Non winterized cottage has not been changed in over 60 years. Previous owner describes buying cottage with bare studs on inside and installing panelling with insullation batts at that time. The panelling has actually stood up well, so we will probably simply prime and paint it. I am confused as to how this vertical panelling was installed with typical wall framing. Would there be plywood underneath or drywall, or cross bracing between studs. Panelling ha snot bowed in all these years. I want to move a few walls (the dark wall in front is bedroom wall that I want to move out a foot), but before I start, wanted to solicit advice and thoughts on old cottage design...

 

Should be 4x8 sheets with drywall underneath and the panels glues to the drywall. If it is real wood and more than 1/4" to 3/8" thick then it may be nailed direct to studs.

 

Paneling used to be fairly thick and would work ok over studs with no backer needed. Modern day paneling is normally thinner with some being made out of materials that have virtually no strength.

You should be able to closely inspect the paneling to see where/how it is nailed. That should give you a good idea of the framing behind it.

 

My guess is that the paneling is nailed directly, to the studs. I would leave it alone. Once again, it's a maintenance free surface. Once it's painted, it has to be painted forever.

Once I had a job with another guy, to paint some paneling. The couple who hired us almost got divorced over it. We were told to stop the job on a Friday night, that they were getting divorced & selling the newly bought A Frame house, in upstate NY. On Sunday night, they told us to continue the job. The divorce was cancelled.

 

Is that a wall switch that I see? Better yet, a wall switch with an over sized cover? Remove the cover plate, and you might have to open it up a bit, but should be able to see a full cross section of the wall.

 

I think it likely is old thick panels nailed directly to studs. I will report back when next on site and open up a few. My next issue is how to duplicate that look in new addition. Most of the panelling available is to thin to nail directly to studs and I am trying to avoid drywall in a non winterized cottage.

 

A lot of the thin paneling that is marketed today needs a backer, either drywall or plywood. The paneling is normally glued and nailed to the backer.

 

The wall at the doorway looks thin. What is the width of the door jamb in the photo?

 

Moving wall a foot will mean you have tear down old wall and rebuild, Remember ceiling and floor need to be repaired also.