What to cut slatted wall panels?
Proper preparation of the wall, choosing the adhesive and the best lamellas is just the beginning. Cutting knowledge is also essential. By learning the entire process thoroughly, you will minimize the risk of damage.
What will you learn from this article?
Which lamella cutting tools will be best?
Wall laths are made of PolyForce, which is characterized by high density and resistance to damage. Such a solid material requires the selection of the right tool – only then will you get the effect you want. If you care about clean, even edges, it will come in handy:
- Bevel saw with blade for aluminum – the best choice for fast and precise cutting. The bevel allows you to cut angles perfectly, which is especially important when installing lamellas on the corners of walls. Choose a blade with a high number of teeth, preferably a minimum of 60.
- Fine-toothed handsaw – a good solution for cutting single lamellae. It is recommended to use fine-toothed saws, such as for metal, which provide precise cutting without excessive edge fraying.
- Hand saw with guide – will prove useful for cutting individual lamellas with a perfect line. Thanks to the guide, the edge will remain straight and aesthetically pleasing.
- Angle grinder with disc for aluminum – a particularly useful option for cuts in hard-to-reach areas or custom finishes. However, it requires skill to avoid overheating and melting the material.
How to get the best results?
When carrying out the installation of wall trim, you certainly want your decoration to be perfected down to the smallest detail. However, even the best product, matched mounting glue and the best wall trim equipment will not provide you with aesthetics if you do not take care of the cutting. In this case, technique matters. Uneven edges, splintering or chipping can spoil the final effect of the arrangement, so it is worth taking the time to prepare carefully.
Precise marking of the cutting line
Before you start cutting, mark the guide line with a technical pencil, construction chalk or painter’s tape. A pencil will work well on light-colored surfaces, while painter’s tape will further protect the material from chipping and produce an exceptionally clean edge.
For more challenging cuts, such as at an angle, use a carpenter’s angle or guide to make sure the edge is perfectly even. To mark cuts at unusual angles, you can use an adjustable angle gauge – this will recreate a custom joint angle.
Stabilization of fins during cutting
The best way to avoid vibration and shifting of the lamellas during work is to place them on a stable workbench, carpenter’s table or floor lined with a non-slip mat. If you are using a handsaw, it is advisable to fix the lamellas in a carpenter’s vise or mounting clamps to avoid shifting during cutting.
It is good practice to use an additional support under the cutting area, especially with longer lamellas – this will prevent the material from cracking under its own weight.
Wall lamella cutting technique
When cutting, it is very important to use a steady, smooth motion. Too much pressure can lead to uneven edges or damage to the structure of the material.
- Hand circular saw – ideal for long straight cuts. Work in a steady motion, making long strokes along the designated line. Do not use excessive force to avoid pulling out pieces of material.
- Bevel saw – switch on the tool before the blade comes into contact with the lamella to avoid jerking the material.
- Angle grinder – cut slowly, without overheating the material. For our fins, use a PVC cutting wheel.
For maximum precision, make test cuts on a shorter piece of lamella. Remember to adapt your technique to your particular tool and material. Only then will an aesthetically pleasing finish be within reach.
Edge treatment after cutting
Once the cut is complete, small bumps often remain, especially when using a handsaw or mitre saw with coarser serrations. To get a perfectly smooth edge, use fine-grained sandpaper (180-240). The method works best:
- Light matting of the edges – to remove small burrs.
- Sanding with movements along the edges – to smooth out any irregularities.
- Matte the edges before painting – if you are installing slatted wall panels matte, intended for painting, lightly sand the edge so that the paint adheres better.
In the case of angled cuts, smoothing the edges will further improve the aesthetics of the joints and ensure better adhesive adhesion. If the edge of the slats remains visible after installation, you can apply a thin layer of clear protective varnish or paint in the color of the slats.
How to cut slatted wall panels at an angle?
Installing slats in corners or on slanted surfaces requires precise cutting. A standard 45° cut is the way to aesthetically connect the slats on the corners of walls, ceilings and around doors. How do you ensure an even cut without damaging the slats?
Selecting an angled cutting tool
For precision cutting, a mitre saw with an angle adjustment function is best. It allows you to quickly and accurately cut the lamellas at the perfect pitch. For single cuts, use a handsaw with an angle guide.
Thoughtful cutting process
First you need to determine the exact angle of the cut. The standard corner element requires cutting at a 45° angle, but depending on the layout of the walls or ceiling, the angle may vary. A carpenter’s angle will help you accurately measure and transfer the angle to the surface of the lath.
Attention to detail
Cutting should be done slowly and in an even motion to avoid jerking and chipping. With a mitre saw, it is important that the tool is already in motion before the blade comes into contact with the lamella – then you will avoid accidental damage to the surface.
Wall laths – product overview
Before you take care of the exact cut and install slatted wall panels wall, you are faced with the choice of product. There are various solutions available in our store, which are worth taking a closer look at – from kitchen fins, up to slatted wall panels ceiling. You can choose an oak variant, for example LO1O4, which is a decorative panel in a dark shade of wood with a narrow, dense pattern, or reach for the LO1O6 – is a classic, elegant slatted wall panel with a three-dimensional vertical pattern.
Mardom Decor wall laths are made of innovative PolyForce material, which is characterized by high density, resistance to moisture, mechanical damage and UV radiation. Thanks to this, our products can be used in demanding conditions – bathrooms, kitchens or spaces exposed to intensive use. In addition, the technology used ScratchShield® increases scratch resistance by hardening the surface. Three collections are available to you:
Stretto – The narrowest slatted wall panels with a subtle, slender profile. They are the ideal solution for small rooms, where it is important to keep the arrangement light. Thanks to their delicate structure, you can create subtle decorative accents that do not overwhelm the interior.
Medio – spears of standard width, which are the most universal solution. Their proportions make them fit perfectly in most interiors, thus providing an elegant effect in both modern and classic styles.
Largo – the widest proposal, which works best in large, spacious interiors. Their massive design gives the interior clarity and depth. Largo is an excellent choice for industrial and loft arrangements, where a strong visual effect is important.
Even single slatted wall panels made of quality material can make a wow effect. All you need to do is to gain knowledge of assembly and trimming. Then you will avoid damage to the material and reduce the risk of frayed edges. Precise cutting of the lamellas is the key to an aesthetically pleasing installation and a lasting effect. For cutting, a mitre saw with a blade for PVC or laminated wood, a fine-toothed handsaw and an angle grinder with a blade for plastics work best.
For best results, mark the guide line with a pencil or painter’s tape before cutting to protect the material from chipping. Use a stable work table or carpenter’s clamps so that slatted wall panels does not move while you work. If you are installing slatted wall panels in corners, against slanted walls or around doors, use a 45° angle cut. Remember that it also matters which slatted wall panels you reach for – proven solutions are available at Mardom Decor. Check out our selected wall panels – recommended even for complex projects.
Summary
It is best to use an aluminum saw to cut the wall lamellas. You can also reach for a mitre saw with a blade for PVC or laminated wood. A hand saw with extremely fine teeth and an angle grinder with a blade for plastics will also work well. It is important to work on a stable surface and mark the cutting line – preferably with a pencil or painter’s tape. At corners, use a 45° angle cut. PolyForce material is durable and requires a precise approach. With the right technique, you will avoid damage and achieve an aesthetically pleasing result.
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