Ultimate guide for those looking to add wood wall paneling to their walls

Guide for Installing Wooden Wall Panels

Wooden wall panels are a great way to enhance the look of your walls or ceiling. They offer a stunning appearance without the high costs that often come with luxurious interior products. Unlike other expensive options, installing wooden wall panels is simple and cost-effective, allowing you to quickly transform your home's interior without breaking the bank.

Even those with limited experience with DIY projects can confidently install our wall paneling ranges due to their user-friendly installation process.

What are the optimal types of walls to install wood paneling on?

Wooden wall panels can be affixed to level surfaces. The flexibility of the material allows it to be mounted onto nearly any type of surface, such as:

• Wood panels
• Brick
• Tile
• Drywall
• Lath and plaster
• Cement board
• Plywood

Wooden wall panels may give the impression that they can only be mounted on even surfaces, but the adaptability of the material makes it possible to affix them onto various types of surfaces.

Before attaching wooden wall panels to a surface, inspecting the underlying material for any damage or imperfections is essential. This will ensure that the panels can be affixed appropriately, whether you use glue or screws. Be sure to repair any damaged areas before proceeding with the installation.

When installing wooden wall panels, the process is usually simple and won't require much additional time, money, or effort to achieve the desired aesthetic. All you need to do is decide whether you'll use screws or glue to secure the panels, and then you can begin the installation process.

Although each range may have its unique fitting method, certain pieces of equipment will likely be necessary, such as:

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Spirit level
• 'No nails' construction adhesive and adhesive gun (dependent on product)
• Precision drill
• Hammer and 2" finish nails OR air nail gun
• Screwdriver and 2" finish screws
• Electric saw or jigsaw

Before installing

The wood paneling must remain in the same format as delivered to ensure optimal installation. When it arrives, move it into the designated room, strapped together or laid flat in loose sheets. This will allow the product to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the room before installation.

Installation

Before installing any wall paneling, it's vital to ensure the surface is solid, dry, and dust-free. If you plan on installing the panels in sections rather than across the entire wall, it's best to do any decorating beforehand to avoid getting paint on the boards. The Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels are designed to be fitted seamlessly together, with the backing and appearance of the panels effectively hiding any joins between sections.

How to fit the paneling

To ensure a proper installation, mark a reference line at eye level on the wall horizontally or vertically. If you plan on using batons to improve the insulation or provide a better base for the Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels, do this before installation.

How to glue onto the wall

A few simple steps are required to attach the panel to the wall using glue.

1. Preparing the surface before attaching the panel to the wall is essential. This involves removing any nails, trims, and baseboards on the wall, not damaging anything you plan to reuse.
2. The second step in your panel installation process is accurately measuring the wall. To determine how many panels you'll require, you'll need to measure the wall to get the correct dimensions. Start by calculating the square meterage, considering any doorways or windows, and multiplying the wall's width by the height. Finally, divide the wall's length by the panel sheet's width to determine the number of panels needed.
3. The third step of the panel installation process involves ensuring the first panel is level by utilizing a leveling tool since most walls aren't straight. After that, you can choose the placement of the sheets and customize them to suit doorways and windows by trimming them as necessary. Using a fine-tooth saw blade is preferable to accomplish this task to avoid rough edges.
4. For the fourth step, you must adhere the panel to the wall. Using a strong adhesive like grab adhesive or construction glue is recommended. Before applying, ensure all the openings are in the correct position and the cuts have been made correctly. Use a caulk gun to apply the adhesive to the back of the sheet in a zigzag motion. Then, carefully press the sheet onto the wall. You can use a rubber mallet to tap the panel into place to ensure a secure fit.

To achieve the best results, complete an entire row or column before starting the next one.

How to screw into the wall

To attach wood panels to the wall, follow these steps.

1. Before attaching the wood panels to the wall, it's essential to prepare the surface to ensure a smooth and even installation. This involves sanding down any rough spots on the wall and removing any nails or screws in the way.
2. Step 2 involves mounting battens onto the wall for those who plan to install acoustic panels. This will allow you to drill screws through the boards, ensuring they are securely in place. Depending on the type of wall you are fixing them to, you may need screws and wall plugs. The acoustic insulation material wall can be inserted between the battens for optimal acoustic results to help achieve the best possible sound-dampening levels.
3. You may need to adjust their length to fit the acoustic panels to your wall. This can be done by carefully cutting them with a saw. Begin by marking the cut line with a pencil to ensure precision before proceeding with the cutting process.
4. For the installation of acoustic panels, step 4 involves using screws of the appropriate length to attach the panels to the battens. On the other hand, if you are not installing acoustic panels, you can use the screws that come with the product to attach them directly to the wall.

How to screw into wooden battens 

The process is similar to attaching panels directly to the wall, but there may be a few differences to remember.

How to screw into the wall

There are four steps involved in screwing wood panels to the wall:

1. Before attaching the wood paneling to the timber battens, ensuring the surface is smooth and even is essential. Anyone can achieve this by sanding away any bumps or inconsistencies on the battens. Additionally, remove any screws or nails already in place that could interfere with the panel installation.
2. For the panel to be appropriately attached to the battens, it's necessary to drill the appropriate screw holes beforehand. To do this, measure the panel and mark where the hole should be drilled. Then, measure the batten and mark the same spot to ensure the holes align correctly for the screws to fit through. This will provide a smooth and secure installation.
3. To properly secure the panels onto the wall, begin by drilling the marked points into the panels. Usually, two or three screws are enough to hold the panels securely. After drilling, insert the wall plugs if necessary. Then, ask another person to hold the panel in place while you align the holes on the panel with the holes on the batten. Finally, use screws of the appropriate length to secure the panel by screwing through both holes. This will ensure that the panel is securely attached to the wall.
4. For the fourth step of mounting the panels, use screws of the appropriate length to drill them through the panels onto the battens if you are installing acoustic panels. However, if you are not using acoustic panels, screw the screws with the product directly onto the wall.

How to screw into timber battens

When screwing wood paneling into timber battens, it is similar to screwing it directly onto the wall. However, there may be one or two minor differences to remember.

• Before installing the wood paneling onto the timber battens, it's essential to prepare the surface properly. Smooth out any rough spots or bumps on the battens using sandpaper, and remove any existing screws or nails that could interfere with the panel installation. This will ensure a clean and secure fit for the panels.
• The next step in the installation process is to ensure the panels can be adequately secured to the battens. To do so, you must drill appropriately sized holes into the battens before mounting the panels. First, measure the panel and mark the drill point. Then, measure the batten and place the same marking position to ensure that the two holes will be aligned and able to accept the screws. This will allow for a smooth and hassle-free installation of the wood panels onto the battens.
• In the third step, you should secure the panels onto the wall. Begin by drilling into the marked points on the panels (usually, 2 or 3 holes are enough to keep them in place). Then, insert wall plugs if necessary and ask for a helping hand to hold the panel in place while aligning the hole on the panel with the hole on the batten. This will allow you to screw the appropriate length of screws through both holes and secure the panel in place.

How to cut wood wall panels

The method of cutting wood wall panels is determined by the tool used to trim them. There are various options that are effective, and we will provide more detailed information on each one.

Circular saw

Using a circular saw is an excellent option for a rough cut through several wood panels. Just ensure the saw has a fine-tooth blade installed before you begin. To create a cutting guide, lay 2-by-4 pieces of lumber parallel on the floor about 3 feet apart and stack the panels face down on top of them. Double-check your measurements, then lay a guide board on the panels and clamp it at both ends to keep it in place. Finally, run the circular saw along the guide to produce a straight, even cut.

Handsaw

When cutting out an opening for an electrical outlet or light switch or making shortcuts, your best option is likely a handsaw that cuts on the down stroke. Begin by placing the paneling upwards across a pair of sawhorses and double-checking your measurements. Then, proceed to cut slowly but firmly to prevent splintering the wood.

Sabre saw

A fine-tooth blade installed on a saber saw would be ideal for more precise and detailed cutting work. However, it is essential to exercise caution as saber saws can be challenging to control when freehanding. To help guide your cutting path, consider using chalk to create a line and then clamp two guideboards to the paneling for added stability. This will provide you with enough space to cut through seamlessly and without any trouble.

How to install wall panels around plugs, windows, and fixtures

When dealing with wood wall panels and their installation around plugs, windows, and fixtures, achieving a flush fit can be challenging. To ensure that the cutout accurately matches the feature, take precise measurements. When working with plug outlets and fixtures, follow these steps:

1. Outline the area on the wall with chalk.
2. Gently push the unattached panel against the chalked section of the wall to create a visible marking of the area you intend to trim.
3. Once you have marked the section to be trimmed, carefully make cuts in each corner using a drill. Then, use a saw to complete the required cuts.
4. To ensure a proper fit, slightly increasing the cut by approximately 1/4 inch may be a good idea.

When working with windows and doors, the method differs slightly. Rather than using chalk, the recommended approach is to:

1. Take measurements of the space surrounding the window or door.
2. Before creating the cutout, replicate the measurements on the panel with precision.
3. Like the previous step, extend the cuts by 1/4 inch beyond the necessary space to ensure a proper fit.
4. To avoid rough edges on the panels' faces, use a handsaw from the finished side or a saber saw from the backside while cutting the panels.
5. If you need to fit irregular corners, you can use a pencil compass to draw the necessary shape on the panel and then use a coping saw for a flawless finish.
6. To ensure there is room for slight expansion, leave a small gap of about 1/16". When installing light switches and electrical sockets, all you need to do is remove the faceplate, mark the location of the recessed socket, and then use a jigsaw to cut it out.

How to hide wires

When setting up your new TV, achieving a clean and streamlined appearance can be challenging without wires being exposed. To avoid this issue, create a hole in the wall where the TV is mounted or place it on a media unit or cabinet. One effective method is to install a light wood frame behind the TV, which is a straightforward process.

• Trim the frame to fit the desired dimensions.
• You can apply your preferred paint or wallpaper after trimming the frame to your desired dimensions. Once done, carefully cut a hole in it to mount your TV.
• If the frame is lightweight, consider using picture hangers or adhesive strips to mount it on the wall.
• Next, mount the TV onto the bracket and conceal the wires behind the frame.
• Another option is concealing the wires inside the wall, but remember that this may require additional effort.

For stud walls:

1. Consider opening the wall behind the TV and another towards the bottom where the cables can exit.
2. Secure the cables to a tool or object you can guide behind the plasterboard and extract them from the lower opening.
3. To achieve a polished outcome, utilize a socket box on both ends.
4. Before sticking the wood paneling in place, it's important to replicate any entrance and exit holes on the stud wall so that you can feed the wires through.
5. In case you come across a stud while working on the wall, you will have to create an extra hole in the wall and through the stud before sealing the midway hole once you are done. To avoid any surprises, make use of a stud finder beforehand.

Brick walls require a lot more work, but they do create a seamless finish:

• You can use a hammer and chisel to make space for the wires to remove the plaster and brickwork.
• Consider installing a length of trunking onto the chasing to add protection to the wall and wires.
• Next, you can re-plaster and redecorate the wall until it is fully restored and the cables are no longer visible.

Pro tip

For opening a brick wall and handling the wires inside, it's recommended to hire a professional electrician with the proper knowledge and tools to do it safely and efficiently. Although it may seem like a cheaper option to do it yourself, you may end up causing unintentional damage that could lead to additional repair costs.

Professional advice

If you're searching for high-quality wall paneling that combines elegance, strength, and affordability, you've come to the right place. Our team has over four decades of experience providing premium wood products, and our selection of wood wall panels comes in various colors and styles, allowing you to achieve your desired home decor aesthetic.