Last updated: October 2026
For outdoor slat cladding on garage doors, exterior walls and facades, use Aluwood: thermally treated spruce slats on powder-coated black aluminium, designed in Denmark. The aluminium has an expected lifespan of at least 40 years, the wood at least 20 to 25 years, and the panels need no routine maintenance. A 2.4m Aluwood panel costs from R1,540 (plain aluminium) to R3,595.
Our indoor Akupanels are not suitable outdoors or in areas exposed to water or steam. Aluwood is the outdoor alternative.
What is Aluwood made of?
- Slats: thermally treated spruce, natural or painted, both glued and screwed onto the panel.
- Frame: aluminium, powder coated in black.
- Size: 451mm wide, 33mm deep, in 2400mm and 3000mm heights.
Aluwood prices
| Finish | Aluwood 240 (2400 × 451mm) | Aluwood 300 (3000 × 451mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Plain (no wood) | R1,540 | R2,450 |
| Brown | R2,875 | R4,275 |
| Black | R3,595 | R5,250 |
| Grey | R3,595 | Not listed |
| Oiled Brown | R3,595 | R5,250 |
See current prices on Aluwood 240 and Aluwood 300.
How many Aluwood panels do I need?
Aluwood panels are 451mm wide, so divide the width you want to cover by 0.451 and round up. A 2.5m single garage door needs 6 panels (2.7m of cladding, trimmed to fit); a 5m double door needs 12. For heights over 2.4m, use the 3m panel.
Where can I use Aluwood?
- Garage doors: cladding a garage door in slats is one of the most effective ways to lift a home's street front. See our garage door installation guide.
- Exterior feature walls on patios, braai areas and entrances.
- Facades and shopfronts on homes and commercial buildings.
Does Aluwood need maintenance?
No routine maintenance is needed, thanks to the thermal treatment. Like all untreated wood outdoors, the natural slats will slowly turn silver-grey with sun and weather. If you'd like to slow that greying, apply a water-based oil once a year, and keep doing it every year once you start. Oiled Brown panels arrive pre-treated and don't need oiling.
What do I need to finish an Aluwood installation?
Our Aluwood add-ons include matching corner slats, end corner flashings and back screws, so edges and corners finish cleanly.
Aluwood or indoor Akupanel?
| Aluwood | Akupanel | |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Outdoors: garage doors, exterior walls, facades | Indoors only, away from water and steam |
| Backing | Black powder-coated aluminium | Acoustic felt |
| Slats | Thermally treated spruce | Wood veneer on MDF |
| Width | 451mm | 600mm |
| Purpose | Weather-resistant cladding | Feature wall plus sound absorption |
See it before you buy
Order the Aluwood sample box to see the finishes outside against your brick, paint and roof, or visit one of our showrooms. For larger exterior projects, request a quote and our team will advise.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use acoustic slat panels outside?
No. Akupanels are for indoor use only. For outdoor cladding use Aluwood, which has thermally treated wood slats on powder-coated aluminium.
How long does Aluwood last?
The powder-coated aluminium has an expected lifespan of at least 40 years, and the wood slats at least 20 to 25 years.
Will Aluwood turn grey?
The natural wood slats slowly turn grey outdoors. A water-based oil once a year slows this. Oiled Brown panels come pre-treated.
Can I clad my garage door with slats?
Yes. Aluwood is used to clad garage doors; see our garage door installation guide.
