Decorative Wall Paneling

Decorative Wall Paneling is a category of paneling that describes more than just standard paneling. It is an easy to install wallboard that comes in many types of finishes and styles.

Decorative Wallboard can create a cottage look.

There are a number of terms used to describe this product. It is sometimes known as:

• Wallboard
• Wall paneling
• Decorative wall covering

Although you might be thinking of the dark, cheap paneling that was in your parents home, today’s decorative wall coverings are innovative, varied, and easy to install. They are a way to totally change the look of your home in a weekend. Doing it yourself is not only satisfying, it saves you money.

No matter what room of your home you are interested in redecorating there is a decorative wall paneling to fit your budget and decorating style. Consider the possibilities:

• Chalkboard in a child’s bedroom or playroom
• Peg board in a craft room
• Dry Erase Board in a home office
• Beadboard in the dining room or kitchen
• Wainscot in a hallway
• Decorative finish panels like faux leather in a den
• Wood grain finish paneling almost anywhere
• Tile wall board in a bathroom or laundry room

Wall board can mimic anything from wallpaper to masonry at a fraction of the cost. When you add in the ease of installation you can easy see why this product is growing in popularity. Manufacturers are creating exciting new designs in wall board every day. Best of all, these products are often eco-friendly.

Companies like Georgia Pacific are creating decorative wall panels that are earth friendly. These panels are made from high performance materials that don’t release VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the air. This is especially important in environments that children spend a lot of time in like playrooms and bedrooms. Using these materials can contribute to LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points. These points can add up to give your home a LEEDS rating that can save you money in tax breaks and insurance costs. Be sure to ask about this when you are considering different types of wall board.

Installing decorative wall coverings is not difficult. Knowing what to expect will help you decide if this is something you want to do or something you would rather have done by a handyman. You will want to read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly but this is an overview of how it is done:

1. About 48 hours before you want to put the panels up you will need to condition them. This is done by placing the panels in the room that they will be installed in and left there. Stack them on the floor with wooden spacers between each sheet.
2. If you are installing over an existing wall there is virtually no preparation needed. Find and mark the studs and check with your building inspector about permits and codes that may affect your installation.
3. When you measure for cutting be sure to leave one quarter inch space on the top and bottom to allow for expansion and contraction. Mark the panels and cut with a circular saw. Be sure to carefully measure and mark light switch boxes and electrical outlets. Cut these out last.
4. You should always leave at least a one-sixteenth inch gap between panels. Never butt them up against each other. Doing so can cause buckling and cracking as the panels expand and contract. For exact gap size follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Fit the panels to the wall.
6. Apply adhesive or nail panels into place.

If you need some inspiration these galleries may be just what you are looking for:

• Bedroom
• Kitchen
• Dining Room
• Playroom

Using decorative wall board to change the look of your space can save you time and money. It can give you a whole new look quickly, and even insulate and soundproof your room.

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