How to Install Beadboard Paneling

Beadboard paneling gives a country-rustic appearance to rooms and homes. It can also hide defects on the walls such as damaged drywall and cracked plaster that usually requires costly repairs or replacement. Beadboard paneling brightens up a colorless wall and gives it a personality.

Although not easy, installing beadboard paneling can be achieved with the right tools and skills.

Preparing Your Beadboard Paneling

First, determine how much paneling you would need for a particular room or space. Next purchase beadboard paneling based on your preferences and estimate. Afterward, allow it to sit in the area where you would assemble it for at least 2 days. This is necessary to allow the paneling to adjust to the place by either shrinking or expanding depending on the place’s temperature and humidity.

Applying the Finish

The next step is to apply a choice of stain, polyurethane, or combination finish to your paneling; place your boards on sawhorses when doing this. Allow the finish to thoroughly dry. It is necessary to apply finish to your paneling before installation as this process can get quite messy.

Installing the Beadboard Paneling

Next is to draw a line across the room, using the top of the beadboard as your reference height; you can also use a level for this purpose. Afterward, trim or cut the beadboard paneling that has excess length according to the desired height.

Take one board and turn it over so that its back is showing. Next apply paneling adhesive to its back using a zigzag pattern. Afterward, turn the panel over and place it on the wall using the line you drew earlier as a guide. Firmly secure the paneling to the wall by driving paneling nails into the studs. Check to see if the panel is securely in place.

Repeat this process for the rest of the panels until all the intended areas are covered. On occasions where you would need a thinner paneling, trim one board to the desired size using a circular saw and a guide. A board should be lying on the ground with its front side facing down when you are doing this. For outlets, use a drywall square to mark them, and then with the use of a jigsaw, carve a hole out. Next, attach beadboard molding trims at the top of the panels using paneling nails. Also, use paneling nails when securing L-shaped outside corner molding, and cove molding at the inside, and outside corners of the paneling.

Apart from its aesthetic appeal, beadboard paneling is also known for its durable surface, making it ideal for rooms or locations that are used frequently, and whose surrounding walls get scratched frequently.