How much weight can my slatwall hold?

It is best to check with the manufacturer before you hang heavy objects.  Ask about the internal bond strength.  The internal bond generally ranges from 50 pounds to 150 pounds per square inch.  The higher the internal bond, the more weight your slatwall can hold.  In general, ligt slatwall can hold around twenty pounds for things hung close to the wall (within 6”).  High pressure slatwall can hold around one hundred pounds.  The further away you hang things from the wall, the less weight your slatwall can handle.  High pressure laminates are the strongest, melamine and paint grade hold less weight.

Can I increase the weight that my slatwall can handle?

Yes, you can increase your slatwall weight capacity by installing inserts in the slots.  Again, check with your manufacturer because most have to insert them during production, and they cannot be added later.  Plastic or acrylic inserts increase the weight capacity by only a little, but metal inserts increase it by a lot.  MDF slatwall with no insert can hold between 15 and 40 pounds per bracket, while a metal insert increases the load capacity to a range of about 40 pounds to 120 pounds.

Can slatwall be attached directly to studs?

Yes.  Slatwall can be installed directly on studs or through drywall.  Check with building codes before you install, because some walls are required to have drywall between the studs and the slatwall.

How do I know how much slatwall to order?

Talk to a representative of the company that you are ordering from.  Be aware of their standard panel sizes and whether or not you are accommodating vertical or horizontally measured panels.  Also, consider whether you want slatwall from floor to ceiling or just at a certain level.

Does slatwall require professional installation?

Not necessarily, but professional installation is recommended.  Some insurance companies, especially ones insuring retail stores, require that a professional licensed contractor install the slatwall.  There are building codes and fire codes to consider.  Plus, you need to be sure that the slatwall is properly installed so that it will hold the weight that you plan to put on it without posing a liability or injury hazard.

How versatile is slatwall?

Slatwall is one of the most versatile products on the retail display market.  There are so many accessories, that you will never run out of ideas on how to present your merchandise.  You can use hanging bars, hooks, shelves and special accessory displays to keep things fresh and changing in your store.  You can attractively display impulse items next to other, more standard items.  You can easily and quickly switch from summer to winter merchandise, adjust the amount of inventory in the store, and set up promotional displays without changing the look and feel of the store.  Buying slatwall for your store could be one of the best investments that you make.