Acoustic panelling has become one of this year’s most sought-after decorative enhancements for homes. Not only does it lend a stylish appearance and visual allure to any room, but it also offers practical sound absorption benefits. If the prospect of installing acoustic panelling yourself feels a bit daunting, fear not – we’ve got you covered. Follow the comprehensive guide below to master the art of fitting acoustic panelling today.
Things to Consider Before Installation
Before delving into the installation process, take note of the following considerations:
Suitability: Acoustic panels are designed for internal use only and are suitable for areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as long as they avoid direct contact with water.
Component Inspection: Inspect all components for damage before installation begins, as the supplier cannot be held responsible for damage incurred during the installation.
Packaging: Avoid using a sharp blade to open the packaging, as this may damage the product.
Tools Needed for the Job
To successfully install acoustic panelling, gather the following tools:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Adhesive
- Screwdriver
- Fine Tooth Handsaw and/or Circular Power Saw
- Straight Edge or Spirit Level
- Screws
- Wall Plugs
Preparing Your Walls
Before starting the installation process, ensure your walls are clean and smooth. Remove any nails or screws and use a pipe and cable detector if drilling and inserting screws. This helps identify and mark locations of pipes and cables on the wall.
Apply masking tape to all cut locations before cutting, and use sharp, high-quality blades.
Using Adhesive
To Start
Measure the vertical distance of the wall. Measure and mark the location of cut on the panel. Apply a strip of masking tape along area to be cut. Strike a line across using a pencil and straight edge. Cut panel to correct height using either a fine-tooth handsaw or circular power saw. For best results, use a good quality sharp blade. Remove masking tape after cutting.
Securing the Panels
If slats on panel are loose after cutting, secure slats by inserting 15mm long screws through back of panel, through the felt and into the slats ensuring that screw heads are flush with back face of felt backing. Check the panel fit on the wall. Next, apply a proprietary fast grab adhesive to the back of the panel. One standard cartridge should be enough to install 3 panels.
Next Steps
Working from left to right, carefully offer the panel up to the wall, ensuring that the panel side where the slat projects past the backing is to the left-hand side, and the open side where the slat is set back is to right hand side, ready to accept next panel. Lead with the bottom edge, then locate fully up into position. Press panel at top, middle and bottom locations to ensure adhesive makes full contact with wall. Check vertical using spirit level.
Repeat above procedure for all remaining full width panels. When you come to the end of the run, it may be necessary to cut the last panel to the correct width. Measure the distance from the edge of the panel to the wall, at the top and bottom, to check the parallel. Transfer the measurements to the panel and mark. If the mark falls on a slat, apply masking tape. Cut the panel to width. Offer it onto the wall to check the fit. Remove the panel and apply adhesive to the back of the panel and install as previously mentioned.
Please note: If using this method, some damage to wall and panel may incur if you wish to remove at a later date.
Fitting Around Sockets & Switches
To cut your panel to accommodate light switches and sockets, measure the size and location of the socket/switch. Transfer these measurements to the panel and mark the location of the socket/switch. Apply masking tape to the cut area. Cut the marked area using a jigsaw with good quality blades. Secure any loose slats by inserting 15mm long screws through the back of the panel, through the felt and into the slats ensuring that screw heads are flush with the back face of felt backing.
Screw to Wall
To secure the panel to a wall using screws, you’ll need 15 of, 3.5mm x 35mm black drywall screws set in 5 rows of 3. Top and bottom screws should be placed no closer than 50mm from the ends. On a 2.4m panel, rows should be spaced approx. 575mm apart. Using black coloured screws will help the screw heads blend in with the black backing felt. Cut panel to correct height and insert 15 off screws through front of panel into felt backing so they project slightly through the back. Offer panel up to correct position on the wall, check vertical using spirit level. Tap or rotate each screw with a screwdriver so they leave a location mark on the wall. Remove panel. Drill and plug all location marks on the wall using appropriate plugs suitable for wall construction. Offer panel back to the wall and secure the panel using screws. Repeat process for remaining panels.
Screw to Battens
Drill, plug and secure 5 off, battens (45mm x 45mm) up the wall, spaced evenly. You have the option of installing mineral wool between the battens to improve insulation and increase sound absorption. Measure and cut panels as mentioned previously. Offer panel up to battens at the start of the run. Secure using 5 off, rows of 3, black drywall screws 3.5mm x 35mm. Repeat process for remaining panels.
Fixing to Ceilings
If you are installing panels to the ceiling, please ensure all fixings are located at structural points, i.e. into the joists. This installation will require two people. Take care when using step ladders.
If you’re ready to add Acoustic Panelling to your home, view our collection here.
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