being said the slatted wall style suits a more sparing installation. If it is too much then the slat texture and colour can be overwhelming to the eye. Instead when designing your space you should take into consideration how the slat panels can define a zone and make sense of the rest of your interior layout as a feature component.Â
Kitchen Slat Panels
Installing slat panels in the kitchen area is a great way of creating a slatted kitchen splash back or to organise a space by installing these panels to create a categorised zone that is appealing to the eye.
Bedroom Slat Panels
Slats don’t have to be used as the only paneling or texture in a space, quite often small sections of slatwall are introduced to add an additional layer of texture to an interior design creating functional zones.
Bathroom Slatwall Panels
Slatwall can be installed in interiors with increased humidity, on condition that they do not have direct contact with water. Install directly behind a floating sink or a functional cupboard to create zone space that is stylish.
Room Divider / Separator Slat Wall
Slat wall panelling isn’t only used as decorative wall decor, they can be used as a great way of dividing a room too. Regardless of large or small a slatted wall can contribute to flow and circulation, whilst creating sections of separation, all while stating the idea of the space beyond which can contribute towards making your room feel larger.
Media Feature Slatwall
Amongst everything else slat wall ideas work particularly well with incorporating a media system to create a stylish TV mounting wall. Gone are the days of TV stands - we have seen wall mounting however why not modernise further with incorporating a TV into the design of a feature wall.
Slatwall Ceiling Panel
Wood slat can also be installed as ceiling panels by zoning a space that considers the ceiling in your interior design. Go one step further by installing LED strip lighting in the middle sections of the slatwall panel to create a unique lighting atmosphere.
Slat panels allow for the free arrangement of space and delineation of functional zones, thanks to this you can separate your home office from the relaxation area or create a secluded place where you can indulge your passions. Lightweight, durable, water resistant and easy to clean this means that slatwall can be installed in even more demanding areas such as a hallway, work area, kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. Thanks to slat walls material and its spatial structure the panels help sound proof the interior and eliminate reverberation and echo in larger rooms.
Available in a variety of different colours from white, grey, anthracite, mocha to natural wood the style options for your home interiors are endless, these slat panels are versatile and allow you to create any design look you like in an incredibly creative way. Shop slatwall today at The Panel Company, if you have any questions about these slat panels please contact us.
