Wood panelling is an easy way to bring a little bit of interest to any room in your house. It’s the perfect way to bring a tired room to life with more of a luxurious feeling than simply painting alone.
Most panelling is constructed using MDF or wood but some people choose to reclaim other materials for a quirkier finish. We will be focusing on MDF or wood for this tutorial.
It’s best to secure wood wall panelling onto a completely flat and finished surface so if you’re in an older building or have a house with added character then it’s definitely worth taking the time to make your walls perfect before installing panelling.
MDF or Wood
If you’re working within a tight budget or want something with a smooth, consistent finish ready for painting then MDF is perfect.
However, if you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars wood helps to give your space a higher-end feel as well as giving you the opportunity to add stains to the wood for a more natural feel.
Tools You'll Need:
It’s no secret that when it comes to DIY, the right tools make a big difference. Investing in quality tools that last a lifetime is so important if you’re aiming to complete your renovations yourself or you simply enjoy DIY projects.
Here are the tools you’ll need to start installing your panelling:
Moulding / Panelling - either bought pre-cut or bought in 6m lengths
Measuring Tape: The best way to keep things neat an accurate.
Panel Pins: Special nails specifically for working with panelling.
Pencil: For marking measurements without damaging your materials.
Saw: A hand saw or circular saw for cutting panels to size.
Stud Finder: To locate wall studs for securing heavier panels.
Drill: For pre-drilling holes in using screws.
Hammer or Nail Gun: For securing panels with nails instead of screws.
Spirit Level: To make sure your panels are perfectly level.
Cloth: For cleaning the surface before installation.
Putty Knife: to apply food filler or adhesive evenly.
Painbrush or Roller: For applying paint or stain to your finished panelling.
Square Angle: to cut any angles in the moulding.
Caulk: to seal the gap between the panel and wall.
Step 1: Measuring and Planning
As with any DIY project, measuring and planning is the key to success. Start by measuring the height and width of the wall you intend to cover with panelling. Make sure that you plan the layout so your panels are balanced throughout the room. Panels of uneven sizes and unnecessarily small or large panels can affect the appearance of the final project.
Step 2: Prepare Your Surface
Thoroughly preparing your room is the easiest way to make sure your panelling is finished to a high standard and lasts a long time. Start off by simply cleaning your walls removing any dirt, dust, or debris.
If you spot any imperfections on your wall you can use sandpaper to carefully smooth them out. Depending on the quality of the walls you intend to panel you can use a primer to make it easier to apply your panelling.
Step 3: Cut Your Panels to Size
The old saying goes measure twice, cut once! Be very careful to measure your panels to the desired size and cut using a saw. If you want your panels to fit together seamlessly then you’ve got to be accurate with your measuring.
Step 4: Find Any Studs Within The Walls
Locating studs is an easy way to determine whether panels will be nailed or screwed to your walls. Find the studs with a stud finder and mark them with a carpenters pencil.
Step 5: Attach The Panels to The Wall
The first step in attaching your panelling to the walls is to apply your chosen adhesive to the back of your panels. Apply the adhesive in a zig zag pattern for maximum security.
Next, starting at one corner, and working your way across, press your panel firmly against your wall. Hold the panel for a few seconds to be sure that the adhesive is stuck properly. If you have located the studs in your wall, now is the time to attach the panels to the studs using screws or nails.
Step 6: Check the Straightness
Using a spirit level, check if your panels are straight. One panel that is put up slightly off balance can throw off your entire room so it’s better to do this sooner rather than later.
Step 7: Fills Gaps and Holes
In older houses, the walls might be a little wonky and if you’ve used screws then you might have a few holes to fill. Use your putty knife and some wood filler to carefully fill these holes then wait for them to dry. Once dry, gently smooth them over with some sandpaper.
Step 8: Trim and Moulding
Along the edges of your panelling you can add a final flourish with some trim or moulding. Try to choose a style that suits the room and think carefully about how the finished product will look once painted or stained.
Most trims can easily be attached with nails or screws. Be sure to fill in any gaps or holes the same way as in the previous step for your trims too.
Step 9: Painting and Staining
Depending on how you’d like the finished panelling to look, you may choose to add paint or stain. Some colours will work better if your panelling is primer before you paint whereas others allow you to go ahead and paint right away. It’s always good practice to do a small test patch so you know what you’re working with.
For tricky moulding and corners use a brush but for larger panelling with less details, a roller can be effective.
Step 10: Finishing Touches
For a really polished look to your panelling we recommend adding caulking between the edge of the panelling and your walls. Remove any excess with a damp cloth for a finish any perfectionist would be proud of.