4 Tips For DIY Wall Panelling
If you’ve never attempted DIY wall panelling project before, here are some tips to help you make the process stress-free and with more favourable outcomes.
20/07/2022
For most of us, our homes are like our little garden of Eden on this Earth. That’s why we continuously strive for beautiful homes. However, getting the interior of your home to look its best can easily break the bank if you’re not careful.
If you have time for DIY projects, one affordable way to get your home's interior to look new again is by installing new wall panels. Whether it’s a new colour, texture, or design, this can help invigorate your home’s aesthetics by infusing character into your space. You can even look at it as one way of extending aspects of your unique personality to your rooms. But aside from that, wall panels also provide functional benefits like soundproofing and insulation. And given the ease of installation, you can use them to transform your space even on a tight budget.
However, although DIY wall panelling is an inexpensive way to transform your rooms, it can be challenging, especially for first-timers. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll likely end up with ill-fitting panels, blistered paints, and spending more time than you intended.
So, if you’ve never done a DIY wall panelling project before, here are some tips to help you make the process stress-free and with more favourable outcomes:
1. Make Adequate Preparations
Preparing well in advance is key to a successful and smooth sailing DIY activity. This includes all the details, from deciding which type of wall panels you’ll use to planning the project’s timeline. The most common material used for wall panels is MDF boards, although reclaimed wood is also becoming a popular option since it’s inexpensive. When used stylishly on walls, the character of reclaimed wood can be unmatched in aesthetics.
Once you’ve ironed out all the details, you can proceed to gather all required materials, such as:
-
MDF or wooden boards/planks cut to size
- Pencil and tape measure
- Paint suitable for materials used
- Paint brushes and paint rollers
- Glue, sealant, and fillers
- Filling knife
- Gritty sandpaper
- Hammer and nail pins
- Spirit level
It’s also important to prepare the surfaces to be worked on before you start. While wall panelling will help you hide minor flaws on your wall surfaces, it pays to fix any prominent trouble spots before commencing your task. If the wall has any peeling paint or rough surfaces, use a gritty sanding block or paper to make the surface even and smooth. If there are holes, use a filling knife to fill them up using a compatible filler.
2. Seek Advice From The Pros
It’s advisable to spend some time poring through reliable DIY resources available on the internet. You could also reach out to friends who’ve been successful with similar projects in their homes or offices. If you can’t think of anyone within your proximity, social media DIY groups can be a good start. There, you’ll find DIYers who’ll be happy to share tips and hacks from their actual experiences.
3. Ensure Accurate Measurements
When working against a tight budget, you’ll want to purchase just the exact quantity of wall panel boards. It would help if you also made sure that the panels would fit perfectly against your wall. To achieve this, you’ll need to take accurate measurements of your wall. If need be, repeat the measurement two or three times to ensure accuracy. You could also use online calculators to find out the exact number of boards or planks you’ll need to buy. However, only use your supplier’s online calculator as brands tend to customize their calculators.
Accurate measurements will also help you achieve a perfectly fitting frame around your wall. A well-fitted frame provides a steady base to attach your wall panels which can help avoid wobbly-looking panels.
4. Play With Colours
Colours can drastically transform your interiors, while wall panels provide the perfect opportunity to play with both design and colour. Think about the ideal colour scheme by considering the overall look you want to achieve for the entire room and not just the corners with the new panels. Various shades of neutral colours like grey, brown, or jungle green can work well with quiet rooms, while warm analogous colours such as red and orange can be used to lend a warm effect to a room.
You may also ask your supplier for guidance, especially if you’re unsure about the types of paint that go well with your wall panelling materials. They can advise you about the best steps to follow, including the amount of time you need between priming, painting, and varnishing.
Conclusion
It's possible to give your home a new look through wall panelling, even on a shoestring budget. Just roll up your sleeves, follow the tips outlined above, and remember to make thorough preparations to avoid interruptions and delays.
But keep in mind too that while DIYs can definitely be a fun and fulfilling activity, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed. One instance is running into unforeseen challenges despite being adequately prepared. The nature of your wall panelling job might also necessitate that you engage professional help, depending on the complexity of the design you’re trying to achieve. Consider this if it contributes to a more successful outcome.