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Tips for Installing Wall Paneling
Interested in giving your wall a new look, and looking for an easy way to do it. Have you ever considered installing wall paneling? Paneling is a style that suits many kinds of décor. Paneling also comes in many different types of materials including cheaper woods such as pine, and more refined hardwoods. Paneling can be stained, painted or be clear, the choice is yours.
Regardless of the type or style of paneling you choose there are certain tips you will need to follow when it comes to installing it such as:
- Tools and materials – To install paneling you will require a hammer, rubber mallet, nails, furring strips, cordless drill, screws, saw, molding, level, shims, adhesive, and block. These items can be purchased at your local hardware or home improvement centre, and many of the tools can also be purchased online.
- Helping the wood adjust – Before you being installation, you should place the paneling in the room it will be used in for 5 days. This will help the wood to adjust to the humidity level of the room, and will eliminate the possibility of shrinkage or expansion that could occur once the panels have been fastened to the wall.
- Prepare the wall – If you’re lucky, the walls where you will be attaching the paneling may have a finished wood frame. If this is the case, you might be able to attach the board panel to the studs through the plaster or wallboard. If there isn’t a finished wood frame, you will need to secure furring strips to the wall studs first by drilling holes and screwing them in before you can attach the panels. Make sure the furring strips are level and flat so that the paneling will sit flat and evenly to the wall. This can be achieved by applying shims to the strips.
- Cut the paneling and install – Each panel should be cut ¼ inch shorter than the distance from the ceiling to the floor. You will then apply the necessary adhesive and position the panel to the wall. Make sure you leave a ¼ gap at the bottom, then with a hammer, drive 4 nails halfway into the wall.
After the nails have been driven in, take hold of the bottom end of the panel and pull it so it is 6 inches from the wall. Place a block behind the panel and leave it there until the adhesive fully bonds. Remove the block and then press the sheet firmly into the desired place with the use of a rubber mallet. At this time, you can proceed to drive the nails in the rest of the way. For the final touch, cover the bottom gap and nail head with molding. This is repeated for every panel.
As long as you take your time with this project, you will accomplish a successful job, and be proud of your work that was well worth the effort. |
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