How to Install Oak Slat Wall Panels for a Quiet and Elegant Space

If you’ve been dreaming about upgrading your space with something that’s both beautiful and functional, oak wood slat wall panels might just be your new favorite design element. These sleek, modern panels are more than just aesthetically appealing — they also offer incredible acoustic benefits.

One of the most popular options we’ve come across is Felt Right’s Oak Wood Slat Wall Panel. It combines natural oak wood with premium felt backing to create a visually striking, sound-absorbing wall treatment that’s perfect for everything from living rooms to home studios.

Here, we’ll walk you through the steps to install these panels step-by-step and offer some tips to help you achieve that polished, designer-worthy finish.

Why Oak Slat Wall Panels?

Before jumping into installation, let’s talk about why people love oak slat walls.

First, the aesthetic — clean vertical lines, warm wood tones, and that minimalist-modern vibe that works with just about any decor style. Second, the acoustics — the felt backing behind each oak slat absorbs sound, reducing echo and creating a calmer, quieter space. It’s a win-win for style and functionality, creating the perfect balance in any room.

Whether you're outfitting a home office, soundproofing a media room, or just looking to make a statement wall, oak slat panels are a smart and stylish choice.

What You’ll Need for Installation

Felt Right products are designed for easy and hassle-free installation. Using a few common tools and items from your local hardware store, homeowners can achieve perfection without needing to employ professional help. 

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Oak wood slat panels (each covers about 8 square feet)
  

• Drywall or wood screws (at least 9 per panel)

• Stud finder

• Level
  

• Drill or screwdriver
  

• Construction adhesive (optional, but great for added hold)
  

• Saw (for trimming wood slats to fit)
  

• Measuring tape & pencil
  

Optional: finish or stain, painter’s tape, spacers, or baseboard removal tools.

Step 1: Measure and Plan Your Layout

Start by measuring your wall to determine how many panels you need. Each panel is 94.5" x 25.2", so divide your square footage by 8, or use our calculator to get an estimate.

Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs and mark them lightly with a pencil. When you're ready to install, these will give your panels a stronger anchor point.

Pro tip: Begin your install from the most visible corner of the room to ensure a clean, balanced look as you move across the wall.

Step 2: Prep Your Panels

Felt Right’s panels arrive unfinished, which gives you flexibility to customize them to match your space. If you’d like a slightly richer tone, you can apply a wood oil or stain to find a look that best suits your space. Just be sure to give the panels time to dry fully before installation.

If you need to cut any panels to fit your space, a circular or miter saw will do the trick. For more detailed work, you can also trim the felt backing with a utility knife and a straight edge.

Step 3: Start With the First Panel

Using your level, make sure your first panel is perfectly straight. Setting up the first panel for success will set the tone for the rest of the installation. You can attach it directly into the studs using black drywall or wood screws, placing at least nine screws per panel (3 across the width, spaced vertically every 24").

When installing the first panel, take your time. It’s worth getting it just right so you can perfect the rest of your space.

Step 4: Add More Panels

Once that first panel is in place, installing the rest is a breeze.

The panels are designed to butt together seamlessly. Just line up the next one, make sure it’s level, and repeat the screwing.

If you’re installing more than two panels across, using a spacer between the slats can help keep things perfectly even.

Step 5: Trim and Finish

When you get to the edges of the wall, or around light switches, outlets, or windows, you may need to trim a panel to fit. Measure carefully and use a saw for precise cuts. A utility knife also works great for slicing the felt backing if needed.

You can finish the edges with trim or install baseboards or crown molding for a clean look.

Remember to stand back and check your work every now and then! Making minor adjustments as you go keeps things straight and polished for a refined and thoughtfully installed look.

Step 6: The Final Touches

Once all the panels are up, give everything a once-over. Tighten any loose screws, touch up any fine details, and wipe down the wood to remove dust or fingerprints.

If you added oil or stain, allow time for curing before hanging art or installing hardware over the panels.

Now sit back and enjoy your new, elevated space. You'll notice the difference immediately, not just in appearance, but in how quiet and serene your room feels.

Why We Love Felt Right’s Oak Slat Panels

There are a lot of wood wall panel options out there, but Felt Right’s really stands out for its acoustic properties and style. Not only are they beautifully crafted with real oak veneer, but the integrated felt backing makes them functional, too. Felt Right products reduce noise, soften acoustics, and look incredible on just about any wall.

Felt Right’s Oak Slat Panels are easy to install, making them a great choice for DIYers, homeowners, or just about anyone with a penchant for fine design and refined aesthetics. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just trying out your first project, these panels are designed for people of any handiwork capability and are fun to work with. And, because they ship in two-panel packs, it’s easy to order just what you need.

Elevate the Ambiance With Oak Slat Panels by Felt Right

If you're looking to create a quieter, more sophisticated space — whether it’s a cozy bedroom, a productive home office, or a show stopping living room wall — Felt Right’s Oak Wood Slat Wall Panels are a perfect fit.

They combine natural beauty with acoustic performance, and the DIY installation means you don’t need to hire a contractor to get professional results. Felt Right makes it simple, from clear instructions to high-quality materials.

Ready to upgrade your space? Visit Felt Right to place an order today and start building your dream room, one quiet, elegant panel at a time.