Middle Atlantic 14 RU Wood Top and Side Panels for 20 Inch Racks

Designed for professional environments where performance meets aesthetics, these Middle Atlantic Wood Top and Side Panels deliver a refined, durable finish to 20" deep rack systems. The 14 RU panels are crafted with thermolaminate wood veneer to provide a premium, consistent look across your equipment, while offering robust protection against dust, scratches, and minor impacts. Ideal for control rooms, broadcast suites, recording studios, and high-end AV installations, these panels seamlessly blend with other Middle Atlantic components to create a cohesive, elegant rack presentation that’s as functional as it is stylish.

• Premium thermolaminated wood finish: The panels feature a durable thermolaminate veneer that resists scuffs, scratches, and fading, preserving a polished appearance even in high-traffic environments. The wood veneer adds warmth and an upscale, professional look that complements equipment with metal chassis and glass-fronted devices, creating a balanced, high-end rack presentation. Easy to wipe clean and resistant to everyday wear, these panels stay looking new longer, helping your setup maintain a showroom-grade impression for clients and collaborators.
• 14 RU height tailored for 20" deep racks: Specifically designed to cover 14 rack units of vertical space, these panels harmonize with standard 20" depth racks to deliver a uniform silhouette. The height specification ensures that equipment placed within the rack remains neatly enclosed, while the panels provide consistent alignment with top and side surfaces. This creates a clean, professional profile that minimizes visual clutter and supports an organized workflow for technicians, engineers, and technicians who rely on quick, intuitive access to gear without sacrificing aesthetics.
• Protective, professional enclosure for equipment: By wrapping the exterior with wood panels, the system gains an additional layer of protection against dust, incidental bumps, and scuffs that can occur during setup, maintenance, or relocation. The thermolaminate surface resists moisture and stains, helping to extend the life of the rack exterior in challenging environments such as broadcast studios or rehearsal spaces. The result is a durable, professional enclosure that still prioritizes accessibility and serviceability for daily use.
• Durable construction with precise fit and easy integration: These panels are engineered for a snug, precise fit within compatible 20" depth racks, featuring clean edges and uniform thickness to align with the rack’s rails and corners. The high-quality materials maintain structural integrity under load, while the smooth surface aids in cable management and airflow planning around the rack perimeters. With careful design alignment, installation is straightforward, reducing downtime during upgrades or reconfigurations.
• Compatible with a complete Middle Atlantic ecosystem: As part of the wider Middle Atlantic family, these wood top and side panels pair well with other panels, doors, and accessories from the same line, allowing you to build a cohesive rack system. Whether you’re upgrading an existing cabinet or starting a new installation, these panels help maintain a consistent aesthetic across your gear and enable a professional, unified presentation for clients, performers, and production crews.

Technical Details of Middle Atlantic 14 RU Wood Top and Side Panels for 20 Inch Racks

• Product type: Wood top and side panels for 20" deep racks
• Rack unit capacity: 14 RU
• Depth compatibility: Designed for 20" deep racks
• Material: Thermolaminate wood veneer with durable core construction
• Finish: Thermolaminate finish for a smooth, low-maintenance surface
• Appearance: Natural wood-tone veneer with consistent color and grain (color may vary slightly between batches)
• Fitment: Designed to integrate with standard 20" rack frames, aligning with top and side surfaces for a cohesive exterior
• Maintenance: Easy to clean with a soft, damp cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners to protect the veneer
• Durability: Engineered to withstand regular rack usage in professional settings while maintaining a premium appearance

How to Install Middle Atlantic 14 RU Wood Top and Side Panels for 20 Inch Racks

• Prepare your rack area: Power down equipment and ensure the rack frame is stable and clean. Remove any loose hardware or obstruction that could interfere with installing the wood panels.
• Align the top panel: Position the top wood panel so that its edges and corners align with the rack’s top surface and side rails. Confirm that the panel sits flush against the front and rear sections of the rack frame to ensure a seamless look.
• Attach the side panels: Place each side panel along the respective left and right sides of the rack, ensuring that the panels sit evenly with the rails and do not obstruct cable management pathways. Verify that the panels correspond to the 14 RU height and align with any mounting points or predrilled holes on the rack frame.
• Secure panels: Using appropriate hardware compatible with your rack system, fasten the panels securely to the rack rails or frame. Tighten screws or fasteners evenly to maintain a flat, uniform surface without over-tightening, which could damage the veneer.
• Inspect and finalize: After installation, inspect all edges for flushness and ensure there are no gaps that could allow dust ingress. Return equipment to the rack, reconnect cables, and verify that ventilation and access are unhindered. Wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints and dust before putting the system back into service.

Frequently asked questions

• What does 14 RU mean for these panels? Answer: RU stands for rack units, each equal to 1.75 inches of vertical space. A 14 RU panel covers 14 of those units, providing a defined height to pair with 14U of equipment in a 20" deep rack for a clean, aligned look.
• Are the panels compatible with all 20" deep racks? Answer: They are designed for 20" deep rack systems and should fit standard frames built to 20" depth specifications. Always verify exact depth measurements of your rack before purchase to ensure a perfect fit.
• What maintenance is required for the thermolaminate wood finish? Answer: The thermolaminate surface is easy to clean with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cloths that could scratch the surface. Regular light cleaning helps maintain the finish’s appearance over time.
• Will these panels affect rack cooling or ventilation? Answer: The panels are designed to complement standard rack configurations. They cover exterior surfaces while preserving access where needed. For optimal ventilation, ensure that front and rear airflow paths remain clear and that any doors, vents, or perforated panels are used in accordance with your equipment’s cooling requirements.
• Can I mix these panels with other Middle Atlantic accessories? Answer: Yes. These wood panels are intended to integrate with other Middle Atlantic components to provide a cohesive, professional look. When mixing and matching, confirm that mounting points and depth specifications are consistent across parts to avoid fitment issues.