What I install
Wall paneling is one of the fastest ways to change the feel of a room. It adds depth and shadow, protects walls in busy areas, and gives newer homes with plain drywall the kind of detail older homes are known for.
Board-and-batten
At wainscot height or full height.
Picture-frame molding
Applied boxes of trim for a classic, formal look.
Wainscoting
Flat or raised traditional paneled walls, often finished with a cap rail.
Beadboard
A cottage-style option for entryways, mudrooms and bathrooms.
Shiplap and nickel-gap
Horizontal or vertical boards with a small gap between them.
Accent walls
Modern slat or geometric feature walls behind beds, TVs or desks.
Common places for paneling include dining rooms, entryways, stairwells, mudrooms, bedroom headboard walls, home offices and bathrooms. Paneling is set to a level line, then scribed where floors and ceilings aren't straight, so the pattern reads clean across the whole wall. Boards are nailed into framing and set with construction adhesive so they don't loosen or bow.
What affects the cost?
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Wall area — the length and height being covered.
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Style — picture-frame and raised-panel work take more time than shiplap or board-and-batten.
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Height — full-height paneling uses more material than wainscot height.
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Windows, doors, outlets and corners — each interruption adds fitting time.
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Stairs — stairwell paneling takes more layout and angled cuts.
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Prep — removing existing baseboard or chair rail and repairing the wall.
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Material — MDF, moisture-resistant MDF, pine or hardwood.
FAQs
How high should wainscoting be?
Traditional wainscoting usually runs about a third of the wall height, often 32" to 36" on an 8-foot wall. Board-and-batten often looks best taller, around 48" to 60", or full height. I'll mock up the height on your wall so you can see it before I start.
Can paneling go over textured drywall?
Yes. Most styles go right over texture. For flat-panel styles where the wall shows between the trim, I can add a smooth backer panel so the texture doesn't show through.
Is wainscoting or shiplap OK in a bathroom?
Yes, with moisture-resistant materials and a good paint finish. I'll recommend what works best for your bathroom.
Can you add paneling to a stairwell?
Yes. Stairwell wainscoting follows the angle of the stairs and takes careful layout, but it's one of the most striking places to add it.