Restaurant wood wall panels fail for predictable reasons. The finish is not rated for the environment. The acoustic specification is wrong for the room. The design photographs well but reads as generic in person.
Fire rating is not optional
California Building Code requires Class A flame spread rating (index 0-25) for wall finishes in restaurant dining rooms. We apply intumescent coatings in our shop that achieve Class A rating. The coating goes under the finish coat and does not change the visual appearance of the panel. We provide the test report and coating specification for the building department submittal.
Acoustic specification for restaurant environments
A restaurant with hard floors, glass walls, and no acoustic treatment has an RT60 of 1.2 to 2.0 seconds. The target RT60 for a restaurant dining room is 0.6 to 0.8 seconds. To hit this target in a 2,000 square foot space with 12-foot ceilings, you need approximately 400 to 600 square feet of absorption at NRC 0.70 or higher. A slat wall with 1.5-inch acoustic felt backing achieves NRC 0.65 to 0.75.
Finish durability in a restaurant environment
We specify a closed-pore, semi-gloss or satin finish for restaurant applications. Closed-pore finishes do not trap grease and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. For walls within 10 feet of the kitchen pass or bar, we recommend a higher-sheen finish that is easier to clean and more resistant to grease vapor.
Design that works at restaurant scale
Restaurant walls are seen from across a room, not from three feet away. We recommend a minimum slat depth of 1.5 inches for restaurant applications. Integrated LED grazing across the slat surface is one of the highest-return investments in a restaurant wall. The light catches the slat edges and the shadow lines become visible from across the room.
Maintenance in a restaurant environment
Weekly cleaning with a damp cloth removes grease and dust before it builds up. Monthly cleaning with a diluted dish soap solution removes heavier buildup. Panels near the kitchen should be inspected quarterly for grease penetration into the finish.
FAQ
Do wood wall panels in restaurants need a fire rating? Yes. California Building Code and most state codes require Class A flame spread rating. We apply intumescent coatings and provide the test report for the building department.
What NRC do restaurant wood wall panels need? A 2,000 square foot restaurant needs 400 to 600 square feet of absorption at NRC 0.70 or higher to reach the 0.6 to 0.8 second RT60 target.
What finish is best for restaurant wood wall panels? Closed-pore satin or semi-gloss. These finishes repel grease and clean easily with a damp cloth.
Do you ship restaurant wood wall panels nationwide? Yes. We fabricate in Los Angeles and ship to all US states as a labeled, numbered kit with shop drawings and fire rating documentation.
Related reading: How to specify custom wood wall panels for a commercial project · Wood on the ceiling: why designers are moving panels overhead · How long does it take to get custom wood wall panels
Planning seating too? Read our guide to custom banquette and booth seating costs for LA restaurants, and see what a custom host or reception desk costs.
