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Wood Grille Wall Panels

The same linear wood aesthetic as grille ceilings — applied to walls.

What Are Wood Grille Wall Panels?

Wood grille wall panels are linear wood slat systems designed for vertical installation on walls. They use the same construction as wood grille ceilings — parallel wood members with consistent spacing — but mounted to a wall substrate instead of a ceiling carrier. Many projects run the same grille pattern from the ceiling down the wall for a seamless, continuous look.

Commercial Applications

  • Lobby feature walls — A wall of wood grille behind a reception desk is one of the most popular treatments in commercial design right now.
  • Conference rooms — Floor-to-ceiling wood grille on one or two walls. Absorbs sound and looks sharp.
  • Elevator lobbies — High-traffic corridors where the wall treatment needs to be durable and visually interesting.
  • Retail stores — Merchandise display walls with wood grille backing.
  • Restaurants — Accent walls in dining rooms. The linear pattern adds texture without competing with the food.
  • Healthcare — Waiting room accent walls. Wood helps soften what would otherwise feel institutional.

Benefits

  • Ceiling-to-wall continuity: Run the same grille profile from ceiling to wall for a unified look. Same species, same spacing, same finish.
  • Acoustic treatment: With absorptive backing (fiberglass or mineral wool behind the slats), wall grille panels achieve NRC 0.50–0.80.
  • Durability: Wood grille handles contact better than drywall. It won't dent from furniture or carts.
  • Orientation options: Run slats vertically, horizontally, or at an angle. Each orientation creates a different visual effect.
  • Concealment: The gaps between slats can hide LED strip lighting, speakers, or other equipment behind the wall surface.

Installation

Wall grille panels mount to a substrate — typically plywood or metal furring strips over the stud wall. We install acoustic insulation in the wall cavity behind the grille first (if acoustic performance is required), then mount the grille panels over it.

Most wall grille comes in pre-assembled panel sections, 4'–12' long. Panels are screwed or clipped to the substrate from behind, so no fasteners show on the face. We work from manufacturer shop drawings that detail every panel, transition, and edge condition.

Corners — both inside and outside — need special attention. Most manufacturers offer mitered corner solutions or return pieces. Getting the grain to flow around corners takes careful planning at the shop drawing stage.

Specs

  • Slat width: 1"–4"
  • Slat depth: 3/4"–3"
  • Spacing: 1/2"–2" between slats
  • NRC: 0.50–0.80 (with acoustical backing)
  • Fire rating: Class A with fire-retardant treatment
  • Species: Same options as grille ceilings — oak, walnut, maple, cherry, and more

Manufacturers

9Wood and Rulon both make wall grille systems that match their ceiling lines. This is important when the design calls for continuity between ceiling and wall. Armstrong WoodWorks also has wall panel options. We recommend matching the wall and ceiling manufacturer whenever possible to ensure consistent color, grain, and detailing.

Get a Quote

Planning a feature wall or ceiling-to-wall wood grille installation? We'll coordinate with the manufacturer to get shop drawings and pricing. Contact us for a free estimate.