How to Cut Wood Wall Panels

If you want to add style and sophistication to your home or office, wood wall panels are a versatile and cost-effective DIY option. At this point you've probably chosen where you're using your wood wall panels.

With the right tools and techniques, you can cut and install wood wall panels yourself to save on costs. In this post, we'll guide you through the steps to successfully cut your wood wall panels and create a beautiful DIY feature in your home or commercial space.

Preparing to cut wood wall panels

Before you start cutting your wood wall panels, make sure you have a clear plan for where you want to install them and measure the wall accurately. This will help you work out the number and sizes of the panels you need.

Next, get the tools and materials you need. Here are some basics you’ll need:

• A clean, well-lit workspace
• A flat, sturdy surface
• Enough room to cut panels
• Safety goggles and a mask if you’re using power tools
• A saw
• A pencil for marking your panels
• A spirit level

Taking the time to prepare properly before cutting will make the process smoother and more efficient.

Measure the wall

Before you start cutting your wood wall panels, accurately measure the wall where you plan to install them. This ensures you have the right quantity and sizes of panels needed for a seamless installation.

First, measure the length and height of the wall, considering any obstacles like windows or doors. Also, measure the distance between the floor and the ceiling to make sure your panels will fit perfectly. Remember to double-check your measurements to avoid any mistakes: ‘Measure twice, cut once.’

If you’re left with just a sliver of a panel at one end after measuring, we recommend cutting your first wall panel in half to create a more balanced look.

Tools for cutting wood wall panels

Using the right tools is essential for achieving clean and precise cuts on wood wall panels. Two popular options for cutting panels are a circular saw and a jigsaw.

Fine-toothed hand saw

Hand saws give control, but sawing too fast can cause an uneven edge, so cut slowly and steadily to get the best result. Practice on some scrap panels or wood to ensure you can use the saw effectively before making a final cut.

Tenon saw

Tenon hand saws provide a very stable cut. Cut slowly to get a clean, neat line for your panels. If you don’t have power tools, a tenon saw is an easy-to-use and affordable choice for anyone new to DIY. Using a tenon saw can make it easier to customise your panels to fit snugly around windows, doors, or irregular bathroom fittings.

Jigsaw

Trimming your wood wall panel with a jigsaw is another option if you don’t have a fine-toothed or tenon handsaw. Use a jigsaw blade with fine teeth and practise some cuts to get your speed and pressure right. A jigsaw with a fine toothed blade is the best way to cut out electrical sockets as well.

Mitre saw

A mitre saw can trim several wood wall panels simultaneously with precision and power. If you’re using a mitre saw, use a blade that’s designed for fine cuts. Standard blades that come with a mitre saw are often too coarse for trimming wood panels and they leave rough edges.

Circular saw

A circular saw is different to a mitre saw because it is portable and handheld, rather than stationary. Because of this, it gives you good control over movement. A circular saw works like a guillotine, making it easy to trim wood panels quickly and accurately. For greater precision and speed, use a track with your circular saw. Like for a mitre saw, make sure you use a blade for fine cuts.

What to do after cutting your wood panels

No matter which tool you use to cut your wood slats, you’re likely to be left with some rough edges. To smooth the edges, use a medium sandpaper (100 to 150 grit).

Wood panels are backed by felt and a Stanley knife is perfect for cutting or trimming felt too.