How to Build a Slatwall Display With Overhead Lighting

Measure the area where you plan to install your slatwall display. If necessary, cut the slatwall panel to fit the space with a circular saw.

Flip the slatwall panel over and check the directional label. All slatwall panels will let you know which direction they need to be installed. At final installation, the arrow on the back of the panel will need to point towards the ceiling.

Use a stud finder to find the studs of the wall. Mark each stud with a pencil. Make the mark above the top of the slatwall’s intended location. If the top of the slatwall will be positioned six feet from the floor, make your marks at 6-feet, 4-inches.

Apply panel adhesive to the back of the slatwall panel. Apply generously, avoiding the area two inches from each edge so the adhesive doesn't squeeze out the sides.

Place the panel against the wall and check with a level. Quickly adjust the panel before the adhesive sets until the panel is level.

Determine your screw placement. Place the screws every four to five slats along the studs. If you have three studs behind your panel, you will need three rows of screws. The screws will be drilled into the channels in between the slats, not on top of the slats.

Drill your screws into the channels where you marked with the drill. Use a countersink bit to sink the screws. If the screw heads are sticking up, it may prevent the hardware from sliding in between the slats.

Place the slatwall lights into the channel at the top of the panel. They will slide into the first channel. You will need a light for every three feet of wall you have installed. Run the electrical cord into the channel and out the side of the panel. Plug the light into the electrical outlet. Adjust the neck of the light until it is correctly lighting the slatwall display. Once the light has been adjusted, unplug the light. Tap a series of small trim nails into the channel to trap the cord at the top of the channel to keep it out of sight.