Both acoustic and groove panels from The Panel Hub share the same alignment logic, cutting methods, edge detailing options, and installation preparation steps. Where installation techniques differ, this guide clearly identifies panel-specific fastening and support requirements to ensure a safe, accurate, and professional result. Here’s the step-by-step methodology for installing our panels on walls or ceilings in various spaces, including living rooms, dining rooms, and offices.
SoundPanel™ is a felt-backed acoustic panel system designed to improve sound absorption within a space. Each panel consists of real wood slats mounted onto a dense 15mm AcuFelt™ backing, which functions as both an acoustic absorber and a concealed fastening layer. This felt backing allows panels to be installed using a combination of construction adhesive and mechanical fixings driven discreetly through the felt, making SoundPanel™ suitable for both wall and ceiling applications where acoustic performance is required.
GroovePanel® is a rigid, grooved panel system designed primarily for decorative wall applications. Instead of a felt backing, GroovePanel® uses a solid engineered core with precision-cut rear grooves that supportdirect mechanical fastening or batten-based installation.
Acclimation matters because wood-based panels naturally respond to temperature and humidity. When panels are moved from a warehouse or delivery truck into a home or commercial space, they experience a change in moisture and temperature. Without acclimation, this shift can cause subtle expansion or contraction after installation.
Even with our advanced CoreShield™ Technology, it is vital to allow your panels to acclimate to your home's specific micro-climate before they are secured to the wall. We recommend a minimum 48 to 72 hour acclimation period.
Both SoundPanel™ and GroovePanel® are designed to accommodate minor surface imperfections, but they must be installed on a substrate that is structurally sound, clean, and dry. If the wall surface is uneven, dusty, or unstable, panels may not sit flush, fasteners may loosen over time, and adhesive bonds can fail.
Ensure the wall is dry and free of loose paint or wallpaper. If you are using the adhesive-only method, wipe the wall down with a damp cloth to remove dust that could prevent the glue from bonding. If the wall isn’t perfectly straight, use small shims behind the felt so the wood slats stay level and vertical.
When installing on brick or concrete, use a high-tack construction adhesive that’s specifically designed for masonry surfaces. For basement or exterior walls, install a moisture barrier first to protect the back of the 15mm AcuFelt™ from damp conditions.
Oscillating multi-tool (12-volt)
For precise cuts and small adjustments.
Cordless drill
For securing panels to studs or anchors.
Box cutter
For fine trimming and scoring.
Sandpaper sheets
To smooth edges for a clean finish.
Hand saw
Space-saving option for manual cutting.
Finish nails
Extra support for a firm hold.
Hot glue
Quick tack for initial placement.
Construction adhesive
Creates a strong, long-lasting bond.
Before installing the first panel, use a laser level or long spirit level to project a true vertical reference line on the wall. Do not rely on ceiling lines, baseboards, or wall corners as alignment guides. Position the first panel so the wood slats align exactly with this reference line.
For SoundPanel®, ensure the felt edge is positioned correctly so the overlap side faces the direction of the next panel. If starting from a corner, it may be necessary to trim the felt lip to allow the first wood slat to sit flush against the adjacent wall.
For GroovePanel®, alignment is equally important because the rigid grooved core does not allow for adjustment once fastened. The first panel must be square and plumb before screws are driven through the rear grooves or mounting battens. Any misalignment at this stage will transfer directly to every subsequent panel.
Before installing the first panel, use a laser level or long spirit level to project a true vertical reference line on the wall. Do not rely on ceiling lines, baseboards, or wall corners as alignment guides. Position the first panel so the wood slats align exactly with this reference line.
For SoundPanel®, ensure the felt edge is positioned correctly so the overlap side faces the direction of the next panel. If starting from a corner, it may be necessary to trim the felt lip to allow the first wood slat to sit flush against the adjacent wall.
For GroovePanel®, alignment is equally important because the rigid grooved core does not allow for adjustment once fastened. The first panel must be square and plumb before screws are driven through the rear grooves or mounting battens. Any misalignment at this stage will transfer directly to every subsequent panel.
Before installing the first panel, use a laser level or long spirit level to project a true vertical reference line on the wall. Do not rely on ceiling lines, baseboards, or wall corners as alignment guides. Position the first panel so the wood slats align exactly with this reference line.
For SoundPanel®, ensure the felt edge is positioned correctly so the overlap side faces the direction of the next panel. If starting from a corner, it may be necessary to trim the felt lip to allow the first wood slat to sit flush against the adjacent wall.
For GroovePanel®, alignment is equally important because the rigid grooved core does not allow for adjustment once fastened. The first panel must be square and plumb before screws are driven through the rear grooves or mounting battens. Any misalignment at this stage will transfer directly to every subsequent panel.
We recommend a “belt and braces” approach using both adhesive and screws. Apply a serpentine bead of high-tack construction adhesive to the back of the 15mm AcuFelt™. Press the panel firmly against the wall. While the adhesive provides the long-term bond, use black finish screws to provide immediate mechanical support. Drive the screws directly through the black AcuFelt™ between the wood slats.
GroovePanel® panels are secured primarily through mechanical fastening. Once the panel is aligned, drive screws through the rear grooves or into mounting battens, depending on the substrate. Construction adhesive may be used as a secondary support but should not replace mechanical fixings.
We recommend a “belt and braces” approach using both adhesive and screws. Apply a serpentine bead of high-tack construction adhesive to the back of the 15mm AcuFelt™. Press the panel firmly against the wall. While the adhesive provides the long-term bond, use black finish screws to provide immediate mechanical support. Drive the screws directly through the black AcuFelt™ between the wood slats.
GroovePanel® panels are secured primarily through mechanical fastening. Once the panel is aligned, drive screws through the rear grooves or into mounting battens, depending on the substrate. Construction adhesive may be used as a secondary support but should not replace mechanical fixings.
We recommend a “belt and braces” approach using both adhesive and screws. Apply a serpentine bead of high-tack construction adhesive to the back of the 15mm AcuFelt™. Press the panel firmly against the wall. While the adhesive provides the long-term bond, use black finish screws to provide immediate mechanical support. Drive the screws directly through the black AcuFelt™ between the wood slats.
GroovePanel® panels are secured primarily through mechanical fastening. Once the panel is aligned, drive screws through the rear grooves or into mounting battens, depending on the substrate. Construction adhesive may be used as a secondary support but should not replace mechanical fixings.
When installing the next panel, the felt lip of the new panel should slide behind the protruding wood slat of the previously installed panel. Once secured, panel joints are virtually undetectable, resulting in a continuous slat wall with no visible board breaks.
GroovePanel® panels rely on precise edge alignment rather than a felt overlap. When positioning the next panel, ensure the slats align perfectly with the previous panel before fastening. Proper alignment at this stage preserves consistent slat spacing and minimizes visible seams.
When installing the next panel, the felt lip of the new panel should slide behind the protruding wood slat of the previously installed panel. Once secured, panel joints are virtually undetectable, resulting in a continuous slat wall with no visible board breaks.
GroovePanel® panels rely on precise edge alignment rather than a felt overlap. When positioning the next panel, ensure the slats align perfectly with the previous panel before fastening. Proper alignment at this stage preserves consistent slat spacing and minimizes visible seams.
When installing the next panel, the felt lip of the new panel should slide behind the protruding wood slat of the previously installed panel. Once secured, panel joints are virtually undetectable, resulting in a continuous slat wall with no visible board breaks.
GroovePanel® panels rely on precise edge alignment rather than a felt overlap. When positioning the next panel, ensure the slats align perfectly with the previous panel before fastening. Proper alignment at this stage preserves consistent slat spacing and minimizes visible seams.
We recommend cutting the panels from the bottom. Mark your line on the back of the panel (the felt side). Use a circular saw to cut through both the felt and the wood slats in one pass. To prevent splintering of the 3-sided veneer, you can apply a strip of painter's tape over the cut line before sawing.
Measure the position of the outlet carefully. We recommend removing the outlet faceplate and cutting a rectangular hole in the panel. Use a utility knife to cut through the felt and a jigsaw to cut through the slats. Once the panel is installed, you can use "box extenders" to bring the outlet forward so the faceplate sits flush against the new wood slats.
For ceiling work, we recommend a two-person team. Use a high-tack adhesive and ensure you are driving screws into the ceiling joists. The 15mm AcuFelt™ provides an excellent grip for screws, but the mechanical connection to the joists is mandatory for safety. If the joists do not align with your panel placement, you may need to install a sub-frame of timber batons first.
Our customer support is available 24/7 to answer your inquiries.
Average answer time: 2hIf the wallpaper is firmly bonded, yes. However, if the wallpaper is old or peeling, the weight of the acoustic panels may pull it off the wall. We recommend removing the wallpaper or using screws through the panels into the wall studs for safety.
We recommend 9 to 12 screws per 8-foot panel: three rows of three or four screws. This ensures the 15mm AcuFelt™ remains tight against the substrate and prevents any buzzing or vibration.
Yes, a fine-toothed hand saw will work, but it requires more physical effort and a very steady hand to keep the lines straight. For the best results, a power saw is always preferred.
One of the benefits of our 15mm AcuFelt™ is its density. Unlike thinner felts, you cannot see through it. You do not need to paint the wall black, though doing so can provide an extra layer of "shadow" depth in the gaps if you prefer. Learn more about our technical specifications and materials.
You can easily stack the panels vertically. Because of our precision manufacturing, the slats will align. We recommend staggering the horizontal seams (like a brick-laying pattern) if you want to make the joins even less visible across a very large wall.
If you'd prefer a professional help, visit our Pro Installation page.
