I did a bit of searching but couldn't quite find the answer to my question. We're going to have a family room refinished that currently just has paneling over the insulated walls. A contractor recommended applying 1/4" sheetrock and butting up directly against the door & window molding. I'm concerned that 1/4" will be so think that it might "warp" against the waviness of the paneling, which does appear to be a bit way.

I know we'll have to extend the jam thickness if we go to ripping out the paneling to 1/2" sheetrock.

Any comments on how the 1/4" paneling might work?

Thanks,
BB

 

How old is your house? Many of the newer homes with paneling have the panels installed over drywall. Most paneling today is too thin and needs the extra support.

As long as the paneling is stout enough I don't see any problems with installing the 1/4" drywall over it but I'd be a little leery of butting it up to the woodwork. IMO it would look better if the woodwork was removed, altered to fit and reinstalled after the drywall work is done. Removing the drywall would be more expensive.

The advantage to removing the paneling would be that gives you the opportunity to update electrical and insulation.

I just reread your post and see the paneling is already wavy - 1/4" drywall would follow the waves. 3/8" might be ok.

 

This was a major remodel in the mid 70's and it was fully insulated with the paneling directly over the studs.

BB

 

I'd say that would be a good idea except for the waves...1/4 is pretty darn flexible. Why don't you try throwing a few screws into the paneling and see if you can flatten it.

 

You may have to extend outlet boxes and cut a lot of trim if you cover the paneling, in case that changes your thought process.