Wooden wall panels are not only functional but also a decorative addition to your interior. With the rise of Akupanels, which can improve the acoustics of a room, the creative possibilities have also increased exponentially. Nowadays, you can find all kinds of handy DIY and craft to-do’s on how to apply an XL Akupanel in your interior. From coffee stations to fully sliding slatted walls – Akupanels are everywhere, even in the warmest corner of the house. But how do you actually mount a wall panel around a heat source, and how do you do it safely? In this blog, you will learn all about installing an Akupanel around a fireplace!
Safety first
Safety always comes first, so we emphasize it with a capital “S”! If you plan to mount a wooden wall panel around your fireplace, be aware that Akupanels are made of MDF and felt, which are not heat-resistant materials. Therefore, the wooden wall panel can only be placed around the non-heated parts of the stove. Never place the panel behind the stove as a back wall! Always ensure that there is enough space between the stove/fire and the wooden panel to prevent it from being damaged or catching fire.
Akupanels are made of flammable materials.
Place Akupanels only on parts of the wall around the stove that does not get too hot!
If an Akupanel becomes too hot or dries out, it may expand or deform, causing the veneer on the wall panel to come loose or the entire panel to warp. This is not desirable. To protect your Akupanel, check which parts of the fireplace wall get hot and avoid placing it there.
How close should an Akupanel be to the fire?
It depends. Every stove is slightly different, that’s why at Floer we cannot give you detailed instructions on how close an Akupanel can be installed to the stove. Always use common sense when fitting a wooden panel around a stove. A handy rule could be: “If the wall feels comfortable to your skin, it is suitable for your Akupanel.” If the surface feels too warm to your fingers when the stove is on, or if you are unsure, do not place the Akupanel on it.
Room atmosphere
A fireplace has always been a symbol of warmth and coziness. In fact, it is also called a hearth, which sounds quite similar to the word ‘heart’. This is no coincidence, as the hearth is truly the heart of your home. People gather around it to live and cook, while the fire provides warmth and light. Decorate the wall around your fireplace with an Akupanel for a cozier atmosphere during cold winter evenings. The combination of a wood-burning stove and an Akupanel creates an inviting and relaxing ambiance, perfect for spending quality time with loved ones!
Installing an Akupanel around the fireplace
Fitting an Akupanel around a stove is a simple task! Just like installing an Akupanel horizontally or vertically, you first need to measure the area where you want to place the panel. If necessary, cut the panel to size. To prevent the glue from coming loose due to temperature differences, we recommend fixing an Akupanel with a mounting kit if you plan to install it around the fireplace. Make sure the panel is level before screwing it down. And voila! You can now enjoy your new Akupanel and stove while sipping a cup of tea.
