Wooden paneling is one of the preferred wall coverings and I just described full process of how to install paneling on studs. It certainly increases the aesthetic and monetary value of your property. In addition, it makes any space in your home look elegant and cozy. Best of all, it requires low maintenance and eliminates the need to paint the walls so frequently.
Usually, contractors charge too much money to install it. So, if your budget is barely enough to pay for the materials, you must find a way to save money. And certainly, learning to install wood paneling is the best choice.
Wooden panels are light and easy to handle. So, you won’t need someone else’s help during the installation process. In addition, you won’t require too complicated tools to get the job done.
In this article, you’ll learn all the secrets to install paneling on studs like a pro.
What is Wooden Stud Finder?
A stud finder is a tool used to detect wooden or metal studs behind walls. More advanced models can also detect live AC wires. When the stud finder is close to the target, it emits a warning signal. The most common alerts are a beep sound, a flashing light or a bar indicator.
Currently, there are three main types of stud finders on the market:
- Magnetic
- Electronic
- Radar
Magnetic devices are the most simple. Their main function is to indicate the location of the metal fasteners on each stud. Magnetic stud detectors can be stationary or movable. On stationary devices, the magnet remains fixed on the casing. So, the user must run the tool over the surface to find the fasteners. The magnetic force indicates the user when to stop.
On the other hand, on moving magnetic devices, a neodymium magnet can freely move inside a closed space. These models exert a higher magnetic force, allowing a deeper detection.
Electronic stud finders use capacitors and sensors to measure the change of the dielectric constant on the wall. Basically, the dielectric constant varies in the presence of different materials. For example, it decreases when a hardwood stud is near. An internal processor interprets the results and emits the different alert signals.
Radar stud finders have a wider detection range, allowing you to find wires, studs, water leaks and moving pests, like rats and roaches. Most advanced models can differentiate a wide variety of materials, making them more versatile than magnetic and electronic models.
Step by Step Guide to Install Paneling on Studs
Installing paneling on studs it’s very easy. But, to get the job done, you’ll first need the required tools and materials. Here’s the list:
- 38 mm drywall screws.
- ½-inch thick plasterboard panels.
- 32X48-inch wood paneling.
- Paneling nails.
- Drill and drill bit.
- Claw hammer.
Once you have all the necessary things for the job, you just need to follow these steps:
- First of all, you must install plasterboard panels over the studs to provide extra support for your wood paneling. To do this, put the plasterboard panels on the studs. Then, set the panels using 38 mm-drywall screws. You can use a star screwdriver or a drill with a star drill bit to drive in the screws.
- Then, you can proceed to install the wood paneling. Start by putting the wood paneling against the wall. After that, set the paneling using paneling nails. Make sure the color of the nails blends well with the color of your paneling. To drive in the nails you can use a claw hammer. Make sure you don’t apply too much force to avoid ruining the surface.
- Drive in enough paneling nails to prevent the wood paneling from moving. First start on the upper and lower extremes, following the line of the studs. If the panel shakes after applying pressure, drive in a nail in the center point.
- Finally, install wooden trims on the bottom to improve aesthetics and hide the nails (optional).
Conclusion
As you can see, installing wooden panels is easier than many think. Also, the installation process is too fast. It will take less than an hour to cover a small room.
Before starting to install the wooden paneling, the walls must have a sturdy coating to prevent it from breaking. Plasterboard and cement board are certainly the best materials in these cases. They make your walls lighter and facilitate the installation of insulation batts and panels.
Make sure to test the stability of the paneling by applying pressure over the surface. If it moves, drive in some additional fasteners until the paneling stays steady. Try to drive in the nails in non visible areas. To enhance the aesthetic looking, install baseboards and other wooden trims on the wall.
Certainly, if you carefully follow these tips, you won’t need to call a contractor anymore for paneling your walls.
You can learn Easy Steps to Learn How to Use A Stanley Stud Finder?
