How to Install Wood Slat Wall Panels

Standard wood slat acoustic panels fix directly to plaster or plasterboard with construction adhesive and concealed fixings. No specialist tools required. A standard 12 m2 feature wall takes two people approximately 3-4 hours.

What tools and materials do I need?

Construction adhesive (grab adhesive - something like Sticks Like Sh*t or equivalent), caulking gun, drill, countersink bit and screws (if using mechanical fixings in addition to adhesive), level, tape measure, jigsaw or circular saw for trimming, mitre box for corner cuts, fine sandpaper for edge touch-up.

Step 1: Prepare the wall

The wall needs to be clean, dry, and flat to within 5 mm over 2 metres. Remove loose paint, dust, or any surface that would prevent adhesive bonding. On uneven walls, spot-fill with filler and sand back before starting. On new plasterboard, prime first.

Step 2: Acclimate the panels

Lay the panels flat in the room for 24-48 hours before installation. Timber moves with humidity, and panels that go up cold and dry in a warm room will expand slightly after installation. Acclimating prevents gaps opening or panels bowing.

Step 3: Plan the layout

Mark a vertical centreline on the wall. Panels run floor to ceiling - plan the layout so equal-width cuts fall on both sides of the wall. Check ceiling height against panel length; most panels are 2400 mm, which suits standard 2.4 m ceilings. For higher ceilings, join panels vertically, staggering joints between adjacent panels.

Step 4: Fix the first panel

Apply construction adhesive in an S-pattern on the back of the panel - or according to the adhesive manufacturer's recommendation. Press firmly to the wall, check plumb with a level, and hold in position. Most construction adhesives require 30-60 seconds of pressure to develop initial grab. For large panels on tall walls, temporary support with a batten pinned to the skirting prevents the panel sliding before the adhesive sets.

Step 5: Continue across the wall

Butt the next panel tight to the first. On slat panels, the join disappears because the slat pattern continues across the seam. On WavySlats, align the wave phase carefully - the wave pattern on adjacent panels should continue without a visible step.

Step 6: Trims and edges

Standard trim profiles in matching finishes cover the top edge, bottom edge, and any exposed side cuts. Cut corner trims with a mitre box at 45 degrees for internal and external corners. Touch up any visible cut edges with matching wood stain or paint.

Step 7: Sockets and switches

Mark socket positions on the panel back before application. Cut out with a jigsaw. The socket box should sit flush with the panel face - you may need extended socket boxes.