Wood wall paneling has long been used to add style and protection to the walls of homes. Whether you have a modern or traditional property, wood paneling can bring character and warmth to any interior space. If you're considering installing wall panels or adding some wall texturing to customize your home, it's important to understand the different types of wood wall paneling available. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of wood wall paneling and introduce nine popular types to choose from.
Interesting Facts About Wood Wall Paneling
- Wood wall panels were originally developed for practical reasons, such as insulation and covering blemishes. However, they soon became recognized for their decorative qualities and ability to create a warm living space.
- In the 13th century, wood panels were imported from Norway and used as decorative wall panels in Windsor Castle by the King of England, Henry of Winchester. This marked the beginning of wood paneling as a form of fine art.
- During the early Colonial period, interior walls were covered with shingles and boards, often featuring decorative detailing along their edges.
- Unplastered walls were commonly paneled using wood, with the wealthy preferring fancy woodwork and most households opting for flat panels similar to their home's exterior siding.
- Today, there are various materials available for wall panels, including MDF, which is the most popular and cost-effective option for home interiors.
- Wood paneling generally falls into two categories: basic flat panels for straight surfaces and frame grid-like raised panels, which are more widely used.
Pros of Wood Wall Paneling
- Elegant and stylish look: Wood panels are often associated with rustic, Colonial-style houses, and they can give your home a warm and stylish appearance.
- Versatile choice: Wood wall paneling comes in various types to fit any home decor.
- Adequate insulation: Wood is a natural thermal and acoustic insulation material, providing an additional layer of insulation to your home to ward off noise and drafts.
- Hide flaws: Wood paneling is an excellent way to hide flaws in the walls, such as dents, cracks, pipes, or wiring.
- Easy to repair: Wood paneling is more durable than drywall or wallpaper, making repairs simple. Scratches can be sanded off and resealed, and entire panels can be replaced without disturbing the rest of the wall.
- Environmentally-friendly: Wood paneling is more eco-friendly compared to drywall as it uses a renewable resource. There are also options for upcycled wood that are energy-efficient and stylish.
Cons of Wood Wall Paneling
- Susceptible to rot: Wood is not waterproof and can rot if continuously exposed to humidity. However, since wall panels are located inside the house, severe rot is less likely. Regular maintenance, such as sanding and re-staining, can protect the wood from further damage.
- High maintenance: Wood can be vulnerable to both moisture and dry interior conditions, requiring regular maintenance. Beeswax or mineral oil applications can protect the wood, and regular cleaning with a cloth prevents dust buildup.
- Dated appearance: Some people associate wood paneling with an outdated look. However, there are paneling designs available to match the style of your home, making it a viable option for modern interiors.
Now that you're familiar with the pros and cons of wood wall paneling, let's explore the various types available.
Types of Wood Wall Paneling
1. Tongue and Groove
Tongue and groove wood paneling features interlocking boards with a groove-like cut into one side and a tongue sticking out from the other. When installed side by side, they create an invisible seam. This type of paneling offers an elegant look, similar to shiplap, but with a different connection method. Tongue and groove paneling is more expensive than shiplap and better protected from the elements when used indoors.
2. Reclaimed Wood
Choosing reclaimed wood for wall paneling adds character and texture to your home's interiors. Reclaimed wood has a history and elegance that cannot be replicated by MDF paneling. You can find old wood paneling with nail holes, saw marks, and knots, giving your walls a traditional look. DIY enthusiasts can source planks from old buildings or local suppliers to save money and transform their walls.
3. Board and Batten
Board and batten paneling is traditionally used for siding on barns. It features paneling on the lower part of the wall with alternating wide MDF or engineered wood panel strips called battens. Horizontal rails of molding are applied between the upper and lower parts of the panels. Board and batten paneling can be made from real wood panels or an imitation type created on plywood or drywall.
4. Beadboard
Beadboard wall paneling features vertical, narrow wooden stiles that interlock in a tongue and groove pattern. This type of paneling is available in vinyl, MDF, or real wood options. Beadboard is affordable and adds charm to any room. It can be installed on an entire wall, halfway up, or even on ceilings, offering a traditional and timeless look.
5. Flat Panels
Flat panels are a combination of trim planks that frame a flat wall. The flat wall can be made of drywall or high-quality plywood. This classic type of wainscoting adds elegance and luxury to any space, especially when using walnut or oak paneling. It's important to have professionals handle the installation of flat panels to ensure a pristine finish.
6. Raised Panels
Raised panel wainscoting became popular during the Colonial era. It features vertical stiles and horizontal molding, giving the illusion of a protruding narrow shelf from the base of the wall. Raised panels require alternating MDF or wood panels with vertical stiles and upper or lower molding. This type of paneling adds a traditional and tasteful touch, often found in formal living or dining rooms.
7. Shiplap
Shiplap originated as wall panels in 19th-century boats, featuring notched edges that overlap for a watertight seal. Shiplap wall paneling can be made of MDF or wood, installed vertically or horizontally. It adds a rustic touch to kitchens or living rooms, creating a visually impactful feature.
8. Tile Board Paneling
Tile board paneling is made of MDF with a layer of melamine to resemble porcelain tile. These panels mimic tile joints and are quick and easy to install. Tile board paneling is commonly used on half of a wall in kitchens or living rooms, as larger panels require more frames, which can be labor-intensive.
9. Horizontal Wood Panels
Horizontal wall panels create an elegant and charming look. They are commonly used in exterior siding but also work well in modern and traditional interior wall panels. Installation is easy, with planks laid horizontally on top of vertical sleepers using hardwood strips. This DIY-friendly paneling technique is affordable and achieves a stylish result.
Final Thoughts
If you're hesitant about choosing wood paneling for your interior walls due to its drawbacks or dated appearance, there are various lacquers, paints, and wood sealing products available to protect your panels for years to come. Additionally, you can always change the color of your panels to remodel your interior space. With proper maintenance and routine cleaning, interior wooden panels can last for decades in both contemporary and traditional homes.