There is a particular paneling style that works best for different types of decor. You can choose from rustic boards, frame-and-panel designs with or without moulding, and elaborate raised panels. In terms of material, paneling can be made from fine hardwoods or inexpensive pine while finishes may be either clear, painted, stained or coated with a wide variety of decorative choices.
There are two types of paneling sold in the market today: sheets and boards. Sheets are typically 4 feet by 8 feet while boards come in widths ranging from 3 and 10 inches and thickness ranging from 3/8 to 7/8 inch thick. Most boards are usually between 1/2 and 3/4 inch thick.
The first step in paneling is to place your materials in the room where they will be installed for two to five days. This will help the paneling wood adjust to the room's humidity level and eliminate any shrinkage or expansion problems once the panels are secured to the wall.
The next step is preparing the wall. If the wall has a finished wood-frame, you may be able to attach the board panel through the wallboard or plaster to the wall studs. If it does not have a finished wood frame, you will have to attach furring strips to the studs as a base for securing the panels. Make sure the furring strips are plumb and flat so that the sliding will sit evenly and be flat against the wall.
Before installing the paneling, cut each panel 1/4 inch shorter than the distance from the floor to the ceiling. Apply adhesive then start by positioning the panel on the wall, leaving a 1/4 inch space at the bottom, then driving the four nails partway into the wall. Once done, pull the bottom edge of the panel about six inches from the wall. push a block behind the sheet and wait for the adhesive to take hold. Then remove the block, press the panel firmly into place by using a rubber mallet. You can now drive the top-edge nails all the way in and nail the bottom of the panel. Cover the nail heads and the 1/4 inch gap at the bottom with moulding.
Do the same thing with the rest of the panels until all the walls are done.
