Can I install FriendlyWall® anywhere?
No, anywhere inside a building, but away from any risk of splashing water or a strong source of heat. Installation guidelines and our warranty both indicate that this product reacts like any hardwood floor and requires an ideal ambient humidity level, ideally between 35% and 55%.
Where can I install FriendlyWall® ?
There are many options open to you: to draw attention to a wall in the living room, dining room or entrance hall; to define a space or divide a large room into smaller sections; to enhance the far wall in an alcove, library or wall leading to an upper floor; to act as a backdrop for the bed in a bedroom; or to decorate the base of a piece of furniture or partition wall.
Can I install FriendlyWall® in a bathroom?
Yes, in most cases when it is located away from the risk of splashing water.
Can I use FriendlyWall® on a ceiling?
Yes, it has been installed on ceilings with spectacular results. However, you need to vigorously shake the panel prior to install to ensure all moldings are securely glued in place.
What is construction glue or PL glue?
PL Glue is 100% polyurethane. It is used to glue pre-finished or unfinished panels, agglomerate, drywall, moldings, etc. to any dry wall or other material. As a rule, it takes three 295-ml tubes for a surface of 100 square feet (9,5 m2). This glue is applied with a caulking gun. If you use a caulking gun with an opening of 3/8 inch in diameter, multiply the estimated number of cartridges by 2.
Can I simply nail the panel in place without gluing it?
No. The glue is important to ensure complete and even bonding of the panel to the wall. The nails serve to position the panel until the glue sets. The Finium warranty is valid only when the panel is installed with this combination of glue and nails. If the panel is only nailed to transversal braces, for example, the entire surface of the panel is not supported and it may warp. Our warranty will apply only if the panel is glued and nailed to the wall.
Can I simply glue the panel without nailing it?
No, however, some clients have chosen to install FriendlyWall® directly on cement walls using only glue. However, humidity levels of cement walls have contributed to panels swelling later on. If the surface to be covered is dry and shows little sign of humidity, the use of glue without nails is possible. However, we recommend the use of fast-bonding glue and wedges at the bottom of the first row of panels to prevent that row from sliding before the glue is completely set. In this case, the warranty will not apply.
Can I cut the panels with a jigsaw?
No, this is a bad idea. The panels will chip. However, you must use a jigsaw to cut inside the panel to add an electrical outlet frame or an air vent, for example.
Can I install FriendlyWall® on unpainted or jointed drywall?
Yes, definitely.
Can anybody install FriendlyWall®?
Yes, with proper tools and a handy partner. Installation guidelines and videos available on the website provide a quick review of the tools and techniques required to install FriendlyWall®. Technical drawings are also available to illustrate how to install moldings, frame an electrical outlet and finish a corner.
How long will it take to install an 8 by 10 foot wall with no door or window trim?
Around two hours, with the proper tools and a good partner!
Can I install FriendlyWall® without moldings?
Yes, but the result may lack that finishing touch. Contour molding is designed to mask unsightly cuts and uneven walls or ceilings.
How do I finish a corner?
We recommend the use of two contour moldings, each abutting the other at the junction of the two walls to cover. Our website presents technical drawings explaining how to finish a corner.
Do you offer a molding that can cover the corners of two surfaces?
No, only the use of two pieces of contour molding allows the connection of two decorative surfaces mounted at 90°angles.
What happens if small pieces of wood detach from the panel?
Simply glue them back in place. A lamination may become unglued following rough shipping or a blow. Use regular carpenter glue or the 100% polyurethane glue used to install the panels on the wall.
Does a touch-up kit exist to repair scratches?
A touch-up kit is available for all FriendlyWall® references of the four collections. Sold in different formats depending on the collections 1) for natural panels of walnut, a single touch-up applicator with varnish only; for stained products, a dual-action valve marker containing stain and varnish, for oiled products, a dual-action valve marker containing stain and oil.
Can I use FriendlyWall® near a major source of heat, such as a fireplace mantel?
This product is flammable and its use near a major source of heat (such as a gas fireplace, solid burning appliance, slow burning stove) is not recommended. Please check the latest construction regulations or the fire department nearest you. In most cases, the use of decorative wood walls is forbidden near these heating sources. If no information is available, please consult the Canadian CSA-B365 Installation code for solid fuel-burning appliances or the norm for gas installation CAN/CGA-B149 in Canada and its equivalent for the USA, the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1
Is FriendlyWall® water resistant?
Our finish is quite resistant (against scratches, abrasion, household chemical stains). The 3D aspect of our two Great Classics and Jazz collections is great as a backsplash in kitchens and bathrooms. However, their uneven surfaces may make cleaning grease or water splashes from sinks more challenging. Finium uses a very resistant UV varnish and there is no need to add any other protection over our finish. This finish is not available on the market. This said, we have certain reservations regarding the use of FriendlyWall® in areas where water splashes are frequent. Water infiltration can affect the wood under the varnish. Special notice: please refer to the FriendlyWall® installation guidelines. A stable environment between 35% to 55% relative humidity is ideal for best results. Our last two collection Oilé and Ecolo must avoid completely any risk of water splashing.
Can FriendlyWall® be used as a contour of a gas fireplace?
Non, it is not a good idea, because the heat of the fire can alter the wood or cause premature drying or cracks. FriendlyWall® behaves just like any hardwood floor, requiring a constant level of ambient humidity. Always refer to the recommended materials suggested for the immediate surface near the heat source. Once this safety perimeter is determined, you can always use FriendlyWall® to cover the rest of the wall.
This product is flammable and its use near a major heat source (such as a gas fireplace, solid burning appliance, slow burning stove) is not recommended. Please check the latest construction regulations or the fire department nearest you. In most cases, the use of decorative wood walls is forbidden near these heating sources. If no available information, please consult the Canadian CSA-B365 Installation code for solid fuel-burning appliances or the norm for gas installation CAN/CGA-B149 in Canada and its equivalent for the USA, the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1
How do I clean FriendlyWall®?
Very simply, with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Finium UV varnish and oil are both very resistant and makes maintenance easy, with no need for special cleaning or treatment. Regular dusting will remove any dust. You must remember however that both Oilé and Écolo collections panels must avoid risk of water splashing.
