White River Hardwoods
Installation Guide: Tambour + Acoustic Panels
Clean, practical install steps — written for contractors, designers, and anyone who wants a pro result. Use the toggle to view the instructions that match your product.
Measure once. Dry-fit always.
Tambour installs vertically or horizontally — measure the wall and plan seams before you open adhesive.
1) Wall width & height
- Measure total wall width (left → right).
- Measure install height (floor/base → top line).
- Mark plumb/level reference lines.
2) Layout planning
- Decide start point: center (balanced) or one side (clean edge).
- Plan seam locations (avoid landing seams at focal points).
- Leave a tiny seam gap for movement (see tips).
3) Cutting notes
- Masking tape on cut line helps reduce fray.
- Use a sharp blade/jigsaw for clean cuts.
- Always test cut on an off-cut first.
Tambour tip: allow material to acclimate and “pre-stretch” before finishing/installation.
Storage, acclimation, and surface prep
- Interior use only. Avoid wet/high-humidity environments.
- Store flat in a controlled environment and acclimate 24–48 hours.
- Wall/substrate must be clean, sound, and dust-free (sand lightly if needed).
- Dry-fit panels and confirm layout lines with a level.
Finishing note (paint / stain)
Finish before or after install using standard wood finishing techniques.
Test color on an off-cut first. Let finishes fully cure before heavy handling.
Important: Do not mount cabinetry/furniture through tambour into the wall — movement can cause buckling.
Perimeter bead + horizontal stripes
Recommended pattern for strong, even adhesion
Aim for consistent coverage and uniform pressure — avoid spot globs that can telegraph through the face.
Perimeter bead
Horizontal stripes
Pro tip: Use a flat board to press evenly across the panel for a clean bond.
Choose your install method
Where tambour panels are most commonly used
- Interior walls: feature walls, wainscoting, and accent areas in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and offices.
- Furniture & cabinetry: cabinet doors, kitchen islands, reception desks, bars, and custom millwork for a modern, bespoke look.
- Commercial interiors: offices, retail environments, hospitality spaces, and lobbies where durability and visual texture matter.
Note: Tambour panels are intended for interior, climate-controlled spaces only and should not be used in areas with direct water contact.
Method A: Adhesive install (most common)
- Prepare the wall: clean and sand if needed. Snap/mark level and plumb lines.
- Apply adhesive: use the coverage pattern above. Trowel is best for near-full contact; gun beads should be continuous at edges + every 4–6".
- Mount the panel: press firmly into place, aligning to your reference line.
- Temporary hold: use a few drywall screws at top/bottom (or bracing) while adhesive cures (often up to 24 hours).
- Remove temporary fasteners: after full cure, pull screws and patch as needed.
Clean squeeze-out immediately — dried adhesive can be hard to remove from slat faces.
Method B: Z-Clips (removable, clean finish)
- Install wall clips: mount Z-clips to the wall with appropriate fasteners. Keep them level and aligned.
- Hang panel: panels with a mating clip can hang directly onto the wall clips.
- Final adjustments: this method allows easier removal and minimizes wall damage.
Small details that make it look perfect
- Plan the layout: center-start for symmetry, side-start for a clean edge.
- Use a level: keep slats truly vertical/horizontal from the first panel.
- Micro seam gap: leave a hairline gap between panels (about the thickness of two business cards).
- Don’t over-tighten fasteners: can cause buckling/indentation.
- Work with a partner: especially for larger runs and alignment.
Cutting tip (clean edges)
Apply masking tape along the cut line, cut with a sharp blade or fine-tooth jigsaw, then remove tape slowly.
Tambour Quick FAQ
Do I need to acclimate the panels?
Yes — acclimate flat in the install environment for 24–48 hours to reduce movement after install.
Can I install in a bathroom/shower?
No — tambour is intended for interior, climate-controlled areas (avoid wet/high-humidity zones).
Measure wall area + plan panel orientation
Acoustic panels look best when seams are intentional and your first panel is perfectly level.
1) Mark your layout
- Measure wall width and height.
- Decide vertical vs horizontal install.
- Snap a level line for your first panel.
2) Seam strategy
- Start from the center for symmetry, or a corner for a clean edge.
- Avoid thin “sliver cuts” at the end — adjust start point to balance.
3) Cutting
- Measure twice, cut once.
- Use the right blade for clean edges.
- Test on an off-cut first.
Acoustic tip: consistent spacing + straight first panel = a professional finish.
Prep the wall for a clean bond
- Clean the wall surface (remove dust/grease) and let it dry fully.
- Lightly sand glossy paint if needed for better adhesion.
- Mark reference lines with a level and pencil.
- Dry-fit the first panel to confirm placement.
Best practice: test adhesion first
Before committing, test a small area to confirm your adhesive and wall finish bond correctly.
Two common install options
Watch: Quick overview of acoustic panel installation, alignment, and finish details.
Method 1: Using Adhesive
- Prepare the wall: clean and sand the surface. Mark your lines with a level.
- Apply adhesive: follow the coverage guide (perimeter + stripes), or a zigzag pattern as needed for your panel/backing.
- Mount the panel: press firmly into place and align to your reference line.
- Secure temporarily: use drywall screws at top/bottom while curing (often up to 24 hours).
- Remove temporary screws: once fully cured, remove and patch.
Press evenly across the full panel so you don’t trap air pockets behind it.
Method 2: Using Z-Clips
- Install wall clips: mount Z-clips level and square using proper fasteners.
- Hang the panel: hang the panel onto the wall clips (mating clip on panel back).
- Final adjustments: easy removal + minimal wall damage.
Clean finish tips
- Use a level every time: don’t “eyeball” the first panel.
- Screw placement matters: place screws strategically and avoid over-tightening.
- Cut carefully: masking tape can help prevent fraying on the cut line.
- Work with a partner: especially for alignment and long runs.
Acoustic Quick FAQ
Adhesive or Z-clips — which should I choose?
Adhesive is simplest and most common. Z-clips are great when you want removability and a cleaner “serviceable” install.
Can I install solo?
You can, but a second person helps a lot with alignment and keeping panels straight during placement.