Retractable Carved Panel Wall
13' W x 7' H | Furring Strip Framing | Top-Hung Track System
Master Materials List
The Panels
- ✓ 5 Packs of ANMINY Carved Panels (120 panels total, yields extras for cuts/mistakes)
- ✓ Included metal jump rings (approx 300+ needed)
The Framing
- ✓ 1x2 or 1x3 Pine Furring Strips (Quantity depends on chosen option below)
- ✓ Wood Glue & 1" Brad Nails / Wood Screws
- ✓ Small eye-hooks or screw-in cup hooks (to hang panels inside frames)
- ✓ Flat black spray paint (to paint furring strips to match panels)
Required Tools
- Miter Saw or Hand Saw
- Power Drill / Impact Driver
- Stud Finder (Critical for track)
- Laser Level or Chalk Line
- Pliers (for jump rings)
- Brad Nailer (Optional but recommended)
Furring Strip Hanging Options
Select your structural approach based on your hardware budget and desired aesthetic.
1. The Accordion Frame
Build 7 distinct wooden frames using furring strips. Suspend the panels inside each frame. Connect the frames side-by-side using butt hinges.
- Layout: 7 frames, each 2-panels wide (approx 24" wide x 82" tall).
- Track Needed: Heavy-duty top-hung Bi-fold or Accordion door track (e.g., Johnson Hardware).
- Pros: Extremely sturdy; looks like a high-end commercial install; moves smoothly.
2. Sliding Bypass Panels
Build 4 large wooden frames using furring strips. Suspend panels inside. Hang each frame on a separate parallel track line.
- Layout: 4 frames, each 4-panels wide (approx 48" wide x 82" tall).
- Track Needed: 4-channel sliding panel track (e.g., IKEA Vidga or Goelst).
- Pros: Sleek, modern flat wall when closed. Frames stack behind each other when open.
3. Top-Header "Chainmail"
Skip the full frame. Attach one single furring strip header across the top of a column of panels to prevent sagging. Let the rest hang free.
- Layout: 14 separate vertical strips of furring (12" wide each), holding 1 column of 7 panels.
- Track Needed: Standard heavy-duty ceiling curtain track.
- Pros: Very fast build, requires minimal wood, collapses into a very tight bundle.
Execution Guide (Accordion Frame Method)
Calculate the Exact Frame Size
Lay out 2 columns and 7 rows of panels on the floor (14 total panels). Connect them with the jump rings. Measure the exact width and height of this assembly (approx 23.5" x 81.5"). Build your furring strip frame so the *inside* dimensions match this exactly, plus a 1/2" gap all around for tension.
Construct the Wood Frames
Cut 1x2 furring strips to size. Pre-drill and counter-sink screws at the corners, using wood glue for rigidity. (You will need 7 of these frames). Once built, paint the frames flat black to seamlessly blend with the ANMINY panels.
Suspend the Panels
Screw small cup hooks or eyelets every 11.4 inches along the inside top, bottom, and sides of your wooden frame. Use the metal jump rings to attach the outer edges of your panel grid directly to these hooks. This creates a taut, framed privacy screen.
Mount the Track & Hinge
Install your commercial track to the ceiling, ensuring screws hit solid wood framing (joists or blocking) across the entire 13ft span. Attach roller hardware to the top of the wood frames. Finally, connect the vertical edges of the frames to each other using small butt hinges (alternating the hinge direction so it folds like a fan).
Pro Tips for Site Execution
- Clearance is key: Leave at least 1/2" to 3/4" of clearance between the bottom of the wood frames and the floor. This prevents the divider from dragging or getting caught on uneven flooring.
- Dealing with warped furring: 1x2 furring strips from big box stores are famously warped. Spend time at the store sighting down the boards to pick the absolute straightest ones. Consider upgrading to 1x3 "Select Pine" if your budget allows—it will save you massive headaches during framing.
- Ring orientation: The metal jump rings have a split in them. Rotate all the rings so the split is hidden inside the panel hole, not bearing the pulling weight. Use two pliers to close them tightly.