How To Fit Wall Panelling

DIY Project – Panelling

Tools

Tape Measure
Hammer
Drill, with masonry bits
Nail Punch
Skeleton Gun
Pencil
Set Square
Spirit Level
Handsaw
Wood Glue
Building Adhesive

Materials

Pre-finished tongue and groove panelling is easily installed and can add character to any room. Unfinished panelling, which can be stained, oiled, painted or varnished, is also widely available.

All sizes are nominal. Check with your local supplier for availability of nearest stock sizes. This information is for guidance only. If you are in any doubt, seek professional advice.

Getting started

This panelling can be fixed directly to any wall using a building adhesive and is a quick way to cover poor quality wall surfaces.

First draw a horizontal level line to determine your height.

Check if the walls are vertical. If they are, you can start straight away, by applying adhesive to the wall and pressing the panel firmly in position. Start in a corner, working right to left.

Connecting the panels

If the walls aren’t vertical, your first panel will need to be cut to fit, making sure that the left hand edge is vertical.

Continue connecting the panels together using the tongue and groove system. There is no need to apply adhesive to the tongue or groove.

A moulded, traditional style dado rail can be added to finish the edges and create a period feel. Use a plain rail or shelf for a more contemporary look.

Uneven walls

If your walls are very uneven, or have pipe work clipped to them, it is a good idea to add softwood battens first.

You may need to pack-out behind them to keep the front faces level.

Check how far any pipes stick out to determine the thickness of the battens.

Make sure you leave access for any shut-off valves.

Run the battens at 90˚ to the panelling, which can then be ‘secretly’ nailed through the tongue using panel pins.

Finishing touch

Having a batten also gives additional fixing possibilities for small top rails that can act as a shelf.

This is great for displaying all those bits of volcanic rock, driftwood and meaningful pebbles I know you all have in a shoebox under the stairs.

Care has been taken to ensure this information is correct. However, Wood Campus cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions.

All sizes are nominal. Check with your local supplier for availability of nearest stock sizes. This information is for guidance only. If you are in any doubt, seek professional advice.

DIY Project – Panelling

Tools

Tape Measure

Hammer

Drill, with masonry bits

Nail Punch

Skeleton Gun

Pencil

Set Square

Spirit Level

Handsaw

Wood Glue

Building Adhesive