Wall paneling offers a stylish alternative to wallpaper that can transform any space. It can make a room look cozy, chic or dramatic.
The process of installing wood panels can seem a bit intimidating, but it's really not too hard. The key is precision – making sure that the first sheet is level and then trimming them for doorways or windows (a fine-tooth saw blade is best).
Once the sheets are in place, drill into the marked points on the panels (and ask someone to help you). Insert wall plugs if necessary. Despite this, you can take the help of Modern Slats.
Choose the Right Material
Wood paneling makes a gorgeous addition to any home, whether it is covering an entire room or accentuating focal points like a fireplace or kitchen island.
But before you start installing your panels it's important to think about the material and how it fits in with your overall style. There are many options to choose from, including plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and hardwoods like oak or walnut.
You can also find reclaimed wood panels that add a rustic look and feel to your space.
Wood is a natural material that changes with temperature and humidity, and it's essential to create expansion gaps during the installation process. This will prevent the panels from warping or buckling and help keep them flat and straight.
You can create these expansion gaps by stacking the panels vertically in the room for a period of time before you start hanging them and regularly spacing shims between each panel during the installation process.
When it comes to the actual installation of your wood Wall paneling, it's a fairly simple process as long as you have planned everything out beforehand. It's a good idea to draw your floor plan with the dimensions of your room and project that onto the elevation of your wall so you know where to place each panel. You should also take into account where any sockets and switches will be placed so they aren't covered by the panels.
Measure the Wall
Whether you’re looking to add texture and character to your walls with natural wood veneer wall panels or create a sleek contemporary look using MDF boards, the first step in any paneling project is to measure the wall.
This is an important step because it will help ensure you get the right amount of materials for your project and that your wall is properly prepared.
Once you’ve measured the wall, you can begin to plan out your paneling layout. The best way to do this is by dividing the width of the room by the width of each panel sheet (be sure to account for any doors or windows that may be in the way). This will give you an idea of how many sheets of each style you’ll need.
Next, make a reference pencil line vertically or horizontally on the wall where you’ll install each panel. This will help you know how far apart to space each piece as well as where to position plug sockets and light switches. You’ll also want to consider how high you want each row of panels to be so that the seams aren’t lined up directly with each other.
Once you’ve decided on the positioning of each panel, use a circular saw to make your rough cuts. Using a fine-tooth blade is preferable so that you don’t have any rough edges left behind.
Cut the Panels
Wood paneling has made a stunning comeback in interior design. Whether you choose a traditional oak or reclaimed timber, incorporating this style into your home will instantly add warmth and character. Before you start installing your panels, it’s important to understand what the process involves and how to prepare.
Accurately measuring the wall you wish to panel will ensure you have enough panels for a seamless installation.
Work out how many panels you’ll need by taking into account any doors or windows and adding them together. It’s also a good idea to mark the positions of sockets or switches on your wall so they don’t end up in the middle of a panel.
Sand away any coarse impurities and remove old nails and trim to ensure your walls are ready for installation. This will give your walls a smooth base that is ready to accept your paneling and avoid any unsightly bumps and gaps.
If you’re using batons to support your panels, it’s a good idea to pre-fit these before the installation process begins. The batons will be correctly positioned as the paneling is mounted, saving time and preventing them from moving.
If you’re using grab adhesive or construction glue to mount your panels, it’s also a good idea to drill screw holes into the batons at the marked positions. This will allow you to screw the paneling to the battens and keep it secure.
Adhere the Panels
Now that you have your panels trimmed, drilled and marked, it is time to get them onto the wall. Before doing this, it is recommended that you take into account your switches and sockets.
It will help to work this out on paper so that you can plan where your panels are going. This will save you a lot of grief later on. Then, you can mark where the screws should go on your battens.
This should be done on the back of each panel. This will then allow you to screw the panels into place on your wall. Make sure that you use the correct-sized screws for this process, as they will need to be of an appropriate length to accept the screws that have been pre-drilled into your battens.
Before you begin to install the panels on the wall, it is important to give them some acclimatization time. This will allow them to adjust to the temperature and humidity of your room, which will prevent any issues with expansion or contraction once they are installed.
Once the adhesive is ready, you can begin adhering the panels to the wall. Be sure to spread the adhesive evenly, as this will help ensure that the panels stick well and don’t have gaps.
You should also make sure that you don’t rush the process. Taking your time will help guarantee that the panels are correctly placed and that they look professional when completed.
Final Words!
Modern Slats offers a wide range of wall paneling options, including luxury walnut oak oiled, smoke oak, and white acoustic oak panels. With our diverse selection, you can easily find the perfect panels to complement your interior design style.
Whether you're aiming for a luxurious, traditional look or a modern, sleek aesthetic, Modern Slats has the ideal wall paneling to elevate your space. Buy now!
