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How to create feature wall with acoustic prempanels?

Barrie1952

Im thinking of doing a feature wall in a bedroom with the Acoustic prempanels

My concern is I have to cut around a window and fear that maybe the gaps in between the oak studs may not line up when cutting in

Couldnt imagine trying to cut those studs as well as I’m hanging them vertical

Any experience would be appreciated

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EricL

Hello @Barrie1952

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about installing Prempanels.

I propose doing it in sections so that it will not be extremely difficult. I suggest measuring the distance from the wall to the edge of the window frame. If the edge of the panel lands on either the gap or raised section, I recommend positioning the panel to what is convenient for you. This technically will leave a gap at the front near the wall which you'll need to patch with a piece of the Prempanel later on. For accurate cutting, I recommend using a Multitool with a Kango 35mm Aggressive Tooth Plunge Cut Multi Tool Blade 3 Pack attached.

It is critical that top and bottom section of your window be thoroughly measured to make sure that the cut is in line with the frame of the window. There is no guarantee that the frame itself is square and a section of it might be higher or lower than the other side. If you take your time and plan accordingly, the installation of the Prempanel over your window should not seem too daunting.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when cutting the Prempanel.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @Barrie1952

Nice choice for a feature wall 🙂

As a feature wall with out seeing a photo of your room consider pulling off the timber frame around the window or cutting it flush to the wall.

The idea is the panelling will sit flush with the wall right up to the window opening no timber window frame showing.

Or consider a black painted window frame.

The panels will fit around the windows and will look good regardless of whether the panel oak studs line with the window edge or not I feel. I think as a feature wall the uniformity of the wall is most important because it is the feature. Not the window. What I am saying is start one side of the room and panel perfectly uniform oak timbers and spacings is the selling point for my likes. Let the window sit where it will and do a cut out/

However If i understand you correctly you want the oak studs to perfectly frame the window sides no black gap to the window.. I dont know if that will work what are the odds the window width will have the perfect spacing in between to match the oak spacings?

If you change the oak black spacings to uneven the wall would look more like a Dopler shift wall.

You will need to cut the panels shorter to fit your room.

So do some measurements as to pre test how and where the panels will fit that suits your self. Use the offcuts to place along the wall to get a real feel and pre test for whats possible and what you prefer.

Hope this helps.

Dave-1

Afternoon @Barrie1952

Id also like to offer a warm welcome 🙂 I must say I am itching to use those panels as well.

Having a feature wall will definently bring your room to a different level. (envy is what i have atm 🙂 )

Just had a thought about any curtains you have and to factor that into the paneling.

I do like @EricL 's suggestion of doing the job in sections to make it more manageable.

I just went to have a look at the Prempanel 2700 x 600 x 21mm Oak Timber Acoustic Panel and hadnt realised its 2700mm tall. That kind of works in with an idea I have to install it, or better visulise it.

Why dont you cut say 40mm width strips off the top of the sheet (making sure that you dont end up with less then 2400 of it in a length) Then you could temporatily tack them to the wall just above the window frame to determine where the joins/strips will end up. you can then jiggle it around to make sure it works.

Alternatively You could frame the whole wall like a picture frame and or frame around the window. That would also potentialy cover up any imperfections in the squareness of your walls.

Im still trying to figure out a nice way to attach the curtains (unless they are attached on the window trim itself) Mmmm

Looking forward to seeing this project for sure 🙂 Please take a bunch of photos and maybe consider a post in the "project" tab afterwards 🙂

Dave

Barrie1952

Thanks so much for your advice

Never used a multi tool but happy to have a crack

So Eric are you saying use the multi tool to cut the panels mate

Barrie1952

Thanks for your advice

Im not worried about having the studs of the prem panels line up on window frame just as long as I have even space around all

Got some photos here

Just concerned about matching underneath and above

Cheers mate for your help

EricL

Hello @Barrie1952

Using a Multitool will give you a very precise cut especially when cutting uneven surfaces such as the Prempanel. My best advice is to practice on plywood offcuts first before you commit to cutting the Prempanel. With enough practice you should be able to use the tool with confidence. Please make sure to mark the surface so that you have a clear-cutting guide.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Barrie1952

Thanks Dave

Everything you say makes great sense

Blinds aren’t a problem they are attached to frame and are removable

One of my other concerns is after working out side panels in relation to being even look is then matching up top and bottom of window without having a noticeable gap

Sent some photos Dave

Barrie1952

Thanks mate

will do

So that multi tool will cut thru those oak studs also?

EricL

Hi @Barrie1952

You might need to use a high-quality blade when cutting through the oak studs.

Here is a handy guide on how a Multi tool works: How To Set Up and Use a Multi Tool

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @Barrie1952

I have used these panels several times now both vertically and as a feature roof for an alfresco area. The problem with cutting what looks to be real Oak isn't. It's a vinyl wrap over MDF. So if you were to make cut-out style cuts, it will expose the MDF in the open cut face. I discovered this when I had to make cut outs to go around posts.

I wouldn't use a multitool to make cutout cuts as it's too aggressive and difficult to make accurate straight cuts. I would use a jigsaw with a very fine toothed blade. I use a reverse cut blade, which has the teeth upside down, which leave a finer finish on the finished side. Even a metal cutting blade would at least leave a finer finish. Applying a good quality painters tape on the cutting line is also advisable. But I can't see reverse cut blades on the Bunnings web site, unless @EricL can help out here?

Also, the timber look strips are only glued to a thick acoustic material, which can easily seperate under stress.

Another way around not having to make cutouts for around the window, is to simply rip the foam backing with a sharp knife and lay the panel in sections around the window. Even if the spacings between the oak strips isn't exactly the same, it will be a lot easier and probably hidden by the curtains.

Nailbag

Screenshot 2025-02-19 at 4.40.33 pm.png

EricL

Hello @Barrie1952

Please allow me to amend my recommendation. @Nailbag has had more experience in cutting the Prempanel panels and I would suggest using a jigsaw instead. There are reverse cutting blades available at the store such as the Diablo 100mm High Carbon Steel Jig Saw Blade for Reverse Cuts in Wood 2608F02237 - 5 Pack.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Evening @Barrie1952

I am not sure what you mean about matching up the top and bottom of the window. If you follow the straight edge of the panel (the fake oak strip) then the top and bottom should work out. I would start say from the left hand side of the window and work towards the wall to the left and then go back and continue under the window. You may need some trimber trim depending if the corners of the wall are true squares. (cross that bridge if needed with some trim)

Once you have come back along the underside of the window then you can have the full lengths again along the right hand side. Those strips I mentioned to cut off (Circular saw blade I would use) use them to space under the window and see where the fake oak strips end up. Crossing fingers it ends up with the black material either side as that would be easiest 🙂 but if not I dont think it will be noticiable over a whole wall.

Let me know if i I have it wrong, The panels are a great idea 🙂 I may very well use them in my foyer 🙂

Dave

Barrie1952

Ok thanks again Dave!

Nailbag

Hi @Barrie1952

This is this it the layout and cut pattern I was referring to. This allows you to just cut there boards to length. You could use a fine toothed (one with min 40 teeth or more) circular saw blade. Mark out the cut line on the both sides and apply tape to the Oak side to help reduce breakout. Reduce the blade depth so the teeth are 5mm below the thickness of the blade. Make the cuts with the boards face down for a smoother cut.

Nailbag

Screenshot 2025-02-20 at 6.51.17 am.png

Barrie1952

Thank you for all of that

See what the outcome is

Looking forward to it

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