The installation of wall fins is not only about aesthetics, but also about precision and proper preparation. The choice of material is crucial – polyurethane provides moisture resistance and mounting on felt improves the acoustics of the room. For ideal results, proper surface preparation and the selection of the right installation tools and adhesives are essential. Find out how to complete this process step by step to enjoy lasting results in your interior.
Which laths and tools should I prepare for installation?
When choosing wall lamellas (e.g. from Leroy Merlin), it is important to pay attention to the material. Although wooden, MDF and PVC variants are available, the best choice is polyurethane, which provides full moisture resistance. In addition, felt-mounted laths significantly improve the acoustics of the room.
Preparing the installation requires precise line marking on the wall. A tape measure, pencil and spirit level will be necessary for this.
Prepare the following tools to cut the lamellas precisely:
- hand saw with bevel box,
- electric mitre saw (ideal for greater precision),
- jigsaw or table saw,
- sandpaper for smoothing the edges,
- angle iron and sharp upholstery knife.
A gun with mounting adhesive is required for standard fixing. If you choose to install the panels on a backing board, you will need a drill and wall plugs.
How do I plan the placement of the lamellas on the wall?
The key to an aesthetically pleasing lamella installation lies in precise planning. An exact measurement of the wall will allow you to determine precisely the required number of panels. Remember that the way the slats are arranged drastically changes the perception of space: a vertical pattern optically raises the room, while a horizontal pattern widens it. Alternatively, you can opt for the trendy herringbone or diagonal pattern.
Before gluing, it is essential to determine the ideal starting line – using a spirit level guarantees a perfect plumb line. Use spacers to keep the lamellas evenly spaced. The simplest and most effective solution is to cut sections of the same slats.
The slats are ideal for use in homes and flats, offering a wide range of design possibilities:
- creating elegant wall panelling,
- use as openwork partitions,
- decoration in living rooms,
- decoration in bedrooms,
- finishing in anterooms.
Remember: in rooms exposed to moisture (kitchen, bathroom) use only water-resistant variants.
How to prepare a wall for installation of lamellas?
The key to a durable and aesthetically pleasing lamella installation is perfect preparation of the substrate. In order for the mounting adhesive to achieve maximum adhesion, the surface must meet key conditions:
- be perfectly clean and dry,
- be thoroughly degreased and free of dust,
- any irregularities must be smoothed out with a spatula, which is fundamental to the aesthetics of the installation,
- absorbent walls, such as plasterboard, require additional priming, as the preparation strengthens the substrate and significantly improves adhesive adhesion,
- if the substrate is strongly crooked, instead of mudding, it is better to use a bearing board (e.g. OSB or HDF), solidly screwing it to the wall.
Remember that even waterproof laths have their limits – avoid installing in areas with active mould or uncontrolled dampness. Make sure the laths have acclimatised in the target room for a minimum of 24 hours before you start work.
How do I cut the wall laths correctly?
The precision of the lamella installation is determined by the accuracy of the cut. Always follow the classic rule: measure twice, cut once. Start from the less visible side – for example right next to the floor.
For perfect aesthetics and ideal angles, especially 45 degrees, a precise tool is essential. Follow the steps below:
- use a mitre saw to achieve perfect angles and an aesthetically pleasing corner finish,
- alternatively, a saw with a mitre box will work well for precision cutting,
- after sawing, gently smooth the edges with fine sandpaper,
- if you have to go around the sockets, measure the holes with extreme precision,
- cut the holes for the sockets with a jigsaw,
- always plan space to hide any cables behind the lamella structure.
Which lamella mounting adhesive will be best?
To ensure the durability of your wall lamella installation, choosing the right adhesive is crucial. Only strong and flexible formulations that guarantee the required bond strength should be used. Thanks to modern formulations, these adhesives are safe for the substrate and resistant to external factors.
For the installation of the lamellas, use formulations that meet the following criteria:
- hybrid adhesives (MS-Polymer, SMX) or polyurethane adhesives,
- preparations free of solvents, safe for most substrates,
- products demonstrating high resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations,
- a binder that matches the material of the skirting board (whether it is MDF or PVC),
- and definitely avoid weak acrylic adhesives, which will not provide adequate adhesion.
For optimum adhesion, apply the product to the back of the trim. It is best to do this in spots or in the form of vertical strips, arranging them in an ‘I’ pattern.
How to stick the lamellas to the wall step by step?
Start installing the lamellas from the left edge of the wall. Apply the adhesive in spots or in strips. When applying the first slat, always use a spirit level to establish the plumb line perfectly.
Press the pieces firmly together and hold for several seconds to ensure the adhesive binds properly. When installing the subsequent panels, use spacers to maintain uniform, aesthetically pleasing spacing between the slats.
Once the work is complete, the drying time of the adhesive is crucial. The time for full curing depends on the specifications of the chosen product, so always check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Remember that during this period, the installed lamellas must not be loaded to ensure they are firmly and permanently fixed.
How to finish and maintain a lamella arrangement?
Once the adhesive has hardened, take care to hide the edges and joints aesthetically. Finishing trims are used for this. You can choose from dedicated finishing trims, standard masking and skirting boards or skirting boards if your project requires them.
Remove any dirt after installation. The care of the panels is simple and only requires regular vacuuming with a soft brush or wiping with a damp cloth. Remember: natural wood laths require periodic maintenance, for which only dedicated products should be used.
Slats offer not only aesthetic but also functional qualities. Proper installation, especially of felt panels, significantly improves room acoustics. They effectively reduce reverberation, guaranteeing the desired soundproofing effect.
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