Slatwall, Gridwall & Today's Retail Store Fixtures

One of the most common questions about slatwall that we answer is, "What is melamine? What does that mean?" It's simple, melamine (pronounced [mel - uh - meen]) is a strong, hard plastic compound used in the production of material coverings. In slatwall, it's the sheet material that's adhered to the face of the core panel (MDF - Medium Density Fiberboard), which gives the panel it's look.

This low pressure laminate is paper thin, and available in all types of different looking finishes. Woodgrain melamine slatwall finishes however, are pre-finished, and are not real wood surfaces. They're just designed to look real and are not meant to be sanded, stained, or painted.

Veneer slatwall panels on the other hand, are panels that have a real wood or real aluminum face. The Stainable Red Oak (above), and Maple Veneer slatwall panels can be sanded and stained to achieve the look that you need. They're a great option if you're trying to match an existing wood tone, giving you control over the resulting woodgrain color.

Brushed Aluminum Veneer Slatwall panels (above), feature a real layer of brushed aluminum on the panel face. These panels offer the "no doubt about it" look and feel of real aluminum sheeting which simply can't be duplicated without some loss of authenticity. We currently offer Brushed Aluminum Veneer Slatwall as a special order item.

It's important to note that some finishes are offered in both real veneer and melamine laminate finishes. While they're similar in name, the visible differences are obvious. Take a look below.

Make sure you have a clear understanding of the types of slatwall panel finishes available, before you order your slatwall panels, so you get the best product for your needs. Ordering slatwall samples to see finishes first hand can be helpful in making a choice about your slatwall purchase. Next, consider adding the aluminum groove inserts to your panels to increase weight bearing capacity. If your slatwall application is for displaying heavy items, you'll be glad you did!

Don't forget about 3D Textured Slatwall Panels which offer a whole new world of retail store fixture and display panel looks. We've also published a slatwall panels installation guide that will answer any questions you have about how to hang your new panels. Lastly, we're always here to answer any additional questions you may have about your store fixtures and displays. Call us at 866-421-0961 and see for yourself!