VTEC Logo
03307 00 00 30

Designed by manufacturers,
to make it easy for you

Our Technical Hub is here to support your architectural queries and product questions. As manufacturers of our systems, we know the complexities of creating beautiful and functional designs.

Explore and download our specification guides, acoustic information and technical data sheets. These guides along with our FAQ’s are the best tools to support your learning and understanding of the systems we produce, and how easy it is to specify and install.

Faqs

Why Choose Supaslat?

Our SupaSlat range of modular timber-style slatted systems provides a winning combination of natural appeal with a full range of finishing options and rapid installation, including full and easy access to services and acoustic performance.

How do I know which SupaSlat option is right for me?

There’s a SupaSlat option for every project! Check out our useful online configuration tool for a quick visual to help choose the right SupaSlat options for your project.

Simply consider:

  • Installation method
  • Slat size and spacing
  • Timber-style species laminate
  • Finish option
  • Extras including acoustics and fire performance

WHAT ARE THE FINISH OPTIONS?

Vtec’s comprehensive finishing solutions provide you with a fantastic spectrum of colours and effects. Our factory-applied finishes give so much more than “just another covering” and leave you with creative ideas to choose from, to design something truly different for your clients.

SUPALAMI: Applied to the face of the slats with matching edging, this laminate provides you with a great-looking finish without the cost of solid timber veneer. Available in a variety of finishes, including Woods and Solid Colours.

CAN SUPASLAT WORK WITH LIGHTING AND OTHER ELEMENTS?

Yes, SupaSlat is very flexible and we can work with you to incorporate specific requirements such as lighting, heating & ventilation, fire detectors & sprinklers and CCTV requirements. We’ve worked on many complex projects and seen a wide range of other elements being used in conjunction with our SupaSlat systems to great effect. Please talk to us if you envisage a particular design challenge and require a more bespoke approach.

CAN SUPASLAT INCORPORATE ACCESS REQUIREMENTS?

Yes, SupaSlat is very flexible and we can work with you to incorporate specific access requirements in both walls and ceiling, such as doorways and access hatches. We’ve collaborated on a range of projects with particular access challenges and incorporated bespoke solutions into the specification.

WHAT SIZES ARE THE SLATS?

Vtec standard SupaSlat sizes are:

  • SupaSlat 1: 42mm (w) x 18mm (t) @ 67mm centres
  • SupaSlat 2: 95mm (w) x 18mm (t) @ 120mm centres
  • SupaSlat 3: 42mm (w) x 32mm (t) @ 100mm centres
  • SupaSlat 4: 18mm (w) x 42mm (t) @ 43mm centres
  • SupaSlat 5: 18mm (w) x 70mm (t) @ 75mm centres

WHAT THICKNESS ARE SUPASLAT PANELS?

Slat thickness varies subject to the installation method and possibly the service integrations. Please contact our Technical Department for advice.

Please refer to the previous question for standard sizes.

HOW MANY SUPASLAT PANELS DO I NEED?

Please provide us with the dimensions of the area you wish to cover and our Technical Department can produce a panel layout scheme to quantify this, and also to assist your installers on site.

WHAT ARE SUPASLAT PANELS MADE FROM?

The slats are either high-quality natural timber or MDF with a laminate-type decorative face. A premium-grade black acoustic backing is directly behind the slats. On the rear of the panel are MDF cross battens, which hold the slats and acoustic backing together.

ARE SUPASLAT PANELS FIRE-RESISTANT?

If you have an FR requirement we can produce in FR grade to Class 1 or Class 0 standard. Please contact us to find out more about the combinations and options available.

IS SUPASLAT AVAILABLE AS FSC® CERTIFIED?

Yes. We are FSC® certified (FSC C160047).

SupaSlat can be produced as FSC Certified. Please talk to us about your specific requirements before quotation.

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is a global, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management worldwide. FSC defines standards based on agreed principles for responsible forest stewardship that are supported by environmental, social, and economic stakeholders. To learn more, visit www.fsc.org.

IS SUPASLAT AVAILABLE AS PEFC™ CERTIFIED?

SupaSlat with a Supalami finish can be produced as PEFC (PEFC/16-37-2304) Certified. Please talk to us about your specific requirements before the quotation.

 

DO SUPASLAT PANELS NEED SPECIALIST INSTALLERS?

No, we are not restrictive and provide detailed instructions to the installer for them to follow.

ARE SUPASLAT PANELS QUICK AND EASY TO INSTALL?

Yes, we’ve designed our SupaSlat modules to be simply and rapidly installed – with standard methods being either Screw Fix or Lift and Shift (installed entirely from beneath the ceiling line).

WHAT ARE THE SUPASLAT INSTALLATION OPTIONS?

Our SupaSlat modules are installed by the below different methods:

Ceiling Installation:

SCREW FIX: Modules can be either concealed/ discreetly fixed or visibly fixed for removability with a screwdriver. SupaSlat modules can be fixed to a variety of substrates/support work systems (e.g. Unistrut or MF top hats).

LIFT AND SHIFT: Modules simply engage into a T-24 exposed ceiling grid from beneath, to enable easy access to the entire ceiling.

Wall Installation:

SCREW FIX: Modules can be either concealed/ discreetly fixed or visibly fixed for removability with a screwdriver. SupaSlat modules can be fixed to a variety of substrates / Timber Battens/support work systems (e.g. Unistrut or MF top hats).

SECRET FIX: Modules can be secretly fixed with timber split battens, aluminium Zs or aluminium hockey sticks.

For a visual of the install methods, head to our online configurator. Talk to our Technical Team for assistance with your slatted wall or ceiling application to ensure you get the optimum benefit of the system.

IS THERE ANY ON-SITE CUTTING REQUIRED?

No. Our SupaSlat systems are supplied fully finished to avoid on-site cutting and finishing. They will be delivered ready to fit, with full installation instructions.

CAN SUPASLAT PANELS BE USED IN WETROOMS?

We do not advise direct exposure to water, but they can be used as decorative features in changing areas, spa rooms etc with some precautions.

CAN SUPASLAT PANELS BE USED AS HANGING BAFFLES OR SUSPENDED RAFTS?

Yes, they can. Please discuss these applications with our Technical Department for advice.

DO SUPASLAT PANELS REQUIRE ANY MAINTENANCE?

They are virtually maintenance-free but can benefit from dusting or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment if you wish. Do not clean the panels with a damp cloth.

HOW DO YOU CLEAN SUPASLAT PANELS?

They can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth, and if required add a weak soap solution. Do not use detergent or abrasive cleaners.

CAN SUPASLAT PANELS BE RE-USED?

Generally yes. If this is a definite requirement please speak to our Technical Department.

ARE THE COLOURS OF SUPASLAT PANELS SHOWN ONLINE ACCURATE?

The finishes we provide may vary slightly between items and batches. Please note that the colours shown are representative only due to screen resolution issues.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS TO OBSERVE WITH SUPASLAT PANELS?

Always wear correct PPE when handling, cutting, drilling or working with building materials.

Always fasten each panel safely.

HOW SHOULD SUPASLAT PANELS BE HANDLED & STORED?

Always store the panels in a dry environment

Never lean up against the wall; always ensure they are stored flat with consistent support throughout the panel

Always carry vertically on their edges, never flat

Always protect decorative faces during storage or handling

Observe safe working practice and manual handling procedures

WHY CHOOSE MICROSLAT?

MicroSlat is a cost-effective alternative to solid timber, where budgets necessitate.

MicroSlat is a modular slatted system for walls and ceilings that is easy and quick to install. As well as looking great, there are a range of beautiful finishes to choose from and acoustic benefits.

MicroSlat panels are designed to be simple to handle and easy to cut to shape and size on-site. Standard panel size of 3000 x 600 (mm) means increased coverage and fewer joints – excellent results for projects that want the feel of quality and visual appeal of real wood but without the cost.

 

WHAT IS MICROSLAT?

The MicroSlat system is a modular slatted panel system for walls and ceilings. Slats are made from our VFR Grey Core material. Finished with our premium Supalami laminate finish to the face of the slat.

WHAT ARE THE SLAT SIZES AND SPACINGS?

Choose from 11 FR standard designs and a range of finishes. Slat widths are 30, 50 or 70mm with spacings ranging from 10-100mm. MicroSlat Product Names show the slat width first, followed by the spacing (mm), as below:

  • MicroSlat 30-10
  • MicroSlat 30-45
  • MicroSlat 30-70
  • MicroSlat 50-17
  • MicroSlat 50-25
  • MicroSlat 50-70
  • MicroSlat 50-100
  • MicroSlat 70-16
  • MicroSlat 70-30
  • MicroSlat 70-50
  • MicroSlat 70-80

Please view the Technical Data Sheet and Specification Guide for full details.

WHAT ARE THE PANEL DIMENSIONS?

Standard panel sizes are as below (mm):

  • 3000 x 600

The extra tall panels can often achieve floor-to-ceiling coverage in a single panel which eliminates horizontal joints for quick installation.

WHAT IS THE PANEL THICKNESS?

  • Budapest Black Acoustic Backing = nominal 23mm thick (14mm thick slat + 9mm thick backing)
  • Coloured Acoustic Backing = nominal 26mm thick (14mm thick slat + 12mm thick backing)

HOW HEAVY ARE MICROSLAT PANELS?

MicroSlat panels are designed to be simple to handle and easy to cut to shape and size on-site.

  • Our VCore panels range from approximately 7.4-17kg/m²

Please view the Technical Data Sheet for full details.

WHAT ARE THE SLAT FINISH OPTIONS?

Vtec’s comprehensive finishing solutions provide you with a fantastic spectrum of cost-effective finishes. Our factory-applied finishes give so much more than “just another covering” and leave you with hundreds of options to choose from to create something truly different for your clients.

  • SUPALAMI: High quality, realistic, economical, hardwearing laminate finish. Available in a variety of finishes, including Woods and Solid Colours.

WHAT IS THE SLAT CORE COLOUR?

The standard core colour is grey. The exposed slat edges show the VFR Grey Core colour.

IS MICROSLAT AVAILABLE IN FR GRADE?

Yes. MicroSlat is available in FR Grade (Euroclass B Rated) Materials.

DOES MICROSLAT PROVIDE ACOUSTIC BENEFITS?

Yes. MicroSlat panels are backed with Acoustic Backing Board (nominal 9mm thick in Budapest Black, 12mm thick in all other colours) to help absorb unwanted reverberation. Acoustic Absorption varies according to absorbing material, slat sizes, slat spacings, void depth and if further insulation is used.

For improved acoustic performance, create an air gap behind the panel, and for further improvement add Rockwool insulation. Please speak to our Technical team for details and acoustic test data.

WHAT COLOUR IS THE ACOUSTIC BACKING?

Standard acoustic backing is Budapest Black or a range of 25 other colours. Download the Specification Guide for colour choices.

CAN MICROSLAT INTEGRATE M&E ACCESS?

Yes. The MicroSlat system integrates easily with access and service requirements, such as:

  • Access hatches at specific locations
  • Hidden doorways
  • Lighting
  • HVAC grilles
  • Smoke detectors and sprinklers
  • AV screens and cabling

Please speak to our Technical team if removable panels are required for access behind.

ARE MICROSLAT PANELS EASY TO INSTALL?

Yes. MicroSlat has been designed to be quick and easy to install.

It is supplied as modular panels, fully finished, which are then discreetly installed. Panels are easy to cut on-site if needed and they can be fastened to almost any type of common substrate.

SCREW FIX: Modules can be either concealed / discreetly fixed or visibly fixed for removability with a screwdriver. MicroSlat modules can be fixed to a variety of substrates via Timber Battens/support work systems (eg. Unistrut or MF top hats).

ADHERE: Modules can be secretly fixed with a suitable adhesive.

ARE MICROSLAT PANELS AVAILABLE AS FSC® CERTIFIED?

MicroSlat Systems are available upon request as FSC® Certified (FSC® C160047).

DO MICROSLAT PANELS REQUIRE ANY MAINTENANCE?

They are virtually maintenance-free but can benefit from dusting or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment if you wish. Do not clean the panels with a damp cloth.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS TO OBSERVE WITH MICROSLAT PANELS?

Always wear correct PPE when handling, cutting, drilling or working with building materials.

Always fasten each panel safely.

HOW SHOULD MICROSLAT PANELS BE HANDLED & STORED?

Always store the panels in a dry environment.

Never lean up against the wall; always ensure they are stored flat with consistent support throughout the panel.

Always carry vertically on their edges, never flat.

Always protect decorative faces during storage or handling.

Observe safe working practices and manual handling procedures.

WHY CHOOSE THE MAXIBEAM SYSTEM?

MaxiBeam is a lightweight beam system that provides visual style while also being easy to specify and fast to install.

MaxiBeam is suitable for internal use in many types of environments and sectors:

  • Workspaces
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Retail
  • Universities / higher education
  • Communal spaces
  • Auditoria

MaxiBeam can be used on walls, ceilings, suspended rafts or as independent free-standing screens. For details, please download our  MaxiBeam Specification Guide.

HOW CAN I SPECIFY MAXIBEAM?

Our NEW MaxiBeam Specification Guide has been designed to introduce you to the MaxiBeam system and take you through the 8 simple steps to specifying MaxiBeam for walls, ceilings, rafts or screens.

  • CONSIDER THE APPLICATION
  • SELECT SIZE
  • SELECT BEAM ENDSSELECT ACOUSTIC BACKING
  • SELECT FINISH
  • SELECT FR CLASS
  • SELECT FSC REQUIREMENTS
  • CONSIDER ACCESS & SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
  • SELECT INSTALLATION METHOD

Our proven system provides flexible wall and ceiling options to suit your project and deliver strong visual impact alongside unrivalled acoustic performance. MaxiBeam can be adapted easily for different applications and integration requirements, as shown in this guide.

WHAT ARE THE SIZES OF THE BEAMS?

Our standard sizes and weights are:

Bespoke heights and shapes are possible with our MaxiBeam system, providing unparalleled creative scope!

For details, please download our MaxiBeam Specification Guide.

HOW HEAVY ARE MAXIBEAMS?

MaxiBeam is approximately 50% lighter than solid oak beams, providing the elegance of heavy-duty timber beams without the hassle of working with solid timber. Each beam is light enough to be carried by a single person, ranging from 2-6kg.

WHAT THICKNESS ARE MAXIBEAMS?

Normal thickness is either 40mm or 50mm.

WHAT ARE MAXIBEAMS MADE FROM?

High-quality, responsibly-sourced MDF with a veneer, laminate or lacquer finish is used for the skin, coupled with a lightweight / hollow core. Material is safe, non-toxic, and non-irritant.

CAN MAXIBEAMS BE USED TO CREATE GEOMETRIC SHAPES?

Yes, our MaxiBeam system works amazingly well to create different shapes and we’ve collaborated on some very interesting bespoke projects. Please get in touch to discuss your application ideas!

CAN MAXIBEAMS BE USED AS SUSPENDED RAFTS?

Yes, our MaxiBeam can be used on walls, ceilings, suspended rafts or as independent free-standing screens. We have worked on a wide variety of projects with different applications. Please discuss your requirements with our Technical Department for advice.

DOES MAXIBEAM INTEGRATE WITH ACCESS & SERVICES WELL?

Yes, MaxiBeam is very flexible and we can work with you to incorporate specific access and service requirements to the best effect. Our team are experienced in overcoming integration challenges and has strong expertise in delivering:

  • Effective solutions around lighting, air conditioning vents, smoke detectors etc
  • Bespoke, angled ends
  • End-to-end jointing

Please talk to our Technical Team about your options.

DOES MAXIBEAM PROVIDE ACOUSTIC BENEFITS?

MaxiBeam can be installed under a perforated Supacoustic ceiling, or with our premium EchoTone Acoustic backing (nominal 12mm thick) to achieve acoustic absorption. Please contact us if you wish to use a different material.

Vtec’s comprehensive finishing solutions provide you with a fantastic spectrum of colours and effects. Our factory-applied finishes give so much more than “just another covering” and leave you with creative options to choose from to design something truly different for your clients.

SUPALAMI: High quality, realistic, economical, hardwearing laminate finish >> Applied to the face of the MaxiBeams with matching edging, this laminate provides you with a great-looking finish without the cost of solid timber veneer. Available in a variety of finishes, including Woods and Solid Colours.

ARE MAXIBEAMS FIRE RESISTANT?

Standard grade MaxiBeams are not, so if you have an FR requirement we can produce in FR grade to Class 1 or Class 0 standard. Please contact us to find out more about the combinations and options available.

IS MAXIBEAM AVAILABLE AS FSC® CERTIFIED?

Yes. We are FSC® Certified (FSC® C160047) .

MaxiBeam can be produced as FSC® Certified. Please talk to us about your specific requirements before the quotation.

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is a global, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management worldwide. FSC defines standards based on agreed principles for responsible forest stewardship that are supported by environmental, social, and economic stakeholders. To learn more, visit www.fsc.org.

DO MAXIBEAMS NEED SPECIALIST INSTALLERS?

No, we are not restrictive and provide detailed instructions to the installer for them to follow.

ARE MAXIBEAMS QUICK TO INSTALL?

Our MaxiBeam system is designed for quick installation – with either a fixing cleat, screw from the rear or click-fix. Please talk to our Technical Team about your options.

HOW IS MAXIBEAM INSTALLED?

MaxiBeam is supplied as individual beams, which are discreetly installed on ceilings & walls or installed as suspended rafts & free-standing screens. Beams can be installed so they are removable if required – please contact our Technical Department if this is a requirement.

IS THERE ANY ON-SITE CUTTING REQUIRED?

No on-site cutting should be required. MaxiBeam systems are supplied fully finished to avoid on-site cutting and finishing. If beams do require cutting, this can be carried out with standard woodworking tools.

CAN MAXIBEAMS BE USED IN WETROOMS?

We do not advise direct exposure to water, but they can be used as decorative features in changing areas, spa rooms etc with some precautions. Please contact our Technical Department if this is a requirement.

DO MAXIBEAMS REQUIRE ANY MAINTENANCE?

They are virtually maintenance-free but can benefit from dusting or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment if you wish.

HOW DO YOU CLEAN MAXIBEAMS?

Any dirt deposits can be wiped off. However, beams should not be subjected to moisture, wet cloths or any type of detergent or abrasive cleaner.

CAN MAXIBEAMS BE RE-USED?

Generally yes. If this is a definite requirement please speak to our Technical Department.

ARE THE COLOURS OF MAXIBEAM SHOWN ACCURATE?

The finishes we provide may vary slightly between items and batches. Please note that the colours shown are representative only due to screen resolution issues.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS TO OBSERVE WITH MAXIBEAM?

Always wear correct PPE when handling, cutting, drilling or working with building materials.

Always fasten each panel safely.

HOW SHOULD MAXIBEAM BE HANDLED & STORED?

Always store the MaxiBeams in a dry environment.

Never lean up against the wall; always ensure they are stored flat with consistent support throughout the MaxiBeams.

Always carry vertically on their edges, never flat.

Always protect decorative faces during storage or handling.

Observe safe working practices and manual handling procedures.

Let's Talk

We can work with you to help solve the complexities in wall and ceiling systems by providing high performing creative solutions and systems that work! Making spaces matter is important to us! Give us a call today, so we can get started on supporting you and your journey!
03307 00 00 30