Below are four different styles of wooden wine panel projects. Each one is unique, and this is an excellent guide for your interior decorator, contractor or architect. We generally recommend working with a professional when installing wine panels.
All-Collector's:
Grapes the Wine Company rare wines vault
This is a fairly uncomplicated type of wine panel project, as it requires minimal cutting and no major design plan needed
Space requirments: The All-Collector's strategy is ideal for walls, ceilings or floors that are perfectly square and clear.
Tools needed: Notched trowl and canned liquid nails
(Recommended): Chopsaw and ruler
Level of difficulty: (Scale of 1-5 with 5 being hardest): 2
How to do it:
Measure out the space and determine the square footage. Each Collector's panel is approx. 12" X 6", so 2 panels covers one square foot. We can trim them down for you if they are slightly larger, or you can do this yourself with a chopsaw. Call us and let us know what the square footage is. We can then work together and plan out which panels to work with based on your preferences.
Once the panels arrive, decide how your going to lay them out on the space. Take the notched trowl and add the liquid nails to it. Apply the liquid nails evenly accross the back of the first panel. Attach the first panel to the wall. Repeat this process until all of the panels are on the wall.
Additional information: In a perfect world, all of the panels will fit perfectly on the space. This isn't always the case. If you come to the end of the space and there isn't enough room for the last panel, simply take your ruler and measure out the last panel vs. how much room is left on the space. The chopsaw can trim that remaining portion from the panel to make it fit perfectly. Always use the maximum protection when using a chopsaw. We always prefer when a client works with a professional contractor when installing wine panels. It's a very quick and easy job for a professional.
Varnish, stain or polyurethane: Wine panels can be easily finished. We prepare all of our panels for a first coat of finish before they arrive to your project. We don't finish them, as we've found that clients often prefer to finish them on the job. There are many different stains that can be used to compliment the overall decor. Choose one that fits you best.
Polyurethane or varnish can be applied to to give them a glass-like finish. You can either apply the stain or varnish when all of the panels are attached, or individually finish them before they go up. The best way is to apply the finish to them individually, but it's also the most time consuming. Applying the finish after the project is done is the fastest way to complete the project.
Another advantage to individually varnishing each panel is that it seals them, and protects the panels from moisture.
Montage:
Ritz Carlton Penthouse, Dallas TX
A wine panel montage is definitely the most difficult project. We highly recommend an interior designer, contractor and possibly an architect.
Space requirments: A montage can be done in any space. If your planning to do a montage as a floor project, we recommend using a planer to make sure the panels are exactly the same thickness.
Tools needed: Blueprint or plan of action, notched trowl, canned liquid nails, chop or tablesaw.
(Recommended): Planer and ruler
Level of difficulty: (Scale of 1-5 with 5 being hardest): 5
How to do it: Every montage project is completely unique. This is something that needs a professional or two.
Additional information: If you want to do this yourself, you should ideally have some experinece with blueprints and woodworking. This type of project has all kinds of panels mixed together. There will be many different types and sizes. It will be easy to get lost without a plan.
Varnish, stain or polyurethane: Same as above
3D Effect:
Peconic Bay Winery staircase leading to wine vault
This type of project is similar in difficulty to All-Collector's, but it is somewhat more involved.
Space requirments: Wall or ceiling.
Tools needed: Blueprint or plan of action, notched trowl, canned liquid nails, chop or tablesaw.
(Recommended): Planer and ruler
Level of difficulty: (Scale of 1-5 with 5 being hardest): 3
How to do it: The difference between 3D and All-Collector's is that the 3D adds thicker panels to the design. Many panels from Napa Valley such as Dominus and Bond are approx. 3/4" thick. Most Bordeaux panels are approx. 3/8" thick.
This is a highly artistic and visual strategy. There is no one way to make this work. A plan is helpful for maximum results. You would want to place the thicker panels in areas that would add to the 3D effect. Too many thick panels in one place may flaw the design from a visual perspective. There also may be some panels that need thicknesses reduced with a planer.
The best way to begin would be to add tape to the back of each panel, and temporarily affix the panels to the wall one at a time. This will give a great idea as to how the project will come out. You can always move the panels around based on preference.
Additional information: As a DIY project it is doable, but we always recommend a professional. This type of project is fairly uncomplicated for a woodworker or contractor. It wouldn't hurt to hire an interior designer at least for a consult.
Varnish, stain or polyurethane: Same as the previous projects.
The Outlay Effect:
Davanti Enoteca Wine Bar, Chicago, IL
The Outlay Effect is a little bit harder than it looks. The concept is to install the first set of panels to cover the wall, and then mix other panels on top of the first set.
Space requirments: Wall or ceiling.
Tools needed: Blueprint or plan of action, nail gun or notched trowl with canned liquid nails;
(Recommended): Chop or tablesaw
Level of difficulty: (Scale of 1-5 with 5 being hardest): 4
How to do it: Davanti Enoteca is a fine Italian restaurant with several restaurants all over the US. The management team of Davanti invented The Outlayed Effect.
How they approached the project can be found in the "Look: Chicago" magazine. The starting process is similar to All-Collector's, but the issues begin once your ready to apply the next set of panels above the first. The best results of this strategy come when your able to place the second set of panels above the first, without covering up the first set's logos. The next step is even more complicated, because now you place a third set of panels above the first and second set!
Additional information: I would recommend working with a professional on a project such as this. It's possible to do this yourself, but this type of project is bound to have unforseen complications.
Varnish, stain or polyurethane: Same as the previous projects.
Visit us at: www.winepine.com
