Basic Panel Installation Guide: Installing Oxford Panels Outdoors
 Download This Page As A Printable PDF
Tools and Supplies You'll Need
You can install Oxford panels easily using tools found in almost everyone's toolbox. To complete your DIY projects you will at least need these basic tools:
- Exterior grade screws — use screws that are long enough to go through the FauxPanel and firmly attach to the wall behind the FauxPanel. We recommend a narrow head screw (such as a #1 Roberson head trim head screw) to make touch-up easier and less noticeable.
- 2. Construction adhesive/glue — we recommend either PL® Premium Construction Adhesive, PL® Premium Advanced 4X Construction Adhesive (which has 4X faster bonding), or Great Stuff Pro.
- Screw gun with the appropriate tip for the screws being used.
- A saw for cutting panels – a circular saw, jig saw, band saw, table saw, or hand saw, it is your preference. Any woodcutting blade used with these saws work great and cut smooth and easy.
- Tape measure
- Level
- Chalk Line (optional)
- Caulking gun for applying the adhesive/glue and caulk.
- FauxPanels™ color coordinated textured caulk
- FauxPanel Drainage Mat (if needed, check your building code)
- Staple Gun and exterior grade staples (only needed if the Drainage Mat is used)
« Click to hide list of tools
 |
|
 |
|
 |
1. Begin the panel installation by making sure the surface the panels will be attached to is clean. Wipe the surface with a rag. Use a wire brush on harder surfaces. Wipe clean the back of the panels as well.
Acclimatize the FauxPanels to roughly the same temperature and humidity as the installation surface for about 24 hours. Avoid storing FauxPanels in direct sunlight or close to heat sources. |
|
2. Roll out and apply the FauxPanel Drainage Mat to the entire wall to be covered. Use the adhesive/glue behind the mat and exterior-grade staples through the mat into the wall to hold the mat firmly to the wall.
NOTE: If a house wrap is used, the Drainage Mat must be installed over the top of the house wrap, not the other way around. The DM-3611R meets the Canadian Building Codes and is required for most exterior installations done in Canada. Whether doing a DIY project or working with a contractor, please check and comply with all building codes that pertain to your region. |
|
3. Use the tape measure and the level to plan out the layout of your panels to best suit your space. Use the level to check how level the ground is. Find the highest point. Measure up from that point and mark the wall to the height of the FauxPanel. Use the chalk line and level to mark out a level line on the wall to keep the FauxPanel level. |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
4. Apply a bead of glue/adhesive to the perimeter of the back of the panel, roughly an inch from the edge.
Add additional glue/adhesive to the rest of the panel back in a vertical straight line pattern with beads of glue/adhesive only 4 inches apart or less |
|
5. Apply the FauxPanel to the wall. Use a slight twisting motion to help ensure good contact with the glue/adhesive and the wall. Make sure the panel is level. |
|
6. Begin fastening the panel to the wall with screws all around the perimeter at roughly one foot apart or less. Additional screws need to be in the middle of the panel at a rate of about 1 screw per square foot. All screws should be very slightly recessed below the surface of the panel. Do not over tighten the screws.
Hint: Placing screws under protruding rocks, in crevices, or grout lines, to help conceal them will give a cleaner/more realistic look. |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
7. Add glue/adhesive to the lip of the panel where the next panel will overlap, about 1 inch away from the textured face of the panel.
|
|
8. Add the textured caulk to the crease where the panels will actually butt together. This is very important to ensure a weather-tight seal.
Steps 7 & 8 will assist in maintaining the integrity of the panel installation by preventing any possible flexing or separation of the product due to extreme ambient temperature and humidity changes once the installation is complete. Use the textured caulk to conceal the screw heads as well.
|
|
9. Repeat steps 4-8 for the next panel to be installed. Place it onto the wall next to the first panel. Keep the panel level. Press the panels firmly against the wall with a slight wiggle motion to help spread the glue.
Install the panel very tightly against the first panel, as they may expand and contract with temperature changes. Continue repeating steps 4-9 until your first row is complete. |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
10. Before the texture caulk dries be sure to use a damp rag to wipe off any excess caulk that may have squeezed out from between the joint between the two panels. A wet finger, paint brush, or other such tool can assist in smoothing and blending the caulk. Use the textured caulk to also fill in any voids, gaps, screw heads or spaces. Click here for more details on caulking panels. |
|
11. If you are installing multiple rows of panels, start on the next row above the one just completed. Repeat step 4-10 for the next row of panels to be installed.
Note: The panels are designed to butt up to each other bottom to top. This 'shiplap' joint should also be glued and caulked like in steps 7 & 8 to ensure a tight seal that has a seamless look.
For a more random look, offset each row by a half sheet. This will make pattern repeats less noticeable when multiple rows are being installed. |
|
12. Stand back and admire your handiwork. |
Tips...
Be sure that the panels are oriented properly, the tongue portion of the panel is on top of the panel, and the groove portion of the panel is on the bottom. All joints, including miters, will need to be glued and caulked. The panels may require additional shimming and trimming for proper alignment.
Be sure to follow and obey all safety rules and recommendations set forth by tool manufacturers.
Always follow any, and all, local, state, and federal building codes. Always comply with any specified clearances set forth by the manufactures of stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, and any other heat sources, as well.
|
|
