How does one skip trowel dry wall? How much sand to mix with joint compound? What type of sand ect. Or is there an easier way to texture dry wall? Thanks

I am trying to get some info on different options available for walls besides drywall and paneling. I am putting boxcar tongue and groove from floor up 38" where my basement foundation wall meets my knee walls. I do not want to use drywall or paneling. I once saw on hometime or fix it up tv show, a prefinished wall paneling type material that was some sort of 1/4, 3/8 inch thick sheets that are covered with neutral wallpaper. They were using this for a basement office and very easy to cut and install with panelling nails. The material also allowed push pins to be used on wall and not cause a lot of damage. My goal is to not have to tape, goop, sand and paint drywall, so any ideas would be very helpful. thanx, tony