If you choose to use professional shopfitters (like our friendly, expert service here at Crown Display), you won’t have to worry about installing slatwall panels and profiles in your store. However, if you decide to build up your slatwall display yourself, you might need a few tips to ensure a safe and neat-looking finish…
Once your slat boards have been delivered, they need to ‘acclimatise’ to the room they’re going to be installed in; to stop the panels swelling or contracting when in place. So, for best results, have them lying flat, in dry conditions, at room temperature, for at least 48 hours. After this time, you need to decide if the panels will be fixed directly to the wall (best for solid interior walls which are completely flat), or attached to battens first. Battens are the preferable option to ensure all the slatwall panels run true and you don’t get any uneven joins.
If you are screwing your boards directly to the wall, make sure the walls are completely dry (since moisture behind slatwall can damage the MDF), then use rawl plugs and long screws – with holes drilled through the slots of the slatwall panels at regular intervals. Adding slatwall inserts after installation will cover up the screw heads and give a really professional finish.
The more popular option of fixing slatwall panels to battens, also requires the walls to be completely moisture-free. Battens should be fixed to the wall with a maximum spacing of 600mm. If you intend to display heavier products, consider placing the battens closer together. To ensure an even finish, make sure each of the vertical edges of your panels join up at the centre of a batten. Just as when fixing directly to the wall, drill holes through the slots in the boards, so that slatwall inserts can cover up the screws. Joining strips can also be utilised to make sure your display looks great.
If you’re installing a single run of slatwall panels, simply start from one corner and fix them from one wall to another. If you are installing more than one row of panels, make sure you screw in the bottom panels first, ensuring each one is properly level before installing the panels above.
Once you’ve set up all your slatwall, you’re ready to add the finishing touches. A few of our profiles, such as end caps and corner strips can really make a difference to your slatwall presentation.
Now it’s time to add your slatwall inserts (in whatever attractive complementary finish you’ve chosen!) and then attach your relevant accessories, add your merchandise, and then watch your striking new product display bring in the customers!
Crown Display offer a full range of top quality slatwall panels and accessories. We can provide you with customised sizes and finishes, as well as a professional nationwide shopfitting service. Give us a call on Free phone 0800 587 5880 or visit www.crowndisplay.co.uk
