Slatwall Information Sheet

We provide a wide range of Slatwall colours and finishes. We understand that your displays are important to you, and for this reason, we also offer a customisation service. If you need a different colour or different pitch than is on our website, contact us. Simply give us a call on 01329 842 000.

Because it is such a versatile display system and there are so many options, we have created this slatwall information sheet. Here we will summarise the benefits of Slatwall and the different considerations such as pitch, size, colour, insert choices, capping vs. edging, accessories and Slatwall colour combinations. We have also included a simple guide describing how to install Slatwall.

Slatwall is versatile shop fitting system for retailers. It is a suitable display system for many items including clothing, hardware, toys and accessories. It is also popular with workshop owners as a wall-mounted storage system. One of the reasons it is popular is it is very space-efficient and has a high storage capacity.

Slatwall is made of multiple MDF boards. These boards have T-shaped grooves that run horizontally across the width of the Slatboard panel. It is this shape that allows hooks, arms and shelves to be slotted into the boards without the use of tools. Inserts, also called “infills”, are slid into these grooves to provide a clean finish and to protect the slatboard. The T-shapes of Slatwall can vary as some manufacturers do not cut boards ready for an insert. The Display Centre’s boards are cut ready for inserts as it helps provide a cleaner finish. If you would prefer not to use inserts, then the boards can be used without.

Slatwall accessories are easily moved around without the use of tools because the arms and fixtures can be lifted and out. Therefore stores can change their display strategy quickly. This is useful for merchandising but also for those who have varying storage requirements. The Display Centre provide a range of Slatwall hooks, arms, brackets and acrylic accessories.

These accessories contribute to the versatility of Slatwall, as different accessories are suited to certain tasks. An E-Cigarette shop would predominantly use prongs and euro arms for their displays, but a fashion retailer would also need a range of display arms. Those wishing to use their Slatwall for storage would need a range of shelves, baskets and hooks.

1. Versatile solution – Displays are quickly and easily changed around without the use of tools.
2. Highly customisable – Colours and finishes can be changed to suit your brand and sizes can be adjusted to fit your space.
3. Multiple accessories – There is a wide range of accessories available which allow retailers to change their displays quickly and easily.
4. Easy to fit – Slatwall is easy to fit to your store. You may not even need to hire a shop fitter depending on your wall surface.
5. Space saving – Slatwall hugs the perimeter of your store and allows you to make the most of your wall space.
6. Neat, multi-level displays – Items can be displayed flat against the wall which allows customers to browse your store easily. Being able to present your items at different heights also helps create a more interesting display and helps your creation of a clear customer journey.

The benefit of a smaller pitch is that many items can be displayed in a smaller area. 100mm pitch is usually considered the perfect medium between the two.

If you would like help deciding the pitch that would suit you, or help matching the pitch of new boards to ones you have already purchased, please call our Display Experts on 01329 842000.

Slatwall is usually sold in boards which comprise of multiple grooves and panels. These boards are measured by their height and width. Some sites use the terms “boards” and “panels” interchangeably, so this can be something to be aware of when you are looking to buy slatwall.

The Display Centre provide boards which are 1200mm wide by 1200mm high. These are usually used one on top of the other to create boards which are 1200mm wide and 2400mm high. The benefit of having 1200mm boards is that they are much more cost-effective as they are much easier to transport and fit. The Display Centre are able to cut boards to suit your requirements, if you need help with this please call 01329 842000. Our Display Experts also provide free consultations within a 50-mile radius of our Fareham office.

Slatboard is available in a range of colours and finishes. Slatwall colours and finishes should be carefully considered as they can make a difference to the overall appearance and feel of your store. Your decision should be based on the types of goods you sell, your branding and the colours of any other fixtures you have such as your shop counter. If you are torn between colours, remember that you will also need to choose the colours of your inserts which fill the grooves of the Slatwall. This may help you decide as you will need to choose colours that are matching or complimentary.

The Display Centre’s most popular colours are white, grey or a maple finish. If you would like a different colour or a specific finish, this is no problem as The Display Centre specialises in providing bespoke goods. If you would like to discuss colour options, then please call one of our experts on 01329 842000.

Slatwall inserts slide into the grooves of slat wall. They are sometimes also referred to as infills. They are available in many different colours. Your Slatwall insert colour selection should depend on the Slatwall colour you have chosen and on the types of merchandise you supply. The Display Centre’s most popular insert colours are white, cream, matt silver, aluminium and grey. A range of other colours are available and if you cannot find the colour you need, we will find it for you.

Slatwall capping or edging is usually used as it hides the MDF end edges of the boards. Slatwall end capping comes in different shapes of plastic and is added after the Slatwall has been mounted. End capping is usually secured to the edges with glue.

Slatwall edging provides a much neater finish than end-capping. This is because it is added at the point of manufacture and is precisely fitted to the edge of the slatwall. End capping is usually bought to match the colour of the Slatwall inserts, whereas edging matches the colour of the Slatwall boards themselves. This makes edging a much preferable option as it blends into the rest of the wall display and does not draw attention away from your product displays. The only drawback of edging is that aluminium inserts will need to be fitted at the point of manufacture. This is because once the edging is on, inserts can no longer be slid in and instead must be snapped in. Plastic inserts can be snapped into position but aluminium inserts are more rigid so this must be considered before purchase.

A great deal of your decision should be based on the types of products you sell, the colours of any of your surrounding fixtures and your branding. Here are some of our most popular Slatwall colour combinations:

You must consider the types of wall stud that you have and whether or not you have drywall covering these studs. In addition, you will need to make certain that you have the correct screws and plugs for your wall surface.

You should also consider whether your walls are level. If they are not, you should consider using plaster to help level them so that your Slatboards lie flat. This may be achievable by using patches of plaster, expanding foam or wall batons in the appropriate places if you wish to avoid plastering the whole wall. You should also assess whether your floor is level as this may interfere with your alignment.

Installation usually requires at least two people as the boards can be heavy. The weight of the boards needs to be supported while the alignments are being checked and while there aren’t enough screws in to hold the weight of the board.

1. Mark the position of your wall studs.
2. Hold your slatboard to the wall and align your slatwall grooves with the wall stud. If you are placing one board above the other, you must ensure that your markings account for this.
3. Mark your slatwall groove so that your wall and slatwall marking will align.
4. Ensure your markings are level and that your panel will be level once mounted.
5. Drill your slatwall screws directly through the groove marker into the marker that is aligned with your wall stud. You may need to consider using plugs depending on your wall and studs.
6. Check again that your Slatboard is level and correctly positioned.
7. Continue inserting screws into the wall studs. You should have at least 24 screws in each panel.
8. Ensure your screws are in far enough that you can slide your inserts over the top to hide them.

There is an extremely large range of slatwall accessories which include arms, prongs, shelves and holders. This extensive range can be tricky to navigate but the main things you need to know are the weight of your items and also any tag shape requirements you have.

The weight that your slatwall can support is partly dictated by the board and partly by the fitting. The longer the arm you select the longer the lever you create. This lever then places weight on the slatwall T groove shape. If grossly overburdened the arm could snap or even the edge of the slatboard. This is only really a consideration if you are displaying particularly heavy items. If you have any concerns about this, please talk it over with one of our experts by calling 01329 842000.

If you need or would like any help or advice on your slatwall boards, inserts or accessories please give us a call on 01329 842000 or email My Display Expert.

Our Display Experts offer free consultations within a 50-mile radius of our Fareham showroom and are always happy to help. Local customers may wish to collect their slatwall from our Fareham site to save themselves the carriage charges.