Installation tools and fixings

Yes. Acupanel is designed to help reduce echo and soften sound within a space, creating a calmer and more comfortable environment.

Fixed directly onto a wall, Acupanel has an NRC rating of about 0.5, which makes a noticeable difference in rooms with hard surfaces such as home offices, media rooms and studios.

With 25mm rockwool installed behind the panels, Acupanel reaches an NRC rating of up to 0.95.

NRC runs from 0 to 1 and measures how much sound stops bouncing back into the room. It cuts echo; it does not stop sound passing through a wall.

Yes. Acupanel features a genuine wood veneer on the surface, which gives each panel its natural grain, texture, and variation.

This is part of what gives Acupanel its warmth and authentic finish.

Acupanel can be used in kitchens and bathrooms where it is not exposed to direct moisture, steam, or splash zones.

It works well in areas such as:

• Under island benches
  
• Feature walls away from sinks or cooktops
  
• Powder rooms or toilets
  
• Bathrooms where shower steam is well contained and does not reach the panels
  

Acupanel is not designed for high-moisture areas or locations where water or steam regularly comes into contact with the surface, such as inside showers, behind basins, or near stovetops.

If you’re unsure whether Acupanel is suitable for your space, our team is happy to help assess the location and recommend the best option.

In many cases, yes, Acupanel can be installed behind or around a fireplace, particularly with modern fireplaces that have proper heat shielding and controlled heat output.

Many customers have successfully used Acupanel in these applications. As a general guide, we recommend keeping panels at least 300mm away from direct heat sources when installing behind a fireplace.

However, fireplace designs, heat output, and safety requirements vary. For this reason, it’s important to:

• Check the specifications and clearances provided by your fireplace manufacturer
  
• Ensure the panels are not exposed to excessive heat over time

This guidance should be considered a general reference only. We always recommend doing your own research and confirming suitability for your specific fireplace before installation.

Yes. Acupanel wall panels are designed for straightforward installation using common tools, and many customers choose to install it themselves.

If you’re comfortable with basic DIY tasks, installation is very achievable. Panels can be fixed using screws or adhesive, depending on your wall type, and clear installation guides and videos are available to walk you through each step.

For larger projects or commercial spaces, some customers choose to use a professional installer, but it’s not required for most home installs.

A veneer simply means a thin surface layer that’s applied to a backing material. That surface layer can be made from different things, including real wood or composite and synthetic materials.

This is where the confusion often comes from.

Some products use printed or composite veneers that only imitate the look of wood. Others, like Acupanel, use a genuine wood veneer, sliced directly from real timber.

Because it’s real wood, a wood veneer has natural grain, texture, and variation, just like solid timber. The difference is thickness, not authenticity.

In furniture and architectural design, real wood veneers are widely used because they allow the beauty of natural timber to be applied consistently and responsibly, without the movement, cracking, or waste that can come with solid wood.

When we talk about veneer at WVH, we’re always referring to real wood veneer, not printed or synthetic alternatives.

Yes. Acupanel can be cut to size using standard woodworking tools.

For the cleanest result, we recommend using a fine-toothed saw blade. This applies whether you’re using a hand saw or a power saw such as a circular saw or track saw. A track saw will give the straightest cuts if you have access to one, but it’s not essential.

For smaller cut-outs around power points, switches, or fixtures, a multi-tool is especially handy and gives you good control.

The entire process is still achievable with basic hand tools if needed. Taking your time and using a fine-toothed blade will help ensure a clean, professional finish.

Many renters use Acupanel to upgrade their spaces.

Panels installed with screws can be removed later, with holes easily filled and repainted. Some customers have also had success using heavy-duty removable mounting solutions like 3M Command Strips.

We recommend checking your lease or speaking with your landlord before installing.

The best way to choose is to order samples and view them in your own space and lighting.

Samples ship quickly and let you see the true tone, grain, and finish before committing to a full install.

Installation guides and step-by-step videos are available on this page and in our Help Centre.

If you have a specific question, our support team is always happy to help.