Bookshelves in wood paneled wall
#1
12-21-16, 12:14 PM
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Bookshelves in wood paneled wall
Our house, built in 1932 in Seattle, has wood paneling in the living room.
We'd like to mount some bookshelves onto these walls, but we're unsure of how to go about it. Naturally, our standard stud sensor is useless at locating the studs.
Should we just assume the studs are spaced every 16 inches (as they are in parts of the rest of the house)?
Or does it even matter? Perhaps the wood paneling is sufficiently solid to support a decent size bookshelf?
Thanks!
We'd like to mount some bookshelves onto these walls, but we're unsure of how to go about it. Naturally, our standard stud sensor is useless at locating the studs.
Should we just assume the studs are spaced every 16 inches (as they are in parts of the rest of the house)?
Or does it even matter? Perhaps the wood paneling is sufficiently solid to support a decent size bookshelf?
Thanks!
#2
12-21-16, 12:22 PM
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A bookshelf can be loaded up so I would mount to the studs because then there is never an issue.
If the vertical trim pieces are covering the edges of the paneling then it's pretty certain that a stud is there and you can measure from that.
A small finish nail will confirm.
If the vertical trim pieces are covering the edges of the paneling then it's pretty certain that a stud is there and you can measure from that.
A small finish nail will confirm.
#3
12-21-16, 12:41 PM
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Thanks!
There's no vertical trim pieces but I think I can see where the different sections of wood paneling overlap one another. I suppose it would make sense that this where the studs are. Will try the finish nail test shortly.
There's no vertical trim pieces but I think I can see where the different sections of wood paneling overlap one another. I suppose it would make sense that this where the studs are. Will try the finish nail test shortly.
#5
12-21-16, 02:49 PM
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Yes, tongue and groove. It's a little hard to get a photo of, but here's pointing up towards the ceiling. Are these more appropriately called just 'boards' and not paneling? Does that change anything?
#6
12-22-16, 02:18 AM
While it is being used as paneling, they are individual strips of T&G wood. Probably 3/4" thick which will hold more than 1/4" or 1/8" paneling but it's still a good idea to have the screws penetrate the stud about an inch. Often tapping on the wood will give a change in pitch between an empty space and where the framing is.
#7
12-22-16, 04:30 AM
Bear in mind, also if this is vertical T&G, there are probably at least 3 perlins running horizontally across all the walls with it installed. You need something to nail the T&G to, so they should be there. I don't see why a deep scan stud finder would not work. You may be able to see where the horizontal members are located by finding a nail head in the groove.
#9
12-22-16, 10:52 AM
Just open a receptacle box and look. They are usually nailed to the stud.
If there are horizontal perlins I doubt you can trust a stud finder since there is a gap between the boards and the studs. You would need a 6d finish nail to go deep enough to be sure it is a stud. An 1/8" drill bit and a wire might be a better way to confirm. Of course you need to be between the perlins to be sure.
If there are horizontal perlins I doubt you can trust a stud finder since there is a gap between the boards and the studs. You would need a 6d finish nail to go deep enough to be sure it is a stud. An 1/8" drill bit and a wire might be a better way to confirm. Of course you need to be between the perlins to be sure.
