Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard QuickStart Guide – Vertical 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 up and down 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 vertically on the walls and ceiling of a project, we recommend starting with the ceiling first.
Step 1: Ceiling
Step 1A
Install panels perpendicular to the joists.
Cut and position the first panel so the screw flange points away from the wall. Fasten the panel through the screw flange at each joist, ensuring it's parallel to the outside wall.
Leave a 1/8" gap between the tongue side and the wall, and 1/4" clearance at both ends.
Immediately install J Trim for the top of the wall below. Cut one corner of the trim 1/2" short and push it tight to the face of the ceiling panel with the channel facing away, then fasten to the wall.
Step 1B
Insert the tongue of the next panel into the groove of the previous panel.
Press panels firmly together before fastening to ensure a tight connection.
Fasten each panel through the screw flange at every joist while maintaining straight, even rows.
Periodically check alignment by measuring from the wall to ensure consistency.
If the ceiling is longer than 20 feet, use the H Channel Snap-In Trim to securely join panel sections.
Step 1C
Trim the final panel to fit, ensuring a 1/8" gap between the panel edge and the wall.
Insert the tongue of the last panel into the groove of the previous panel, pressing firmly before fastening.
Immediately install J Trim for the top of the wall below, just like in Step 1A (there's no need to cut the trim short this time).
Double-check that all panels are securely fastened and aligned before completing the installation.
Step 2: Walls
Step 2A
Begin by installing J Trim or Base Trim along the bottom of the wall.
Where the top J Trim was cut 1/2" short at a corner, do the same for the bottom trim.
Starting in the corner with the 1/2" gap, install J Trim or Inside Cove Corner Trim, offsetting the vertical trim 1/2" from the corner to allow space for the final panel. Install perimeter trims around doors, windows, and other openings.
Complete this step by installing the remaining J Trim at the top of the walls.
Step 2B
Start in the corner where the J Trim was cut 1/2" short, positioning the first panel with the screw flange pointing away from the wall.
Ensure it’s level, then fasten every 24" with the recommended screws. Leave a 1/8" gap at the tongue side and 1/4" clearance at panel ends.
Continue installing panels, cutting for openings as needed. After the last panel on a wall, install the next corner trim tight to the panel with the channel facing away.
Repeat this process for the remaining walls.
Step 2C
When you reach the starting corner, insert the final panel behind the trim piece where the 1/2" gap was left.
Rip the panel if needed to fit properly, ensuring enough space to slide it behind the trim.
Once inserted, press it firmly toward the groove of the previously installed panel to create a secure connection.
Double-check that all panels and trim pieces are secure and properly aligned to complete the installation.
Step 3: Integrating Trusscore SlatWall
Step 3A
Before installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard, mark the area where you’ll be installing Trusscore SlatWall.
Leave enough space for the U Channel Base along the top and sides — this will later hold the H Channel Snap-In Trim for a seamless transition.
Use a stud finder to locate and mark each stud, ensuring the lines are plumb from top to bottom. Trusscore SlatWall panels must be fastened to studs every 16" on-center. If studs are spaced further apart, install blocking to provide additional support for the Trusscore SlatWall and trim.
Step 3B
Once the Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels are in place, cut Trusscore SlatWall panels to size and install them one at a time, starting from the bottom.
Rest the bottom lip of the Trusscore SlatWall panel directly on top of the Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panel below it.
Use a level to check that the panel is straight, then fasten it through the screw flange into each stud. Stack the next panel on top, align the ends, and apply downward pressure to interlock — it will “snap” into place. Repeat until all panels are installed.
Step 3C
Cut the H Channel Snap-In Trim to size and snap it into the U Channel Base at the top and sides to create a clean, finished look.
For added security in spaces with strong air movement, apply a bead of silicone inside the bottom lip of the lowest Trusscore SlatWall panel before fastening.
Once the trim is installed, add your choice of standard 3" slatwall accessories and enjoy your newly organized space!
