Wall Paneling

Here are only a few of the popular and sought after wall paneling options.

RAISED PANELS - Think of any traditionally designed library and you know what quality raised panels can do for a space. These panels have roots in the colonial period of American architecture, and carry with them the air of class and quality. They are most often installed as wainscoting.

RECESSED (OR FLAT) PANELS - These panels are also usually installed as wainscoting, as an accent. They are plainer than raised panels, and are often painted as opposed to stained. Recessed panels came out of the simplicity that dominated the late 19th century architecture, while flat wood panels (without the recess) are a more modern development.

KNOTTY PINE - Usually found in rustic atmosheres, like log cabins or country homes. Also associated with western decore. It's easily identified by the knots and strong grain in the surface of the wood. It's most commonly used as tongue and groove boards or planks.

CYPRESS - Cypress wood panels gained great acclaim in the early 1900's because of it's natural resistance to rot, insects and decay. It's also very pretty. The wood comes from dead trees in swamps and river bottoms, then kiln dried and cut for lumber, making it an environmentally friendly choice. A variation is PECKY CYPRESS, which has lots of small holes in it which look as if they might have been made by birds "pecking" at the wood. Like knotty pine, cypress is usually sold as planking.

LIONITE tileboard panels are a good alternative to ceramic tile in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, playrooms or laundry rooms. They are more utilitarian than they are decorative, but they look fine if used appropriately.

They are the toughest of the products used for decorative wall paneling. The baked-on, water resistant melamine finish, is prefect for high traffic and high moisture living areas.

Wainscot panels are generally precut to 32" height. When baseboard and chair rail are added, the top of the chair rail should be between 34" and 36" above the finished floor. These panels transform a plain room into one with more style and beauty.

Because of the variety of materials and designs, wainscoting is a reasonably-priced way to add beauty, as well as value, to your home. For a more in-depth discussion about Wainscoting, give this a try.

Planks can also serve as wall paneling in less formal rooms. They can be installed individually, or purchased in boards (more expensive, but saves some time). Very versatile, this material is appropriate for country style homes as well as traditional homes.

They can be installed vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or in a herringbone pattern. They can be used as wainscoting, they can cover an entire wall, or they can be used to accent a portion of a room.

Planks can be made from any species of wood, or you can have them made from MDF if you intend painting them. Therefore, your price point is really determined by the material selected.

As always, if you have questions or comments decorative wall paneling, contact me by clicking here.

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