Installation Guide
Flexible Wood Tambour — Installation Instructions
Flexible Wood Tambour is an interior-only product that combines warm, natural texture with versatility. Proper storage, handling, finishing, and installation are essential to preserve its look and performance. Use this guide from receiving through final install to get reliable, long-lasting results.
Keep material flat, clean, and acclimated
- Interior use only. Not for wet or high-humidity areas (showers, bathrooms, pools).
- On receipt, store in a controlled environment; allow 24–48 hours to acclimate, lying flat.
- Before finishing or install, lightly roll and unroll to flex the backing — hold rolled position 5+ seconds, then return flat.
Why acclimate? It stabilizes moisture content, reducing movement after installation.
Finish before or after installation
- Use standard wood finishing techniques (paint or stain) before or after installation.
- Panels can be gently rolled or "slumped" to help finish reach between slats.
Finishing tip
- Test on an off-cut or inconspicuous area first to confirm color, penetration, and adhesion.
Prep surface — use full, even adhesive coverage
- Install vertically or horizontally; always dry-fit first.
- Substrate/wall must be clean and sound — no dust, grease, or debris.
- Install in a controlled environment (standard room temperature and humidity).
- Approved adhesives: PVA, contact, epoxy, or high-quality panel adhesive (e.g., Titebond Fast Grab FRP).
- Trowel for 80–100% coverage to within ¼″ of edges. Using a gun? Continuous beads around the perimeter + horizontal beads every 4–6″.
- Clean any squeeze-out immediately to avoid residue on slat faces.
- Test a small area first to confirm adhesion.
- Optional: trim screws or nails at installer's discretion.
- After placement, apply firm, uniform pressure across the entire panel. Use a ¾″ sacrificial board when tapping or hammering.
- Leave a hairline gap between adjacent panels to accommodate minor movement.
- Do not mount cabinets or furniture through tambour into the wall — movement can cause buckling and will void warranty.
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Warranty Reminder ↓
Handling, Finishing & Installation
- Pre-stretch inward — Before attaching, roll the panel inward to stretch the backing. This makes it more compliant and easier to handle, especially on curved surfaces.
- Flex outward with intent — Follow up by flexing outward firmly to fully stretch the paper backing. A properly stretched panel lays flatter and adheres more evenly.
- Leave micro-gaps — Space adjacent panels roughly the thickness of two stacked business cards to allow for natural wood movement over time.
Warranty may be voided if panels are installed in high-moisture environments, or if cabinetry or furniture is mounted through the tambour panel into the wall. Always follow adhesive manufacturer's instructions and allow full acclimation prior to installation.
White River Hardwoods · Tambour Panels · Made in the USA · tambourtouch.com