Wood wall panels can offer a stylish way to safeguard walls that take a beating. They also produce a natural look in living rooms and kitchens.
But what are the different types of paneling? Here are the most popular styles remodelers use today. Tongue and groove, classic, board-and-batten, shiplap, plank, and raised wall panels are the most common paneling choices.
Tongue and Groove
Wood accent walls and ceilings provide any space with warmth, character, and beauty. They can add a touch of elegance to your home’s décor or create a rustic-inspired, barn-like aesthetic for a garage workshop or backyard shed. While there are a variety of materials that homeowners can choose from for these purposes, many people opt to use tongue and groove wood panels. This type of paneling resembles shiplap but features a different installation method. Instead of a single L-shaped rabbet, tongue-and-groove paneling has dual profiles that interlock when installed. This design creates a tighter appearance and requires less glue to hold it together, though it can take longer than shiplap to install.
Tongue and groove wall panels can be used to create a simple wainscot, or they can be installed over an entire room for a more seamless look. They’re also a great choice for covering walls with a lot of imperfections, as they hide seams and give your space a clean finish.
You can find tongue-and-groove wood paneling from a number of places, including Lowe’s. This product is made from solid spruce, and it’s a good option for creating a smooth, streamlined look without the cost of painting or staining. It comes in a few width options, so you can customize the look of your wall or ceiling to match the rest of your decor. It’s best to work with a professional when installing tongue-and-groove paneling since it requires careful craftsmanship and precise nailing.
Classic
Classic wood wall paneling can add a modern or traditional feel to any room. The style ranges from clean, modern lines to rustic planks with saw marks and nail holes. Wood wall paneling is often painted in soft, neutral colors to match a variety of design styles. However, current trends encourage homeowners to play with color and create a more fun look with their wood panels.
The beauty of wood paneling is that it can complement almost any other type of home cladding, including both natural and man-made materials. This is because different types of wood have a wide range of tones, grain patterns, and textures. For example, oak wood paneling can be used in a kitchen or living area and complements both traditional oak cabinets and modern wooden countertops.
When reclaimed or old barn wood is used for paneling, the result can have an even more rustic feel to a room. It also gives the paneling a history that many homeowners enjoy. Reclaimed barn wood can include tones and shades of reds, greens, and browns. It also has a unique character with knots, saw marks, and other characteristics that are not always seen in newer woods.
Board and batten wainscoting is another popular style of wall paneling that can be installed with a variety of designs and textures. Some of these designs are more decorative than others and may be a great way to turn an accent wall into something special.
Shiplap
Often associated with farmhouse style, shiplap has gone beyond its country phase to become a staple of modern décor and is a popular choice for wall paneling. It’s easy to stain or paint, making it a versatile option for your home. If you’re looking for a simple, classic look, consider white shiplap panels to bring warmth and texture to your walls. Or choose dark colors to create a more contemporary feel in your home. Regardless of your preferred color scheme, the natural wood grain of shiplap adds character and interest to any room.
Tongue and groove wall paneling is similar to shiplap, except the boards don’t overlap. Instead, the “tongue” of one board fits into the “groove” of the next board. Both types of wall paneling are great options for interior walls and ceilings, from a cozy farmhouse kitchen to an elegant home library.
Though originally built for exterior walls, both shiplap and tongue and groove can be used as wainscoting in your home, giving the space a classic and clean look. Keep in mind that tongue and groove wood paneling can catch moisture that can deteriorate the panels over time. This is why it’s best to use this type of paneling in a dry environment or only in areas that don’t get much rainfall. To help avoid this problem, it’s best to use water-resistant wood for your wall panels.
Plank
Wood paneling can be made from reclaimed or new wood and is often stacked in a vertical pattern. This paneling gives the room a more rustic feel, which can work well with the right interior design. It can also be arranged in a horizontal pattern, which can be used to achieve a herringbone design that adds texture to the room.
Plank wood panels are available in a wide range of colors and textures, as well as different species of trees. This allows homeowners to create a unique look that fits their needs and tastes. In addition, they can be treated to resist moisture, which will help them last longer. However, it is important to note that this type of paneling should not be installed in areas where it may come into direct contact with water, as the wood will deteriorate and cause damage.
Wood wall paneling offers a beautiful appearance that can enhance the overall aesthetic of any home or commercial project. It is also a natural insulator and can make the space feel warmer and more inviting. It is important to know the various types of paneling available, so you can find the best option for your particular space. Whether you are looking to upgrade an existing room or build a brand-new space, wood paneling will make a dramatic statement that will stand the test of time.
Raised Wall Panels
Wood paneling for walls can add a touch of sophistication to any room. The types of panels available vary from traditional to contemporary, but they all have the ability to accentuate the aesthetic of a space. It’s important to understand the specifics of each type before deciding on one. The type of wood paneling you choose will depend on your style, your home’s design, and how much work you want to do on the project.
One of the classic types of wood paneling is beadboard, which features vertical boards separated by grooves every inch or two. This paneling is usually sold in four- or eight-foot sections for easier installation. It’s a great option for rooms that require a decorative touch, and it can be used as part of a wainscoting feature in more formal spaces.
Another classic option is board and batten, which creates a distinctive grid pattern on walls. The batten divider boards are usually wide and spread from four to six inches apart, creating the appearance of sunken squares or rectangles. This paneling is often found in homes with a more rustic or country feel and can be painted, papered, or textured to suit the interior design.
Flat paneling offers a simpler, clean grid pattern that’s ideal for modern designs. It’s also easy to install, as the thin panels can be fitted directly over your drywall or plaster. They’re usually made of moisture-resistant MDF and can be painted or stained for more color options.
Flat Wall Panels
Wall paneling is a wonderful way to add texture and character to a room. It’s also an affordable and fairly simple way to revamp a space without breaking the bank or hiring professionals. But there are so many options out there it can be difficult to decide which style is best for you. This is where knowing the different types of wood paneling can help you make the right choice.
Wainscoting is a decorative wood paneling that runs from floor to ceiling and consists of side-by-side boards with vertical grooves and raised beads. It’s commonly used in hallways, foyers, and bathrooms but can be used to create a decorative focal point around any wall fixture or furniture piece.
Another option for wainscoting is board and batten, which is a more rustic wood paneling that’s made from vertical wood strips that are placed on top of one another. It’s often used as wainscoting or even as accent walls, and it can be customized with a unique geometric design.
Another great option for a decorative accent wall is molding, which is a series of rectangular shapes that can be arranged into a pattern on the wall. It’s easy to install and paint; you can customize it with different colors to match your decor.