In today's world of interior design, most people have moved away from the decorative wood paneling that was popular between the 1950s and 1970s. However, this style is making a huge comeback. Today, there is a wide variety of different designs readily available for wood wall panels and other wood veneer panels for walls.
Deciding to Update Your Walls on Your Own
If you visit interior design social media feeds, you’ll see that do-it-yourself wood wall paneling is a hot trend these days. There are many new designs and materials to choose from, so you need to determine which style will work best with your home. For instance, molding styles for wood wall panels range from grand period to simple, traditional Shaker designs. These can prove quite handy for anyone considering replacing wood paneling and upgrading the look of a room.
The process of installing wood wall paneling isn't that hard, so you shouldn't be discouraged or put it off if it happens to be your first time doing it. The key is to familiarize yourself with the process so that you can put decorative wood panels on your walls quickly and easily, and then enjoy the beautiful outcome.
Wall paneling can give your space extra character and personality. So, be it in your bedroom, kitchen, or living room, the following information will help guide you on how to panel your wall with quality wood.
Installing Wood Paneling to Your Walls
Here are the steps to take when installing wood panels on your walls:
Figure Out the Desired Height
The height of the wood panel is really up to you. You can choose the kind of wood material you want, but you also need to factor in the other elements in the space so that you can determine which will be a good fit. Having an interior designer handy for advice wouldn't hurt and can be useful in case you are wondering what to do after removing wood paneling.
Take Measurements of Your Walls
Once you have established where to place your wood panels, you should measure the wall and cut away any excess wood with a saw. It will also help if you calculate the panel's length before ordering them. Add an additional 10% just in case any issues arise when you are doing the installation. It is always better to have a little extra than not enough when you are doing a home improvement project.
Look Out for Pipes and Electrical Wiring
Some homeowners use wall panels to hide exposed plumbing. As a result, when sticking on your wood panels, you should be extra careful and take note of your switches and sockets on the wall, so you can place the panels appropriately.
Evaluate the Condition of Your Walls
When trying to stick wood panels to your walls, having an uneven surface could bring down the entire project. Your panels require a straight and sturdy surface to remain properly in place. You will also need to check for damaged plaster, dampness, leaky pipes, and surface flaking. These problems must be corrected before you can continue sticking your wooden panels on the walls.
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Secure Your Panels
There are several ways you can choose to install your wood panels–the most popular option is wood glue. You can apply the glue to the panels and your walls, and then use heavy-duty pins to hold your panels in position until the glue is completely dry. Once this is done, remove the pins. You may need to sand any holes that are left by the pins if you want a smooth finish around your paneling.
Some Good Paint Won't Hurt
You can paint your wood paneling with a soft brush once it has been fitted and all the holes and gaps are covered up. You should also clean the surface and make sure there is no dust before starting any painting. Keep in mind that the more details you have on your wood panels, the smaller the brush you will need to use. Once it dries, you can add a second coat.
Summary
Wood paneling a wall can be an excellent way to spruce up a room if you know what you are doing and are looking to add a bit of a retro feel to your home. If you’re not comfortable with your paneling skills, you can always employ the services of a professional interior designer.
