Wood paneling behind the TV: Everything you need to know

Where to start?

Thinking about the space you’ll be paneling should always be the first step. Ask yourself these questions:

Are you paneling a flat or curved wall?

Flexible panels like the Slatpanel® Ultraflex Range or Flutto™ Flexible Tambor Panels are essential if you're paneling a curved wall. These innovative panels boast super flexibility and will curve to fit seamlessly around any wall, edges or arches, adapting to the more unique spaces in your home.

Do you need panels with acoustic properties?

When considering whether sound absorbtion is necessary for your wood paneling project, evaluating the space is essential, especially if the wall behind the TV is shared with another room or neighboring property. For instance, if the wall separates the living room from a bedroom or home office, ensuring adequate sound absorbtion can significantly enhance the comfort and tranquility of the spaces involved.

If enhanced sound absorbtion is required, consider panels from the Slatpanel® Acoustic range. Placing batons behind the paneling and acoustic insulation material in between will help achieve the best possible sound-dampening levels while pulling off the perfect wooden slat feature wall.

Will you be incorporating any other furniture nearby?

Considering the integration of furniture within the room is crucial as it directly impacts the overall cohesion and visual harmony of the space. Whether you're incorporating shelves, TV units, or other furnishings, thoughtful consideration of their design and color scheme is essential to ensure a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing result.

Opting for shelves or units with a similar wood finish or color as the wood panels behind the TV can create a cohesive look that ties the space together. Alternatively, contrasting finishes can add visual interest and dimension to the room. For example, pairing dark wood paneling with sleek white shelves can create a striking contemporary contrast, while matching wood tones can achieve a more harmonious feel.

With these key considerations in mind it’s time to buy the perfect panels for your media wall. Why not have a look?

Image by @sandstoneview. Verified buyer of Slatpanel® Luxury American Walnut Acoustic Wood Wall Panels


Image by @homeoncloverway. Verified buyer of Slatpanel® Luxury American Oak Acoustic Wall Panels

The process

Installing your chosen wood panels is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with some basic tools and DIY skills. Each panel type will come with its own instruction guide detailing specific installation steps, but here is a general overview of what to expect.

Preparation

Wood panels can be installed onto many surfaces such as plasterboard, tiles and brick, but first, it is important to ensure that whatever surface you’re applying it to is in good condition. If your TV is already mounted on the wall, we recommend you take it down, fill in any holes and dust the wall ensuring a clean surface. You may also want to consider removing any skirting boards or architraves. This is based on personal preference and the overall design of the room.

Gather tools

Whilst each of our ranges has its own specific instruction manual and list of tools required, this is a basic list of the tools you may need:

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Spirit level
• Paneling adhesive OR a drill and screws
• Saw

Measuring the wall and panels

You will have already measured the installation area prior to ordering the panels, but it is a good idea to measure both the wall area and the panels before installation to ensure you have the right size. Use a tape measure to accurately determine the length and height of the area to be covered. If you’re not paneling from edge to edge or corner to corner, mark the measurements on the wall lightly with a pencil to serve as a guide.

Cutting the panels

In some cases, you may need to cut the wall panels to fit the area. This should be done before installation, using the same measuring process to mark a cut line and a sharp saw to cut the panel.

Prepare battens

This step can be skipped if you are not using acoustic panels, or if you do not need the extra sound absorption.

Measure the battens to ensure they fit the width of the area you are paneling and cut if required. These will provide the foundation for your paneling, allowing space to insert acoustic insulation material if needed, and giving you something sturdy to screw your panels into.

Installation

There are two primary options for attaching the wood panels to the wall: using construction glue or screws. The choice between the two methods depends on your preference and the specific requirements of the panel you have chosen.