Intro - Prep - Materials - Plan - Apply - Opening - Trim - Tongue-and-Groove
What you will Need
Time. The installation of paneling and trim over bare studs will take
2 to 4 person hours per 100 square feet When adding furring, allow for 3 to 5 person hours per 100 square feet. When using adhesives, allow for 2 to 4 person hours per 100 square feet.
Paneling an existing room or a new addition in the home can be a very satisfying project. The result is a look of invitation and warmth; and the process itself requires tools usually found in any home toolbox.
Tools
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- Hammer
- Level
- Tape measure
- Circular saw
- Drill and drill bits
- Jig saw (for irregular cuts)
- Nailset
- Handsaw
- Square
- Assorted screwdrivers
- Chalkline
- Pencil
If you are paneling over masonry, you may want to rent a ramset or nail gun, which will make the job of attaching the furring strips much easier. These guns fire a nail into concrete block of masonry using a .22-caliber cartridge. Though intimidating, they are safe when properly used. As an alternative, there are heavy-duty construction adhesives on the market which will effectively adhere furring strips to masonry. Check with your home center or hardware store.
If you plan to use an adhesive as a primary means of attachment you will also need a caulking gun. An air compressor with a caulking gun attachment is a time and effort-saving tool and can be rented if you do not have access to one. If you are unfamiliar with the use of pneumatic tools, read over the information on them in the pneumatic tools section before beginning work.
Other tools you will require include:
- Compass Finishing blades for your power saws
- Finishing hammer
- Miter box and back saw
- Coping saw
- Orbital sander
- Chisel and mallet
- Clamps
Materials. You will also need to purchase various materials. Their needs are covered on the following pages.
- Shims
- Furring strips
- Screws
- Paneling insulation
- Nails
- Vapor barrier
- Paneling adhesive
- Trim pieces
- Paneling boards of your choice
- Caulk
- Paneling nails
- Shelving elements
Permits and Codes
Paneling usually comes under the general catchall of "interior remodeling." In some areas, this may require a permit from the office of the local building inspector. Often any work in excess of a certain dollar amount (usually $100) requires a permit. I suggest you look into that possibility before beginning work.
Design
Paneling is a good choice of wall covering for casual playrooms or dens and it can lend on air of elegance to a library or study. A well-chosen style can also be effective in more formal living spaces as well.
Use paneling to pull together spaces that may be separate but adjoining, such as family room/kitchens or in rooms with cathedral ceilings that expose portions of upper hallways or other rooms.
Most Common Mistakes
Even the most diligent worker sometimes makes a mistake. Keep in mind that the single most common mistake in any do-it-yourself project is failure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the tool or material being used. Others are listed with each individual step.
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Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our
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