A Dealer’s Guide to PVC Wall, Ceiling, and Slatwall Panels

It’s no secret that drywall and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) products like pegboard and slatwall don’t hold up in humid and high-traffic areas of the home. As a result, more homeowners are making the switch to PVC wall panels like Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard and Trusscore SlatWall that are scratch, dent, damage, and water resistant.

When opting for a new product over what you know, questions are bound to arise. We’ve put together a list of the most common Trusscore questions we get – from estimating to installing – to help your staff and your customers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trusscore Products

What are the dimensions of Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard and Trusscore SlatWall panels?

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels are available in 8′, 10′, 12′, 14′, 16′, and 20′ lengths. All Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels are 16″ wide and 1/2″ thick.

Trusscore SlatWall panels are only available in 8′ lengths. Trusscore SlatWall panels are 6″ high (7 ¼” including screw flange) and are 5/8″ thick.

How do I do a takeoff or estimate material for a Trusscore project?

Trusscore does it for you through the Trusscore Project Planner! After you input a project dimensions, specify if Trusscore SlatWall is included, and choose any preferred colors, Trusscore provides a detailed material list and a cost estimate based on average retailer pricing right to your inbox.

Where can I find answers to technical questions my customers may have?

Trusscore has tons of available resources to help you answer any technical questions a customer may have:

  • Trusscore Installation Hub: The Trusscore Installation Hub is home to detailed installation guides, QuickStart guides, and technical guides (like when you’re installing Trusscore in cold weather or in shower enclosures) that are designed to help your customers navigate the DIY-friendly installation process.
  • Tips & Tricks Short Videos: To quickly see how to tackle common Trusscore installation tasks like making cutouts in panels and installing Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard above Trusscore SlatWall, check out the Tips & Tricks Short Video Library on YouTube.
  • Frequently Asked Questions: To find answers for frequently asked questions ranging from starting a project to maintenance and care, visit the Trusscore FAQ.
  • Trusscore Live Chat: On the Trusscore website, our live chat is available in the bottom-right corner and is managed by Trusscore Product Experts who can help you answer complicated or uncommon questions that pop up.

Can you paint Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels?

Yes, you can paint Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels. We recommend using 100% acrylic latex paint or acrylic latex paint with urethane additive to paint Trusscore panels. We also recommend using self-priming paints or primer and paint combination products where possible. For more information and product recommendations, download the Trusscore Painting Guidelines.

How many Trusscore panels are included in a skid?

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard is shipped in 150-piece bundles, Trusscore SlatWall is shipped in 200-piece bundles, and Trusscore Trim quantities vary by type.

Where should Trusscore products be stored?

Outdoor storage of Trusscore panels is permitted if they have lumber wrap protecting them, and you should keep panels in their original packaging until ready for use to protect them from dust and debris. 

During handling, carry the panels on edge and use appropriate lifting techniques to prevent bending or breaking. Avoid impact or abrasion to panel surfaces. For more information, download the Trusscore Shipping & Handling Guidelines.

What’s the fire performance of Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard?

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard has a “Class A” fire rating — the best available — with a flame spread index of 10 and smoke developed index of 380.  Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard does not meet the requirements for fire resistance if a fire-rated wall assembly is specified by code. To meet code requirements, Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard must be installed on top of an approved a fire-rated wall or ceiling assembly.

Can Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard act as a thermal barrier for foam insulation?

Trusscore products can’t be used as a substitute for thermal barriers. In construction using foam insulation, a thermal barrier like gypsum board, thermal coatings or intumescent paints, and other approved materials must be in place before installing Trusscore products.

What type of screws should I recommend for a Trusscore project?

We recommend using corrosion-resistant #8/#10-gauge screws with a flat-bottomed, low-profile head (i.e., truss, pancake, round washer, etc.) and a minimum head diameter of 3/8” when installing Trusscore products. Here’s what we recommend based on a project’s backing material:

  • Wood – #8 or #10 X 1-1/4” round washer or truss screws
  • Concrete – 3/16” x 1-1/4” Flathead screw (Tapcon)
  • Metal studs – Use self-tapping screws instead of wood screws

For highly corrosive or moist environments, we recommend using stainless-steel screws. If installing Trusscore products on top of drywall, screws should be 1-3/4” to 2” long. If furring strips or strapping are part of the installation, screws should be 2-1/2”. For more information, download the Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard Installation Guide or the Trusscore SlatWall Installation Guide.

Can you hang picture frames, wall art, and other decor on Trusscore panels?

Yes, you can hang picture frames, screws, wall art, decor, and more on Trusscore panels. However, it’s important to keep this advice in mind:

  • Lightweight items (i.e., less than 30 pounds) can be attached directly to Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard using adhesive hooks such as Command™ Hooks or using spring toggle bolt kits. 
  • Moderate weight items should be fastened directly to the supporting structure of the wall or ceiling through Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard. Mounting holes should be slightly oversized to accommodate for expansion and contraction of the panel.
  • Heavyweight items should be mounted directly to the supporting structure to avoid crushing your Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels. We recommend completely cutting out Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard from the mounting area.

What’s the warranty on Trusscore products?

Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard and Trusscore SlatWall have 20-year standard warranties and limited lifetime extended warranties upon registration. Customers have to register their warranty directly with Trusscore within 90 days of purchasing product.

When a customer makes a claim, Trusscore will replace the defective product with the same or similar product or Trusscore will refund the purchase price paid for the defective product.

Trusscore isn’t liable or responsible for the cost of labor, shipping and handling, or any other expenses or costs whatsoever related to removing, delivering, or installing the product or any replacement.

Have questions about Trusscore that weren’t covered here?

Check out the Trusscore Retailer Hub. This one-stop-shop for Trusscore retailers is where you’ll find product knowledge sessions, estimation resources, sales tools, competitive analysis, and so much more. It’s also where you’ll order any additional Trusscore merchandising you need to have on hand in store when it’s time to stock up.

You can also check out this video reviewing some of the most commonly asked questions from another consumer.

Alternatively, reach out to your Palmer-Donavin representative for help.

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