This guide covers the installation of Trusscore SlatWall as a standalone storage system. If you're installing SlatWall together with Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, refer to the separate guide How to Install Trusscore SlatWall with Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard.
Prior to installation, Trusscore SlatWall must be placed in the environment where it will be installed for a minimum of 24 hours. This minimizes expansion and contraction after installation and ensures the best installation quality. Loosen or remove any packaging material that may restrain the product while it is acclimatizing.
Trusscore SlatWall requires a sound structure (wood studs or masonry walls) to support the weight of the panels and anything hung from them. Ensure the structure is both strong and stable.
SlatWall panels overlap when installed. Total panel height is 7-1/8″, and the exposed face after installation is 5-7/8″.
Panels must start and finish fastened to a stud.
Studs should be no more than 16″ on-center to support the full load rating of 75 lbs per square foot.
Check surfaces for straightness and install furring strips or strapping where necessary
Install wood blocking between studs around door and window openings for added trim support
Ensure all insulation and vapor barriers are installed according to local building code
If installing over drywall or another material, locate and mark each stud using a stud finder
Ensure the building is fully enclosed, HVAC is in operation, and residual moisture has been removed from the work space before starting
When installing Trusscore SlatWall alone (without Wall&CeilingBoard), you’ll eventually frame the installation area with 1/2″ J Trim on the bottom, 3/4″ J Trim on each side, and SlatWall Top Cap trim on top. Make sure you have the appropriate trims on hand before you begin.
Locate and mark the area where SlatWall panels will be installed. Use a stud finder to find the first stud that will serve as the edge of your installation area.
Measure from the floor up to the height where you wish to start your installation. Mark it with a pencil on the studs or surface material (such as drywall).
Use a level to extend a line across the intended width of your installation.
Using a stud finder and pencil, locate and mark all wall studs within the installation area. SlatWall panels must start fastened to a stud and finish fastened to a stud. Studs should be no more than 16″ apart on-center to support the full load rating of 75 lbs per square foot.
Use a level to mark each stud from the top to the bottom of the installation area.
Install the horizontal 1/2″ J Trim to the wall:
Align the bottom of the J Trim with the horizontal height mark from Step 3
Fasten it to each middle stud through the screw flange built into the J Trim
Drive screws through the trim's screw flange into the studs
Do not fasten the J Trim to the first or last stud at this time
Do not overtighten the screws—overtightening may disrupt proper installation of subsequent panels
Starting at a bottom corner of the installation area:
Place the vertical 3/4″ J Trim so it overlaps the horizontal 1/2″ J Trim where the two pieces meet
This creates an aesthetically pleasing corner allowing both J Trims to be fastened to the same stud
Fasten a screw through both trims where they overlap, directly into the stud
Repeat this process for the other bottom corner of your installation area
Use a level to ensure the vertical J Trim is plumb. Fasten the top corner of the J Trim to the stud to hold it in place. Repeat for the other vertical J Trim.
Insert the first SlatWall panel between the two vertical J Trims and slide it down until it fits fully into the bottom J Trim. Ensure the first (bottom) panel is seated properly in the J Trim to avoid obstruction from the screws used to secure the J Trim.
Fasten the panel through the slotted screw flange into each stud along the length of the panel.
Fasten the ends of the SlatWall panel to the stud at the point where the panel and J Trim overlap.
Place the next panel on top of the previous one, ensuring both ends of the panel are inserted into the vertical trim channels.
Apply gentle downward pressure (towards the floor) to interlock the panel with the previously installed panel below. You will feel and hear a "snap" when the panels have properly interlocked.
GIF: See How Trusscore SlatWall Panels Connect
Fasten the panel through the slotted screw flanges into each of the studs, including the ends of the SlatWall panel where it overlaps with the vertical J Trim.
Repeat Steps 11-12 for all remaining panels.
Place the top lip of the Top Cap into the groove built into the top of the uppermost SlatWall panel. Snap the bottom lip of the Top Cap into the SlatWall panel.
Overlap the 3/4″ vertical J Trim on top of the Top Cap trim to achieve an aesthetically pleasing corner intersection.
For more information about installing Trusscore SlatWall, download our detailed installation guide.
