Repair Water Damaged Beadboard Paneling

Beadboard paneling is preferred by most homeowners due to its old traditional charm. It is heavily used in kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. However, the most common problem with this type of paneling is that if the adjacent wall is the bathroom, it easily gets water damaged. When this happens, the best solution is to replace the damaged panels. Replacing beadboard paneling is very easy. For this process, you will need the following materials:

Step 1 – Remove the Damaged Panels

Using a crowbar, gently pry loose the damaged panels from your wall. Make sure that you remove the moldings that are in the way. Once you remove the panels, assess the extent of the water damage. Water damage can occur if the drywall in the adjacent room is exposed to high moisture, thus before installing the new panel, make sure that you repair the leak on the drywall first.

Step 2 – Apply Vapor Absorber on the Dry Wall

Apply a vapor absorber on the dry wall to fix the water leak and also to prevent water damage to happen in your new paneling. Use a paint roller to apply the vapor absorber to the wall. Let the vapor absorber dry before proceeding to the next step. In most cases, the vapor absorber dries after several hours but just to make sure, you can refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 3 – Cut the Beadboard Panels

Measure the replacement beadboard panels that you will be installing on to the drywall. Use a tape measure to get the dimension of the panels and mark the dimension with a chalk marker before you cut the material using a miter saw or hand saw. Proper care should be observed when cutting the beadboard panel.

Step 4 – Install the Beadboard Panels

Ask the assistance of a close friend or a family member to hold one edge of the beadboard panel while you install it. To install the panel, make sure that you work from the top before moving down. First, apply epoxy resin on the surface of the beadboard panel which you will adhere to the wall, then press the panel firmly to the surface of the wall. Let it dry. Once dry, use a hammer and nails to install the panels firmly in place. Once done, use a nail set to drive the nail head smoothly onto the surface of the panel. This will prevent the panel from loosening up through time.

Step 5 – Stain the New Beadboard Paneling

Sand the surface of the beadboard panels using a gritty sandpaper. Once the surface has been removed with any debris, brush it off using a paintbrush or wipe it off using a clean cloth. Apply a coat of varnish or any color of paint of your choice. Let it dry before you reapply the second coat.