Paneling is a wall covering product that offers the beauty of wood or other natural surface at lower cost. In addition, paneling typically is sealed with a protective coating that makes it easier to clean than most wall surfaces. Also, paneling is relatively easy to fix.

How Does It Work?

Paneling is decorative wood panels joined in a continuous surface, typically sold in 4 x 8 feet sheets that are 1/8 to 3/8 inches thick. Paneling is attached to drywall , furring (thin wood) strips, or wall framing studs using nails, screws, or adhesive.

Paneling is installed over framing studs (as shown here), drywall, or furring strips, depending on the application.

What Can Go Wrong?

Paneling gets dirty. Marks and small scratches appear. Paneling buckles from moisture and edges become loose. Nails pop up. And sometimes deep gouges, scratches, and even holes happen. You can fix them.

Caution!

Whatever you do, don't try to sand and refinish prefinished paneling. The protective top coat typically is quite thin, and sanding it will expose the plywood or compressed wood fibers that make up the panel's core.