When it comes to installing our Concrete Wall Panels, one of the most important considerations is the surface they adhere to. The substrate—the base behind the panel—doesn’t contribute to the final visual result. It’s not part of the design. It’s there to provide solid, reliable support.

Whether you’re working on an interior wall, an exterior facade or a ceiling, selecting the right substrate is essential for ensuring the panels remain safely and securely fixed over time.

FLOAT concrete panels are lightweight and weighs 13.6 kg/m². This allows them to be installed on a wide range of surfaces, but the substrate must be structurally sound, clean and correctly prepared.

In this guide, we’ll cover the substrates that are compatible with these Concrete Panels. These materials stay hidden behind the panels—their only job is to provide the foundation for a long-lasting installation.

Why Substrate Selection Is Critical

The substrate’s role is simple but vital: to provide a stable, adhesive-friendly base that keeps the panels secure.

For FLOAT concrete wall panels to perform properly, the substrate must:

• Support the panel’s weight

• Be flat and stable

• Be clean and ready for adhesive or mechanical fixing

When these factors are in place, our panels can be installed on walls, ceilings, and concrete cladding panels for both interior and exterior projects.

 

Compatible Substrates for FLOAT Concrete Wall Panels

 

Here’s a breakdown of substrates that provide strong, dependable support for our concrete cladding.

1. Wood Surfaces – Reliable and Practical

Wood-based boards like MDF, plywood, and OSB are commonly used in architectural builds. They’re flat, sturdy, and easy to work with, making them a practical backing for wall concrete panels.

Why It’s Used:
Wood surfaces are accessible, adaptable, and support the lightweight nature of FLOAT panels with minimal preparation.

Best For:

• Interior concrete wall paneling

• Partition walls

• Feature walls in commercial and residential spaces

2. Interior Plasterboard – A Solid Standard

Plasterboard (gypsum board) is one of the most common wall surfaces used in modern construction.

Why It’s Used:
It provides a consistent, stable surface that efficiently supports lightweight concrete panels for interiors.

Best For:

• Concrete wall panels interior for homes and offices

• Interior feature walls in retail and hospitality spaces

• Renovations and new builds

3. Exterior Fibre Cement Boards – Ready for the Outdoors

Fibre cement boards are specifically designed for external use, resisting weather and moisture.

Why It’s Used:
They offer strong structural support and excellent compatibility with FLOAT’s concrete panels for exterior walls.

Best For:

• Outdoor concrete cladding panels

• External facades in commercial and residential buildings

• Garden walls and architectural landscaping

4. Top-Hat Battens – Lightweight Structural Systems

Top-hat battens made from steel or aluminum create efficient substructures for direct panel installation.

Why It’s Used:
They reduce the need for continuous sheeting, speed up installation, and allow for precise alignment—perfect for exterior concrete wall panels.

Best For:

• Commercial facades

• Lightweight concrete cladding systems

• Ventilated wall assemblies

5. Brickwork – Strong, Reliable Support

Clay, cement, and maxi brick walls provide excellent structural integrity.

Why It’s Used:
Brick walls are solid, stable, and support wall concrete panels and concrete facade panels with ease when properly prepared.

Best For:

• Residential homes

• Commercial buildings with brick structures

• Renovation projects

 

6. Rendered Walls and Raw Concrete – Smooth and Stable

Rendered walls, cement skim coats, and raw concrete surfaces are among the most stable backing materials.

Why It’s Used:
They offer strong support and work naturally with adhesives used for concrete wall panels exterior and interior systems.

Best For:

• Industrial-style interiors

• Large commercial spaces

• External concrete cladding panels

 

 

7. Render-Primed Surfaces – Moisture-Ready

Cement render walls that are correctly primed offer an excellent, stable base for FLOAT panels.

Why It’s Used:
Primed renders support secure adhesive bonding and are particularly useful in exterior installations that require moisture protection.

Best For:

• Outdoor concrete panel walls

• Residential exterior features

• Commercial concrete cladding systems

 

8. Painted Walls – Fast and Efficient for Renovations

When the existing painted surface is stable and well-adhered, it can serve as a practical backing for FLOAT panels.

Why It’s Used:
Painted walls allow for quick renovations and efficient upgrades using lightweight concrete panels.

Best For:

• Residential retrofits

• Commercial fit-outs

• Interior concrete wall panels in refurbished spaces

Ceilings – Expanding Design Horizons

FLOAT panels are not limited to walls—they can also be installed on ceilings using secure mechanical fixing systems.

Recommended Systems:

• Screw-through anchor holes

• Aluminum split batten systems

• Spring retainer clips

Using FLOAT panels on ceilings extends the concrete cladding concept across the entire architectural envelope, creating immersive, modern spaces.

Mechanical Fixing Systems

FLOAT panels can be installed using adhesives or mechanical fixing systems depending on the substrate and design requirements.

Available Options:

• Screw-Fix Through Anchor Holes: Fast, direct fixing for solid walls.

• Split Batten Systems: Precision fitting with demountable options.

• Spring Retainer Clips: Discreet, edge-based support.

• Clamp Systems: Visible structural brackets for industrial designs.

• Rivet Fixing: Secure exposed rivets for bold concrete facade panels.

These systems allow FLOAT panels to adapt to a variety of installations, from tight interior spaces to large-scale exterior concrete panels.

 

Where FLOAT Panels Work Best

FLOAT’s concrete cladding panels can be installed across:

• Concrete wall panels interior for homes, offices, and retail spaces

• Concrete panels for exterior walls in residential and commercial builds

• Lightweight concrete panels for ceilings and large wall applications

• Concrete cladding panels for feature walls and facades

• Concrete wall tiles for modular and detailed installations

• Exterior concrete wall panels for weather-resistant design

• Concrete wall paneling for large, clean architectural surfaces

The flexibility of FLOAT concrete wall panels allows them to move effortlessly between spaces—offering seamless transitions from interior to exterior, floor to ceiling.

 

Substrate Compatibility At a Glance

Final Thoughts

The right substrate is essential for performance, but the beauty of FLOAT panels is that they work across such a wide variety of surfaces. Whether you’re working with wood, plasterboard, brick, or top-hat battens, the substrate is there to provide structure, safety, and lasting stability.

FLOAT panels bring architectural refinement to concrete cladding, interior concrete walls, exterior facades, and ceilings—all with a system that’s flexible, adaptable, and built for modern design.

For installation advice and technical support, visit floatconcrete.com or contact our team directly.