Slat walls have become popular both indoors and outdoors, but an outdoor slat wall places very different demands on the build than an interior one. The wrong material choice or finish can cause the wall to crack, warp, or fade over time.
This article looks at the key differences and what you should keep in mind when planning the project.
Indoor slat walls
Typical uses
- living rooms
- bedrooms
- hallways
- offices
- TV walls or headboards
Advantages
- lower maintenance requirements
- more material choices, including MDF
- easier installation directly on the wall or on a backer board
Materials that usually work well
- MDF for painted finishes
- solid wood such as pine or oak
- veneered slats
Finish
- oil, stain, or paint depending on the look you want
- no need for weather resistance
Outdoor slat walls
Typical uses
- house or cabin facades
- patio screens
- carports or entry areas
- fences
Requirements and challenges
- they need to handle rain, snow, UV exposure, and temperature swings
- they need good drainage and ventilation
- they should be installed with weather-resistant fasteners
Recommended materials
- pressure-treated pine
- thermally modified pine or other heat-treated wood
- oil-treated outdoor timber
- longer-lasting materials such as Kebony or Accoya
Finish
- untreated wood will typically weather and gray naturally
- UV-protective oil or stain can help preserve the original color
Quick comparison
| Property | Indoor | Outdoor |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Stable temperature, dry | Rain, sun, cold, humidity |
| Material choice | MDF, oak, pine | Treated pine, thermally modified wood, Kebony |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium to high |
| Installation | Adhesive, nails | Screws, ventilation, weather-resistant fixing |
Conclusion
A slat wall can be just as beautiful outdoors as indoors, as long as you choose the right material and adapt the construction to the environment. What works perfectly inside does not automatically hold up in exposed weather.
Before you buy materials, use our slat wall calculator to estimate how many slats and how much linear footage you need for either type of project.