Building Hardware Resource

Wall panels serve many functions, from providing descriptions of exhibits in museums and galleries to hiding away electronics such as stereo speakers. As a decor element, wall panels are an excellent way to break up wall space. There is a paneling style for almost every decor. Choices include rustic boards, frame-and-panel designs with or without moulding, and elaborate raised panels. You can cover an entire wall or choose waist- or shoulder-high wainscotting.

Paneling is sold in two main forms: sheets and boards. Sheets are typically 4 by 8 feet. Boards range from 3/8 to 7/8 inch in thickness, but the most common are 1/2 and 3/4 inch. Boards come in widths of between 3 and 10 inches and may have either square, tongue-and-groove, or shiplap edges.

The detail instructions are as follows:

1. With a helper, position the first panel at one corner of the room, but do not apply panel adhesive yet. Check the inside edge of the panel with a level to make sure it is plumb.

2. While your helper holds the panel in place, use a compass or scribe tool to scribe the corner edge of the panel so that it can be cut to fit snugly against the adjoining wall. Draw the compass along the adjoining wall so the pencil leg duplicates the unevenness onto the panel

3. Cut the marked edge along the pencil line. A saber saw works best for this, but you will need to use a fine-toothed blade to avoid fraying the front of the panel. Or, you can transfer the mark to the backside of the panel and turn the panel over to cut it.

4. Attach the panel to the wall, placing nails in the dark grooves where they’’e least likely to be visible. Stop hammering before the nailhead reaches the surface, and set the head flush with a nailset.

5. When a panel must be cut for a switch or receptacle, hold the panel in position against the electrical box and mark the box’s location. Snap chalk lines to the approximate place where the box will go. Then measure the distance from the edge of the adjoining installed panel to both sides of the box and transfer these dimensions onto the panel between the chalk lines.

6. Make cutouts for electrical boxes using a saber saw equipped with a fine-cutting blade.