Fluted — concave grooves
A flute recedes into the face. Its curved or shaped recess creates a concentrated shadow while the lands remain at the surface. Fine linear fluting can feel tailored; broader grooves become more sculptural.
Terminology guide / Profiles
Fluted, reeded and ribbed panels explained
The terms overlap in everyday use, but the cross-section tells a specifier how the surface will look, terminate, collect light and integrate into joinery.
Direct answer / Specification summary
Fluted panels usually have concave grooves; reeded panels have convex rounded ribs; ribbed panels use repeated raised linear forms that may be square, narrow or rounded. “Slatted” often means separate strips, while a machined profile is a continuous timber surface.
- Fluted
- Usually concave
- Reeded
- Usually convex
- Ribbed
- General raised rhythm
- Best specification
- Named dimensioned profile
Material + specification
What to know before you specify.
Reeded — convex rounds
A reed projects from the face as a rounded rib. Highlights roll across the radius, producing a softer and often more tactile appearance. Half-round and varied reeded profiles can differ substantially in scale.
Ribbed and grooved — broader terms
Ribbed describes repeated raised lines without defining a single cross-section. Grooved describes cut recesses and may be square, V-shaped or rounded. Always select from a dimensioned profile rather than specifying by label alone.
Slatted and acoustic panels — different construction
Many retail “fluted wall panels” are separate timber-look slats fixed to felt for acoustic treatment. Fluted Studio’s product is a furniture-grade, CNC-machined real timber surface intended for joinery and interior components.
How to choose
Compare cross-section, pitch, depth, cleaning access, edge termination, scale at viewing distance and how light reaches the surface. Then review the selected geometry in the actual timber and finish.
Project support / UK
Bring us the drawing.
We’ll help define the surface.
Share the application, dimensions, quantities and programme. We can guide profile, timber, construction, finish and supply format before quotation.
Start a project conversationSpecification FAQ
Questions,
answered precisely.
Concise guidance for professional design and joinery teams. Project-specific requirements are confirmed on the approved specification.
01Is reeded the same as fluted?
Not technically. Reeding projects outward and fluting recedes, although retail descriptions often blur the terms.
02Is a ribbed panel always real wood?
No. Ribbed products may be solid timber, veneer, MDF, plastic or printed décor. Check the construction.
03Are slatted acoustic panels the same product?
No. Felt-backed acoustic slats are a different construction and use case from furniture-grade profiled timber panels.
04Which profile is easiest to use on doors?
Suitability depends on scale, edge, handle and complete door construction; there is no universal best profile.