How to Replace a Damaged Piece of Wall Paneling Part 2

  • 2-6 hours
  • Beginner
  • 75-200
What You'll Need
Hammer
Electrical tape
Carpenter's chalk
Measuring tape
saber saw
nails
coping saw
working gloves
What You'll Need
Hammer
Electrical tape
Carpenter's chalk
Measuring tape
saber saw
nails
coping saw
working gloves

Part 1 of this article covered how to prepare the wall before replacing damaged piece of wall paneling. In part 2, we will talk about how to prepare the new panels and how to install them accordingly. (To return to Part 1, click here.)

Step 1 – Remove the Trims and Moldings

Turn off the electricity in the house then disconnect the switches and outlets that are located on or near the damaged wall. After turning off the power on the area, remove the trims and moldings from the wall, and then take off all electrical receptacles and switches that are attached to the wall. After removing the wall, reinstall the wire nuts and tape the exposed area inside the junction box of electrical switches and outlets.

Step 2 – Determine the Appropriate Placement of Your Panels

Panels that contain variable patterns can make your room look good but they can be quite tricky to install. To determine the best way to install panels with variable patterns, stand the panels against the wall around the room. Rearrange or invert them to find the most leasing effect on your wall.

Step 3 – Measure and Cut the Panels

Measure the height and the length of the area where you want to install the panels and then cut the panels according to these measurements. Before cutting the panels, mark the areas which need to be cut using a carpenter’s chalk. Make sure that your measures are correct before you cut the panels to avoid wastage. After marking the panel, lay it flat on a table and then use a fine-tooth saw to cut it. When cutting panels to fit corners and edges, you may use a saber saw on straight areas and a coping saw on the curved areas. Follow the line that you have drawn when sawing the panel.

Step 4 – Scribe Off the Corner

If the corner of your wall is irregular, you may scribe off the edge of the panel that touches the corner. This can be done by plumbing the panel about 2 inches back from the corner of the wall and then using a compass to point the irregularities. After identifying the irregularities at the edge of the wall, mark these uneven spots and cut them out using a coping saw.

Step 5 – Install the Panels

When installing your panels, start at the corner of the room. Once the first panel has been nailed securely on the wall, take the next panel and put it beside the first panel. Leave a small space, about the thickness of a dime, in between the panels to give the panels room for expansion. Note that certain types of paneling materials expand and contract depending on the climate so do not put your panels too close to each other to avoid expansion problems.

Step 6 – Fit the Electrical Boxes

You need to provide space for your electrical boxes when installing your wall paneling. To do this, measure the size of your electrical boxes and then cut out a hole on your paneling to accommodate the boxes.

Step 7 – Finishing Up

After installing the panels, trim it out and apply clear finish.