How To Panel A Wall

You will also need wooden planks. If they are not in your desired colour, wood stain or paint can transform them. 

• Determine the style of panelling you want.

• Shiplap panelling has long, thin wooden planks arranged horizontally and tightly together.

• Slatted panelling is similar to shiplap panelling, but has clear gaps between each plank.

• Wainscotting panelling is when just the lower half of the wall is panelled, usually vertically.

• Beadboard panelling looks similar to wainscotting panelling but has larger grooves between each plank.

• Board and batten panelling, also known as shaker panelling, has planks arranged in a square or rectangle to adds a visual texture to a wall. It is one of the most popular DIY panelling styles.

• Before installing the panel, you need to measure the wall to determine how many panels you need as well as the height and length of each panel.

• To find the total area of the wall, multiple the height by the width.

• Do the same with each panel and calculate how many you will need to cover the area.

• Make sure to take any light switches and fixtures into account, as you will need to panel around them.

• Adding 10% to your measurements can help if you make a mistake.

• Mark the panels where they need to be cut.
• Trim the panels using a hand saw or mitre saw. 
• Cut into the panel in clean, straight lines
• Sand the panel edges so that they seamlessly integrate with each other onto the wall and look neat.
• To get straight lines, a mitre box will help to guide the saw.

• Make sure the wall is free from any residue, dirt or debris by wiping the walls down with warm, soapy water.

• If the surface has blemishes, sand them down.

• If the wall isn't even, use a spirit level to guide where the panels should be trimmed.

• If you want to paint the wall behind the panelling, now is the time.

• You can attach the panels to the wall using glue or nails.
• For extra hold use both.
• Apply adhesive in a zigzag pattern on the back of each panel.
• Drill a small pilot hole into the panel before hammering a nail in to avoid splitting the wood.
• Make sure to use a detector to check for any wires or water pipes when securing the panel to the wall.

• For a seamless result, fill the gaps between the individual panels with an interior filler. 
• Once the filler is dry sand it down with fine sandpaper, you could use a decorator's caulk around the edges of the panel centres.
• Once it has set, it is ready to paint.

• Once your panels are secured to the wall and the adhesive and fillers are completely dry, give each panel a protective coat before painting them. 
• Apply 1-2 coats of wood-based primer before leaving it to dry.
• Once dry you can now paint your panels with 1-2 coats of paint in your chosen desired colour.