How to Install Exterior Composite Wood Slat Panels from Andor Willow
If you are looking to upgrade your outdoor space with a modern, sleek look, Exterior Wood-Look Composite Slat Panels from Andor Willow are a great choice.
Not only are they stylish, but they’re also incredibly durable and low-maintenance. These panels offer a range of benefits, from being resistant to harsh weather conditions and UV rays to requiring little to no upkeep compared to traditional wood.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple installation process to help transform your home’s exterior in no time.
Whether you're an experienced DIYer or just getting started, installing these panels can be done with basic tools and a little patience.
From prepping the surface to securing the panels, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a stunning, contemporary finish for your home.
Read Before You Start
Prior to installing any composite cladding system, it is recommended that you check with local building codes for any special requirements or restrictions. The diagrams and instructions outlined in this guide are for illustration purposes only and are not meant or implied to replace a licensed professional.
Any construction or use of wood plastic composite (WPC) product must be in accordance with all local zoning and/or building codes. The consumer assumes all risks and liability associated with the construction and use of this product.
All installation technical parameters are based on our current knowledge and experience - our information cannot guarantee applicability to all installation environments and regulatory requirements.
For specific applications (such as high-rise installations), environments (high temperature and humidity), or installations outside standard installation rules, it is necessary to confirm with our business personnel or on-site construction personnel, and conduct construction tests and trials to ensure compliance.
Before construction, please carefully read and check the installation instructions, technical regulations, as well as the specific regulatory requirements of each country for installation.
The correct processing and installation of products at the construction site are beyond our control and therefore not our responsibility. At the same time, we reserve the right to change the product range, application environments, and make technical modifications.
Safety
When dealing with any type of construction project, it is necessary to wear appropriate safety equipment to avoid any risk of injuries. When handling, cutting, and installing, the following safety equipment is recommended but not limited to: gloves, a respiratory protection mask, long sleeves, pants, and safety glasses.
Tools
Standard woodworking tools may be used. It is recommended that all blades have a carbide tip. Standard stainless steel or acceptable coated screws and nails are recommended.
Environment
A clean, smooth, flat, and strong surface is needed to install WPC products correctly. Please check with local building codes before ever installing any type of wall cladding. If the installation does not occur immediately, WPC products need to be put on a flat surface at all times. Never ever should it be put on a surface that is NOT flat.
Planning
Plan a layout before starting the installation to ensure the best possible looking wall cladding for your project. Building codes and zoning ordinances generally apply to permanent structures, meaning anything that is anchored to the ground or attached to the house.
So nearly every kind of wall cladding requires permits and inspections from a local building department. We recommend drawing out a site plan of your proposed project that you intend to do to minimize errors and make your perfect wall cladding.
Construction
WPC products are NOT intended for use as columns, support posts, beams, joist stringers or other primary load-bearing members. WPC products must be supported by a code-compliant substructure. While WPC products are great for retrofits, they CANNOT be installed on existing cladding panels.
Ventilation
Exterior composite panels products CANNOT be directly installed onto a flat surface. They must be installed onto a substructure (typically joists or horizontal strapping, as discussed below), so there is adequate and unobstructed air flow under the cladding to prevent excessive water absorption.
"Considerations for the Installation Height of Wall Panels:
1. When installing wall panels on a hardened surface, the installation height from the ground should be >10mm to allow for drainage and ventilation. Additionally, ensure that the minimum ventilation and drainage height is higher than the maximum water accumulation depth at the project site to prevent the wall panels from being submerged by rainwater.
2. When installing wall panels on a non-hardened surface such as grass or gravel, maintain a height of >50mm between the wall panels and the ground. Also, ensure that the minimum ventilation and drainage height is higher than the maximum water accumulation depth at the project site to prevent the wall panels from being submerged by rainwater."
Main Parts for the Installation
Note: The material of the joist can be selected by yourself according to your project needs.
Wall Cladding Screws
Note: You can use different screws than what's suggested, at your discretion, according to the joist material when fixing the Wall Cladding.
Installation Instructions
Joist Installation
1. Before installation, make sure the wall is smooth and solid. It’s recommended to use joists made of aluminum or pressure-treated wood.
2. Fix joists to the wall with anchors. The spacing between joists on-center should be no more than 400 mm. The spacing between anchors should be 500 mm.When the cladding is installed at the top, the spacing between joists on-center should be no more than 350mm.
Cladding Panel Installation
1. Put the first piece of wall cladding on the joist, then fix it to the joist with color screws SS-T5(M4x35). Note that the screws should be installed in the groove of the cladding.
Note: Always pre-drill a pilot hole before screwing to avoid damage to WPC panels.
2. Fix the cladding with self-drilling screws SS- T4(M4x25) to the joist. The screws should be installed in the screw groove of the cladding. 12 color-matched screws are included with every box.
Note: When installing wall panels on a hardened surface, the installation height from the ground should be >10mm to allow for drainage and ventilation.
Note: When installing wall panels on a non-hardened surface such as grass or gravel, maintain a height of >50mm between the wall panels and the ground.
3. Connect the second piece of cladding to the first one. Fix the cladding to the joist with self-drilling screws SS-T4. The screws should be installed in the screw groove of the cladding.
4. Continue the installation by repeating step 3. IMPORTANT: The butt seam between two adjacent cladding panels should be at least 8 mm wide to promote ventilation and offer room for expansion and contraction.
5. When working on the corner finish, cut the last cladding panel to a suitable width and fix it on the joist with color screws SS-T5(M4x35).
Note: Always pre-drill a pilot hole before screwing to avoid damage to the product.
Installing Exterior Composite Wood Slat Panels on Ceiling
1. Place the first piece of cladding panel on the joists. IMPORTANT: The butt seam between two adjacent cladding panels should be at least 8 mm wide to promote ventilation and offer room for expansion and contraction.
Note: Either miter joint or butt joint can be applied when cladding panels join at the corner.
2. Fix it to the joist with color screws SS-T5(M4x35). Note that the screws should be installed in the groove of the cladding.
3. On the other side, fix the cladding with self-drilling screws SS T4(M4x25) to the joist. The screws should be installed in the screw groove of the cladding. Slide the second piece of cladding panel into place. Fix the second piece to the joists with self-drilling screws SS- T4(M4x25).
4. When it comes to the corner, trim the cladding panels to fit if necessary.
5. Top-fix the last piece of cladding panels to the joists with color screws SS-T5(M4x35).
6. Fix the cladding with self-drilling screws SS- T4(M4x25) to the joist. The screws should be installed in the screw groove of the cladding.
7. Trim the ends of L-corner accordingly to fit. Place L-corner into place.
Note: Always pre-drill a pilot hole before screwing to avoid damage to WPC product!
8. Fix L-corner into place with self-drilling screws.
Finish the Installation
Conclusion
By following these steps, you’ll have your exterior composite wood slat panels installed and looking fantastic in no time.
One of the biggest advantages of these panels is their durability — they won’t rot, warp, or fade like traditional wood, ensuring a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution for your home.
Additionally, composite panels are eco-friendly, often made from recycled materials, making them a sustainable option for homeowners. Andor Willow’s panels are designed to withstand the elements, ensuring that your home stays stylish for years to come.
Whether you’re refreshing your space or giving your home’s exterior a whole new look, these wood slat panels offer a sleek, modern upgrade with a host of practical benefits.
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