How to trim panels to the right size — clean edges, no splintering, no stress
When Do You Need to Cut?
Panels come in standard heights (242 cm) and widths (52 cm Standard, 60.5 cm Premium). In most cases they fit without cutting. But there are situations where trimming is needed:
Trimming the height: When ceiling height is below 242 cm (common in older buildings with 240 cm ceilings) or when installing along sloped ceilings where the usable height varies. Knee walls in attic rooms almost always require height trimming.
Trimming the width: When the wall width isn't an exact multiple of the panel width. Example: 2.8 m wall ÷ 52 cm = 5.38 panels — the last panel needs to be trimmed by roughly 20 cm. This is the most common cut in any project.
Cutouts: For electrical outlets, light switches, pipes, or window frames. These require L-shaped or rectangular cutouts within the panel. More on panel quantities: size calculator.
Which Tool for Which Cut?
| Tool | Best for | Cut quality |
|---|---|---|
| Jigsaw | All cuts — height, width, cutouts, angles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (excellent with guide rail) |
| Circular saw / plunge saw | Long, straight cuts (height trimming) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (cleanest straight cuts) |
| Japanese pull saw (hand saw) | Individual short cuts by hand | ⭐⭐⭐ (requires patience) |
| Multi-tool / oscillating saw | Cutouts (outlets, corners, tight spots) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The all-rounder: A jigsaw handles every type of cut you'll encounter — straight lines, angles, curves, and cutouts. Use a fine-tooth wood blade (T101B or similar). Coarse teeth tear the veneer — fine teeth leave a clean edge.
Step-by-Step: Cutting a Panel
Measure the required length or width at the wall. Subtract 2–3 mm as an expansion gap — the material can expand minimally with temperature changes. Note the measurement.
Place the panel with the felt side facing up on two sawhorses or a stable work surface. Transfer the measurement with a pencil and ruler. For straight cuts: draw a continuous line using a long straight edge or spirit level as a guide.
Stick painter's tape (masking tape) along the cut line on the veneer side (flip briefly to apply, then flip back). The tape prevents the veneer from chipping during the cut. This step is optional but makes the difference between a good cut and a perfect one.
Guide the jigsaw steadily along the marked line. Don't push — let the saw do the work. For long straight cuts: clamp a straight board parallel to the cut line as a guide rail (offset by the distance from the blade to the edge of the saw's base plate). This keeps the cut perfectly straight without relying on a steady hand.
Smooth any minor roughness on the cut edge with fine sandpaper (120–180 grit). Always sand in the direction of the veneer grain, never against it. Remove the painter's tape — done.
Time per cut: Approximately 5–10 minutes including measuring and marking.
Special Cuts
Cutouts for electrical outlets
Measure the outlet position on the panel (distance from the edges). Draw a rectangle on the felt side that's approximately 5 mm larger than the outlet box on each side. Drill a starter hole (10 mm bit) in one corner of the rectangle, insert the jigsaw blade, and cut out the shape. The outlet cover plate hides the cut edge completely — so the cut doesn't need to be perfect.
Angled cuts (sloped ceilings)
Where a sloped ceiling meets the wall, you need an angled cut. Measure the angle with a bevel gauge or angle finder. Transfer the angle to the panel and cut along the angled line. A jigsaw follows angled lines without any difficulty — just keep the speed steady.
The last panel in a row
The final panel on any wall almost always needs to be trimmed in width. Tip: position the cut edge in the corner — that's where it's least visible. An optional corner trim strip can hide the cut edge completely if you want a perfectly clean look.
Cutting 60×60 cm panels
The smaller format panels follow the same principles — they're just easier to handle. Place them on a flat surface, mark the cut line, and use the jigsaw as described. Their lighter weight (~1.5 kg) makes them easy to hold steady during the cut. Ideal for ceiling projects where panels often need edge trimming.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A jigsaw splinters the top surface. If the veneer side faces up, it gets damaged. Always place the panel with the felt side up — the veneer stays protected on the bottom.
A coarse wood blade tears the thin veneer layer. Use fine-tooth blades (T101B, T101BIF, or similar). For circular saws: a blade with at least 60 teeth gives the cleanest result.
Without masking tape along the cut line, the veneer can chip at the edges — especially on cross-grain cuts (cutting perpendicular to the grain direction). 30 seconds of taping can save 30 minutes of touch-up work.
Always leave 2–3 mm of clearance. Wood-based materials expand and contract slightly with temperature and humidity changes. A panel cut to the exact millimeter can bow or buckle in warmer conditions. A small gap at the edges is invisible once installed but prevents problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — the panels are made of MDF with a wood veneer surface, a material that cuts easily with any wood saw. A jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade handles all types of cuts: straight lines, angles, and cutouts. Each cut takes approximately 5–10 minutes.
A jigsaw with a fine-tooth wood blade (T101B) is the most versatile option — it handles straight cuts, angles, curves, and outlet cutouts. A circular saw with a guide rail gives the cleanest straight cuts. A Japanese hand saw works for individual short cuts without power tools.
Three measures: 1) Cut from the back — felt side facing up, veneer side facing down. 2) Apply painter's tape along the cut line on the veneer side. 3) Use a fine-tooth blade (10+ teeth per cm). These three steps together produce a clean, splinter-free edge every time.
Yes — both are straightforward. Height trimming is the most common case (for ceiling heights below 242 cm). Width trimming is needed when the last panel on a wall doesn't fit at full width. Both cuts work with a jigsaw. More on panel dimensions: panel sizes guide.
Panels are delivered in standard sizes (242 × 52 cm Standard, 242 × 60.5 cm Premium, and 60 × 60 cm). Custom pre-cutting is currently not available — but cutting at home is simple enough that it takes just a few minutes per panel with basic tools. Full installation overview: accessories guide.
Measure the outlet position and draw a rectangle on the felt side (5 mm larger than the outlet box on each side). Drill a starter hole in one corner, insert the jigsaw, and cut out the shape. The outlet cover plate hides the cut edge — the cutout doesn't need to be perfect. An oscillating multi-tool can also work well for tight rectangular cuts.
Conclusion: Easier Than You Think
Cutting acoustic panels is not an expert-level task — it's a 5-minute job with a jigsaw and a straight guide. Felt side up, fine blade, painter's tape — those are the three ingredients for a perfect cut edge. Even outlet cutouts are manageable for beginners. The material is forgiving, the tools are basic, and the results look professional.
Ready for your project?
The panels are designed to be cut — all you need is a saw, a straight edge, and 5 minutes.
View all panels → Free sample box →Cutting results depend on the specific tools, blade quality, and technique used. The guidance provided is based on typical DIY conditions. Always wear appropriate safety equipment (eye protection, hearing protection) when operating power tools. Measure twice, cut once.
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