Company News, News

Things to Look for When Choosing a Commercial Grade Batten

1 December 2025

Vivienne Aitken
3 MIN READ

Selecting the right commercial-grade decorative batten is more than just picking a visually appealing design. In commercial spaces, factors like fire safety, sustainability, and ease of installation are just as important as aesthetics.

Modulo® in Navurban™ Tablelands

Assessing Material Quality and Durability

The material of a timber wall panel or timber batten is critical in determining its long-term performance. Modulo® offers options in moisture-resistant (MR) and fire-retardant (FR) MDF, designed for commercial environments. In addition, there are aluminium high fire rated wall cladding options with Modulo® Group 1 and Modulo® Acoustic.

Questions to ask:

Can it withstand daily wear and tear in high-traffic commercial spaces?
Will the material maintain its integrity when used as curved timber panels or as decorative ceiling timber panels?
Where has it been made and what are the quality control processes in place?

Modulo® in Navurban™ Blackbutt

Fire Certification for Commercial Compliance

Commercial specifications often require strict adherence to fire codes. Modulo® battens come with Group 1, 2, and 3 fire-rated options, complying with standards like AS 5637.1. When evaluating wood ceiling panels, timber screen panels, or decorative battens, fire compliance is an important consideration.

Checklist:

What fire group rating does the product have?
Does the system come with testing documentation?
Can the panels or battens be safely used as acoustic timber ceilings or in high-occupancy areas?

Resistant to Wear, Stains, and Daily Use
A decorative ceiling timber panel or wall system must be durable and low maintenance. Modulo’s prefinished NAVURBAN™ surfaces are UV-stable, water-resistant, and stain-resistant.

Questions for specifiers:
Is the finish factory-applied for consistent quality?
Will the surface require ongoing maintenance?
Can it be easily wiped clean in commercial environments?

How large is the pattern repeat?
Can the finish be seamlessly colour matched with flat panel and other decorative products?
High-quality finishes protect your timber wall panels and ceilings battens, keeping the space professional.

Efficient Installation and Design Flexibility
The versatility of a decorative batten system affects how it integrates into your overall design. Modulo® offers a range of profiles suitable for vertical, horizontal, and curved applications, including arc timber panels and curved timber panels.

Consider:

Does the product allow for tongue and groove boards for seamless installation?
Are there multiple profiles to choose from to suit your design preferences?
Is the installation efficient for commercial timber battens, reducing time and cost?
Easy installation and design flexibility mean you can execute creative designs without compromising build efficiency.

Sustainability and Indoor Health Considerations

Increasingly, commercial projects require products that are both sustainable and safe. Modulo® battens are Australian made acoustic wood panels that are Global Green Tag™, PEFC™ certified, and feature low-VOC finishes.

Questions to ask:

Are the Australian panel products responsibly sourced?
Do the finishes meet indoor air quality standards for VOCs?
Can they contribute to environmental or certification goals for the building?
Sustainable, low-emission products not only support a healthy indoor environment but also enhance your project’s green credentials.

Practical Considerations and Integrations

Finally, consider how the panels or battens fit into the overall scheme:

Are the timber battens or wood ceiling panels compatible with existing joinery?
Are accessories, trims, and support details readily available to complete the installation?
Choosing the right commercial-grade decorative batten requires balancing durability, fire safety, acoustic performance, design flexibility, finish quality, and sustainability. Products like Modulo exemplify how a well-engineered system can satisfy all these requirements, offering a variety of timber wall panels, timber screen panels, decorative ceiling timber panels, and acoustic wood ceiling solutions.

When evaluating systems, consider the following checklist:

Substrate suitability for the environment
Fire rating and compliance
High-quality, low-maintenance finishes
Design versatility
Sustainability
Efficient installation considerations
Lead time is approximately two weeks, excluding delivery.
By carefully considering these factors, you can help ensure your commercial project delivers both functional performance and visual impact. Choosing the right decorative batten system isn’t just about aesthetics it’s about creating timber and wood panel solutions that endure, impress, and perform.

View our Project Gallery to view a range of projects and inspiration.
Order Samples from our website or talk to our team to book in a Product Consultation on +61 2 9521 7200 to learn how Screenwood can empower your next visionary interior project.