1. What is decorative paneling called?
Wainscoting is the term used to describe the decorative paneling that’s applied to the lower portions of interior walls. Typically made of wood, it’s a way to accent walls beyond paint, giving spaces additional visual interest. You may also hear it referred to as raised panel wainscoting, flat panel wainscoting, board and batten and beadboard — but each of these is different from the other. Before installing wainscoting, choose the type that best suits your home’s style. Flat panel offers very minimal enhancement to a room, while raised panel uses decorative panels to create more appeal. Beadboard features slim, vertical planks with grooves in between, and is often a popular choice for bathrooms. Board and batten is a paneling style created with wide, vertical wood planks installed side-by-side, with a narrow wood plank, or batten, placed over the seams, creating a framed look.
2. Can I install planks/panels in my bathroom or kitchen?
While you can use planks and panels at your discretion in kitchens and bathrooms, they're not recommended in areas where they can come in direct contact with heat, water, high humidity or moisture levels. Also, depending on the material, they're not recommended for use behind a stove or other heat source, nor as backsplash as it's not impervious to moisture. Follow the manufacturer's instructions prior to installation to avoid cancelling the product warranty.
However, you can use planks and panels in bathrooms and kitchens by going the extra mile during installation. You'll likely have better luck with a composite material over real wood. Try using V-groove boards, which may help avoid any gaps that would allow moisture to seep in. Seal the surface planks or panels to prevent moisture buildup. Also keep in mind that many fiberglass panels won't mold, mildew or rot and are resistant to moisture.
3. Can planks/panels be stained or painted over?
You certainly can paint planks and panels. Some planks and panels come prefinished and ready to install; no priming or painting needed. Others are prestained or primed and ready to paint. Medium density fiberboard (MDF) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are slick surfaces. While you don’t have to prime them, lightly scuff sanding them will help the paint better adhere to the surface.
4. I want the outside of my home to look as great as the inside. Can I install planks on my home’s exterior?
Planks and panels vary with materials and are crafted from wood, fiberglass, MDF, hardboard, PVC, plastic and more. Many planks and panels have a moisture rating for dry conditions only and shouldn't be used outside. Some PVC products are moisture-resistant and termite-proof and, theoretically speaking, you can use them on your home’s exterior. However, these materials can expand and contract based on temperature, humidity and other outside conditions and shouldn't be exposed to direct sunlight. Those factors should be taken into consideration prior to installation.
5. How much does it cost to panel a wall?
Cost ultimately depends on a few factors, including the size of the space you’re paneling and the materials you’re using. On average, you can expect it to be $24 per square foot.
6. How do I calculate the square footage of material that I need?
To determine how much material to buy, you’ll need to measure the walls.
- Working in inches, measure the width of each wall from left to right, then the height from top to bottom.
- Multiply the width by the height of each wall to determine the area in square inches.
- Next, divide the area by 144 (the number of inches in a square foot) to get the net square feet of the walls.
- If the wall includes windows or doors, you’ll need to measure those areas as well (width and height from edge to edge), and divide the area by 144 to get the net square feet.
- Subtract the net square feet of the door(s) and/or window(s) from the net square area of the walls to determine the amount of material you’ll need.
For quantity estimates, please contact your local Lowe’s representative.
7. I want to carry that shiplap look from my walls to the floor. Can I use planks/panels as flooring?
Planks and panels are intended for wall application. In some instances, thicker wood panels, like oak, work as flooring. However, keep in mind that wall planks and panels are designed as wall coverings.
8. What’s the best way to cut planks/panels?
Cut planks and panels using the same techniques and standard tools used for cutting wood, however, you’ll need to take a few things into consideration. For best results, use blades with a fine-tooth count that are carbide-tipped for a clean cut. When cutting fiberglass, which is harder than lumber, a circular saw or a table saw works well. A hacksaw works also, however, take your time and control the blade to ensure a straight cutting line.
When working with small edges, you can score and snap with a utility knife.
9. Once I’m ready to get started, what do I use to attach my planks/panels to the wall?
Construction-grade adhesive is recommended to install planks and panels, and nails work, too. If using construction-grade adhesive, use small finish nails to hold the plank or panel in place while the adhesive dries. When using just nails, it’s important to ensure they’re going into the wood substrate, so make sure your nails are long enough to do so. To prevent open joints in interlocking tongue-and-groove PVC mouldings (which can expand and contract with temperature fluctuations), glue all joints with a PVC cement.
10. Can I install planks/panels over wallpaper or tile?
You can install planks and panels onto walls that are in good condition (walls that are even, smooth and with no cracks). However, if you’re installing over wallpaper that’s peeling, first cut off any of the peeling sections with a utility knife. When placing the boards, apply a good construction-grade adhesive to the back of the board, apply it to the wall and tack the board in place with finish nails to hold the board until the adhesive is dry. You can also opt not to use nails if you don’t want to fill in holes.
If you’re installing below-grade (a basement or other space that is below ground level), you should install a moisture or vapor barrier to protect against moisture damage.
When installing vinyl over tile, you need to regrout to make them flush with the tiles to avoid telegraphing (when swirls, lines, patterns, imperfections, etc. appear on the surface due to an uneven substrate underneath).
11. What is the weight of one panel sheet?
Weight variances of planks and panels depend on the packaging. This is also determined by the number of planks or panels in a package. Check the packaging for manufacturer’s specs on weight information.
12. How thick are planks/panels?
Planks and panels vary in thickness, with some popular sizes being 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch. MDF panels are thinner at roughly 1/4 inch.
Some things to consider: If you’re installing over an existing wall, thinner panels work best. To avoid an awkward look, measure mouldings throughout the room (window, door thickness, etc.). The planks or panels shouldn't be thicker than these. If installing on a wall frame and into the studs, thicker planks or panels work better as they provide more insulation and are more secure.
13. Can wall planks be removed?
Yes, and typically it’s a job that can be tackled in a weekend. Whether you want to replace them with new paneling or don’t wish to have wall planks in a particular room, they can be removed relatively easily. How the planks are installed — either nailed to studs or drywall or glued to drywall — will determine how you’ll need to take them off. Tools like a crowbar, heat gun and sandpaper may be needed to help successfully remove the planks.