Architectural wall panels are used in many woodworking projects. They look beautiful and have a huge aesthetic impact on any architectural woodwork project – so much so that many wall panels are featured in the Design Solutions magazine. But while they look great, it is often challenging to build architectural wall panels that meet both design specifications and the AWI Standards.
What Does Wall Paneling Include?
Wall paneling includes wood veneer, solid wood, stile and rail wood, decorative laminate, solid surface, and solid phenolic products and their related parts. The AWI Standards assist with understanding the types of veneer, methods of slicing, matching of adjacent veneer leaves, and requirements for end-matching of veneer.
Why Wall Paneling is an Important Part of the AWI Standards
There are complexities throughout a wall paneling project, such as in the layout fabrication, the finishing, and the installation of the wall panel design. The standards mean that these complexities are addressed up front and before the woodworking project begins.
Meeting the AWI Standards also ensures that the quality of wall paneling work remains consistently high. It also means that everyone involved has the same understanding of the project.
For these reasons, wall paneling is an important part of the AWI Standards.
What Do the Standards for Architectural Wall Panels Cover?
The AWI Standards cover architectural wall panels comprehensively. The standards include specifications for:
- Panel sequencing, including pre-manufactured and made-to-order wall panels
- Veneer flitch selection
- Variations in natural wood products
- High-pressure decorative laminates (HPDL)
- Trims
- Installation
- Finishing
- Fire retardants
Use of Shop Drawings to Specify Wall Paneling Finishes
While the designer’s contract documents will contain information about the material, fabrication, installation, and any building code or regulation considerations for wall paneling, it is the shop drawings that contain the information needed to turn the designs into reality.
Shop drawings are much more technically detailed. They cover wall paneling construction methods, exact materials to be used, directions of wood grain, and joinery and attachment specifications, as well as exact dimensions.
You’ll find further information on standards for wall paneling finishes in the AWI Standards.
Equipping yourself with the proper tools for success is key to a thriving career. The AWI Quality Certification Program not only provides a strong foundation, but it also allows you to deliver compliance, consistency, and quality to your clients.
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