Slats

Slats are slim, rectangular strips of material used to form surfaces, screens, or supports. They are produced in wood, metal, and plastic and can be used individually or arranged in parallel patterns.

Common uses include furniture and bedding where wooden slats provide a support surface for mattresses; window coverings where slats form blinds; architectural screens and room dividers; fencing, trellises, and latticework; and decorative wall treatments or slatted ceilings.

Materials and manufacture: Wooden slats are milled from lumber and finished; metal slats are extruded or punched and formed; plastic slats are extruded or molded. Dimensions vary by application, with narrow slats used in blinds and broader slats in furniture and fencing. In blinds, slats are often connected with cords or gears to tilt and raise the blind.

Design considerations: Slats influence light, airflow, and visibility. Spacing, thickness, and material determine strength and flexibility. Wood and metal slats require protection against moisture or corrosion; plastics can degrade under UV exposure. Proper support and fastenings are essential in load-bearing applications such as bed frames or railings.

History and variants: In traditional plaster walls, wooden slats served as a base for plaster. Slats also appear in modern slat walls, pergolas, lattices, and other decorative or functional architectural elements.