Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard QuickStart Guide – Horizontal Installation
Materials
Tools
Drill or Screw Gun
Tin Snips
Radial Arm Saw or Handheld Power Saw
Level
Putty Knife
Tape Measure
Utility Knife
Ladder or Scaffolding
Safety Glasses
Face Mask
Material quantities will vary by project. For more trim options and configurations, visit trusscore.com/trims
What to know before starting
- Acclimatize panels to room temperature for at least 24 hours before installation.
- Panels are best cut with a blade designed to cut vinyl products or a fine-tooth blade installed in the reverse direction. Watch how →
- Use tin snips to cut trim and avoid fully closing the blades while cutting for best results. Watch how →
- Don’t overtighten screws to allow for expansion and contraction of panels and maintain a 1/4" clearance between the ends of each panel and any adjacent trims. Panels should be able to slide side to side slightly once fastened.
- The final panel of a wall or ceiling area may need to be trimmed or ripped to fit. Watch how →
- When installing Trusscore panels horizontally on the walls and ceiling of a project, we recommend starting with the walls first.
Step 1: Walls
Step 1A
Begin by installing J Trim or Base Trim along the bottom of each wall. Install perimeter trims around openings like doors and windows.
Measure and cut the first panel to length.
Start from the bottom and position the panel with the screw flange pointing away from the floor. Use a level to ensure alignment and leave a 1/8" gap between the tongue side of the panel and adjoining trim.
Fasten every 24” using recommended screws. Periodically check for levelness throughout the installation.
Step 1B
Install the remaining panels by inserting the tongue into the groove of the previous panel, pressing firmly to secure a proper connection, then fastening.
The top panel may need trimming to fit. Ensure a 1/8” gap between the panel and the ceiling before installing it into the groove of the previous panel.
If your wall length exceeds 20 ft, join panel sections using the H Channel Snap-In Trim.
Step 1C
Once the wall is fully paneled, install J Trim or Inside Cove Corner Trim at each corner, with the channel facing outward. Push tight to the corner and fasten to the wall.
Move to the opposite wall and install trims and panels in the same manner as the first wall.
Install panels on the remaining walls by inserting each panel end into the vertical trim pieces, sliding down into the bottom trim first, and then interlocking the tongue and groove for each subsequent panel.
Step 2: Ceiling
Step 2A
Begin by installing J Trim around the perimeter of the ceiling.
Place the trim against the wall panels, ensuring the channel faces away from the panels.
Push the trim tight into the corner and fasten it to the ceiling.
Step 2B
Install Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels perpendicular to the ceiling joists.
Cut the first panel to length, leaving a 1/8” gap at the tongue side.
Position it with the screw flange facing away from the wall, align both ends, and fasten every 24” using recommended screws.
For ceilings longer than the panel length, join sections with an H Channel Snap-In Trim.
Step 2C
Insert the next panel’s tongue into the previous panel’s groove and press firmly before fastening.
Periodically check alignment by measuring from the wall to the panel’s edge at both ends to ensure they are equal.
Trim the final panel if needed, maintaining a 1/8” gap at the edge.
Fit the last panel into the groove and adjoining trims, using a putty knife if necessary.
Step 3: Integrating Trusscore SlatWall
Step 3A
Before installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, plan and mark your Trusscore SlatWall installation area.
Leave space for the U Channel Base at the top and sides, which will later accept the H Channel Snap-In Trim.
For horizontal Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard installations, adjust spacing as needed to align with Trusscore SlatWall panel heights.
Step 3B
Cut Trusscore SlatWall panels to size and install them one at a time, starting from the bottom.
Rest the first panel’s bottom lip on top of the Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panel, then fasten into each stud. Stack panels and apply downward pressure to interlock — it will “snap” into place.
Fasten Trusscore SlatWall panels to studs every 16" on-center. Add blocking if needed.
Step 3C
Install Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard around the Trusscore SlatWall opening, maintaining space for transition trim.
Cut H Channel Trim to size and snap it into the U Channel Base at the top and sides.
Alternatively, the tongue of the first Wall&CeilingBoard panel at the top can be inserted directly into the channel of the upppermost SlatWall panel without using H Channel Trim.
Finish with any 3" slatwall accessories on the market to complete your organized space.
