How To Install Wall Paneling Over Texture and Paint

Anyone paying a mortgage knows that it's not just a monthly check; it's an investment in home equity. Use that stimulus package check to install paneling and molding.

It's still unclear how much money the Obama administration economic stimulus package will provide to the average American household, but most homeowners are looking forward to income tax returns, especially those that invested in items that qualify for tax credits, such as solar energy systems, small wind energy systems, and fuel cells and microturbines, and qualifying Energy Star appliances.

At least some of this windfall money should go back into the residential investment. Wall paneling is a great way to dress up a living room, home theater, or a family room. Most contemporary wall paneling is either tongue-in-groove boards, square plank paneling, or sheet paneling.

Consider adding crown molding to the ceiling to boost both the room decor and the home resale value.

Preparing to Install Plank Wall Paneling

Both square plank and tongue-in-groove style paneling are included in this category. It's usually installed vertically, but this is not a requirement; it can also be applied horizontally or at a diagonal angle.

When installed vertically, it is necessary to install 1” X 2” cleats, or batten boards, at the top and at the bottom with screws. The planks are then nailed to them since the wall framing studs are also vertical, and not every plank will fall over a stud.

When the paneling will go all the way to the ceiling, it's necessary to remove window trim and add additional cleats. The trim and wood casings are reinstalled later. Take this opportunity to inspect the window weatherstripping.

When the planks will only go part of the way up the wall, it's common to install them from the floor to the bottom of the windows. In this case, it's a simple matter to snap a chalk line from window to window. Use a water level or a laser level for other elevations.

Nail up the Paneling Planks

Installing square edge planks is a straightforward process; start in any corner and use a 4' level on the first one. Either use finish nails and a nail set or a finish nail gun.

For tongue-in-groove planks the process is the same except that the tongue of each plank should be nailed to the cleats before slotting the next plank in place. This is called “blind nailing”. Use a piece of scrap plank to snug up adjacent planks before nailing.

Gluing up Sheet Paneling

With sheets, it isn't necessary to go to the trouble of installing cleats; sheets are generally installed using glue. This type of paneling is usually fiberboard covered with a wood veneer or simply a paper that simulates real wood grain. For this reason, it's very inexpensive but it won't add as much home equity as the real planks.

Sheets can be cut with a bench top table saw or with a circular saw.

Start by using a plumb bob and chalk line to mark a reference line on the wall for the edge of the first sheet. Measure out from the top, middle, and bottom of the corner to the chalk line. This first sheet may have to be cut at an angle (on the corner side). Then apply glue to the back of the sheet and stick it to the wall. It is advisable to use a few panel nails to keep it tight while the glue dries.

Just leave them in; they won't be noticed since they are available in matching colors at Home Depot or any other home improvement store.

Finish by Trimming with Decorative Molding

Every job is different, but the home improvement store carries such a variety of moldings that it's easy to be creative and end up with a spectacular looking room. To really get creative, installing matching crown molding at the ceiling is like adding a boost of caffeine to the home's resale value.