Wood Paneling: What You Should Know Before Trying This Trend

For most people, the concept of wood wall paneling is associated with 4-foot by 8-foot faux wood panels from huge lumber mills installed in homes in the 1960s and 1970s.

The wooden paneling made a not-so-subtle statement about the panels being wooden. No natural wood ever looks as wood-like as these cherry, oak, and beech panels. In a few cases, the visible part was actually natural wood, but it was just a thin wood slice of veneer atop the pressed board. But most were cheap panels with a plastic-paper laminate film that gave the illusion of wood.

Wood paneling had gone out and then made a comeback from the 1980s to the present. Now it's back again with a few modifications.

In this post, Orange Coast Interior Design is going to share some ideas to those who want to add some wood wall panels to their homes:

Older vs. Modern Wood Paneling

Unlike the old particleboard panels covered in plastic-paper, modern wood wall panels are usually made of real wood veneer, which is a very thin piece of hardwood. It's pressed with a high-pressure machine, then sealed in a thin plastic film. The film is not just for protecting the wood from the elements. It also gives the veneer the ability to expand and contract without cracking. In addition, there are added chemicals to the plastic film to make it more durable.

Go for Custom Sizing

One of the most significant differences between the old particle board paneling and the new veneer panels is the ability to customize the size. Walk into a lumber mill, and you can get a 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of beech or oak. That's not exactly a small kitchen or bathroom.

This is why it's better to go with a local contractor if you want a small wood paneling. It's more expensive, but it's worth it to have a piece that fits your space perfectly.

Consider Reclaimed Wood Wall Paneling

The lumber mills do not sell reclaimed wood, but some home improvement stores do. Often these are old barn siding, flooring, or other wooden building materials. The real treasure is the wood.

Even though it's reclaimed, it's still high quality. There are no mold or rot issues because it's dried and cured. The wood is also nicely sanded and pre-finished with stains.

Try Off-Set Horizontal Wood Strips

The new wood paneling is generally vertically oriented, but you can also go horizontal. The advantage of using horizontal wood is that you get the look of wood without the need to paint it. However, if you want to paint it, the horizontal stripes will make the paint look more natural.

Conclusion

As you can see, you have a lot of choices for installing wood paneling in your home. Wood paneling is ideal for areas of your home where a rustic or country feel is the goal.

Also, installing wood panels is an excellent way to bring nature inside your home's walls.

Not every home is a perfect candidate for wood wall panels. If you have an older home with plaster or lath and plaster walls, you may need to hire a mason to remove the plaster. However, if your walls are drywall or thin lath and plaster, you can install the panels without any help.

As with any home improvement project, hiring a professional interior designer is a good idea, especially if you really want to take your home makeover to the next level.

Orange Coast Interior Design offers the expertise of a team of the best interior designers in Orange County, California. Contact us today so we can discuss the improvements you want for your home!