So, you’ve decided to upgrade your walls with some sleek, stylish wall panels? Good choice! Whether you’re aiming to reduce noise, add some texture to your space, or just want a cool new look, installing these panels is easier than you think.
Plus, it's the perfect DIY project for anyone who's been binge-watching home improvement shows and thinking, “I could totally do that!” Well, guess what? You totally can. Here’s your step-by-step guide to installing wall panels that’ll make your space look like a million bucks (or at least way more than it cost you).
Tools Used:
Pro Tip: While we used very basic tools for our install, you can just as easily use Wood Glue if you don't own a power drill.
1. Measuring Your Space
Alright, let’s kick things off with the most important step: measuring your space. Don’t skip this part—you’ll thank me later! First, grab a tape measure and start with the length and height of the wall (yes, both). Write it down because trust me, it’s easy to forget the numbers halfway through and end up with a wall full of panels that just don’t fit.
When you’ve got those measurements, double-check them, and remember, the more precise you are, the better the final result will be. Now that you know your wall’s dimensions, it’s time to figure out how many panels you'll need. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
2. Determining the Quantity of Panels Needed
So, here’s where the math comes in—don’t panic, it’s not as bad as it sounds. Each box of WOODARQ's acoustic slat panels covers 25.2 inches of width and 94.49 inches of height.
For example, let’s say you have a wall that’s 12 feet wide (that’s 144 inches, for the non-math enthusiasts). Divide 144 by 25.2 (because yes, I’m that person who loves math), and you’ll see that you need 6 boxes to cover your wall (always round up).
For the height - all of our panels come standard at 8 feet in height - but we offer custom sizing for individuals that need panels up to 12 feet in height.
For WOODARQ Panels, we offer a box calculator to help you determine how many boxes you need for your space.
3. Cut Panels (If Necessary to Fit Your Wall)
Now comes the fun part: cutting your panels. Don't worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds, and honestly, if I can do it, so can you.
To cut the panels lengthwise (for shorter walls or custom lengths), use a sharp utility knife. Just score the panel where you want to cut, and give it a gentle snap. It’s like cutting a piece of cake, only way less messy. For cutting widthwise (if you need to trim the panels for width), a sharp saw will do the job. A hand saw works fine, or if you have a power saw and feel fancy, go for it! Just be sure to wear some protective gear. We’re all about safety here.
Pro Tip: Cutting your panels widthwise can be done with an X-Acto Blade - cutting lengthwise makes things slightly trickier, but can still be accomplished with a wood saw
4. Install the Panels Directly onto the Wall
Okay, now it’s time to get those panels on the wall! You can install them using either glue, screws, or—wait for it—a combination of both. Here’s the deal:
- If you’re using glue (which is great for a clean, smooth look), apply some wall adhesive to the back of each panel. Then, you’ll want to screw in a few screws (about 4 screws per panel) to hold it in place while the glue is drying. A little patience here will go a long way.
- If you're using screws only (and trust me, this is a solid option), aim for 16 screws per panel, spaced evenly. Pro tip: Make sure your screws match the color of the felt on the panels. You don’t want those screws standing out like a sore thumb.
Start from one side of the wall, and work your way across, pressing the panels into place. If they’re going in as smoothly as you’d hoped—well, congratulations, you’re a DIY pro now.
Pro Tip: Pictured above our the solid wood wall panels - these install the exact same as our acoustic panels, but add a new depth and character to your space
5. Optional Step: Install the Panels on Elevated Battens
Want to take your wall’s sound properties to the next level? Installing your panels on elevated battens can work wonders. Battens are essentially thin strips of wood that create a gap between the panel and the wall. This little gap really helps with sound absorption, improving your wall’s acoustic properties.
By elevating the panels, you can increase the NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) of your wall. What’s that, you ask? In simple terms, NRC measures how well your wall absorbs sound. With battens, your NRC can go from 0.7 (not bad) to 0.9 (pretty darn good). This will make your room feel quieter, less echo-y, and, well, just all-around more peaceful. Plus, it adds a little architectural flair!
6. Optional Step: Add LED Lights
Okay, now we’re really getting to the fun stuff—LED lights. These lights are the ultimate way to amp up the style factor of your panels and create a mood that’s, well, chef’s kiss. Adding LED strips to your panels gives your wall a modern, sleek vibe, and makes your space feel like a fancy lounge.
To do this, just cut your LED strip to fit the length of your panels. Then, press the strip firmly into place, making sure it sticks. You can either run the lights along the seams of the panels for a subtle effect or along the edges to highlight the slats. The best part? You’re basically installing mood lighting with zero effort. It’s a game changer for any room.
Panels Shown: Acoustic Wall Paneling In Midnight Blue
Final Thoughts: You Got This! And there you have it—your step-by-step guide to installing your acoustic wall panels like a pro! With just a little measuring, cutting, and installing, you’ll have a wall that’s not only visually stunning but also acoustically superior. You’re going to love the end result, and your friends will wonder how you pulled it off. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell them how easy it was!)
If you love the look of these walls and want to see what they look like in your space, you can order a sample kit.
Happy Paneling!