How to Remove Wood Paneled Walls

Wood paneled walls give a room a distinctive look, though they are somewhat less popular in newer homes. Homeowners seeking to update and/or brighten a room often want to remove wood panels as part of their projects. Wood panels are fairly easy to pry away from walls, particularly if they are older and their adhesive has had time to loosen. The job requires some specific tools, but it can be finished within a handful of hours (depending on the size of the room). If you will be throwing away your old wood panels, be sure to do so in a dumpster that can be rented for construction debris.

Step 1 - Remove Any Molding

Ceiling molding, particularly crown molding, can make removing wood panels more difficult. It can even create unnecessary cracks and other damage if directly attached to the tops of the panels. Use the flat end of your crow bar to carefully pry away the crown molding. Take care not to damage it if you plan to reuse it with new panels or other wall treatments. The same caution applies to certain types of baseboards that have the wood paneling attached.

Step 2 - Pry from One End

Start from one corner of the room and carefully work the flat end of your pry bar under the first wood panel. Tap the other end with your hammer until the panel begins to lift. Loosen the panel along its entire length. You might want to wear work gloves for this part of the project, and make sure to hold your thumb out of the way of the hammer.

Step 3 - Use the Wrecking Bar

Pull away each loosened wood panel with your wrecking bar. If possible, try not to break panels into smaller separate pieces; keeping them whole will make them easier to clean up. Remove any remaining panel bits with the smaller pry bar or putty knife. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have pulled all wood panels free from the wall.

Step 4 - Remove Nails

Use the claw end of your hammer to pull away any nails left behind. If these can be reused for your new wood paneling, be careful not to bend any of the nails; keep them in a safe place until you're ready to install your new wall panels.

Step 5 - Sand Away Adhesive and Clean Up

If your wall panels leave behind adhesive, smooth it away with sandpaper. You can do this step by hand or if there are larger amounts of thicker adhesive, with a sander. Sweep up any sanding dust with a broom and dust pan. Begin prepping your wall for its new panels, paint or other treatment. If you will be painting the wall, fill in any nail holes with putty first.