There are more and more options for renovating your rooms besides painting and changing the wallpapers. The next big thing in home renovation is wood wall panelling. You can redesign an entire space or just one wall using panels with different textures and finishes. Use your imagination for inspiration.
However, there are key factors to consider before installing wooden panels on your walls – their pros and cons. Continue reading to learn more.
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Pros of wood wall panelling
One of the latest interior trends is decorative wall panelling. Wall panels can cover uneven walls, cables, and pipes in your living room, bedroom, or even hallway. That’s why they are a common choice for home renovations.
Let’s talk about timber wall panelling, its advantages and why it is a cost effective choice for most homeowners.
Cosy and inviting atmosphere
The natural warmth and texture of wood create a sense of comfort. That makes wood panels a great option for creating welcoming spaces with a period charm.
Whether you’re after a feature wall or panelling the whole room, the wood’s ability to bring a touch of nature and elegance indoors.
Enhanced insulation
High-quality wall panels not only increase the overall look of your place but also help to insulate your rooms. Depending on their thickness, wooden panels can serve as your home’s natural insulation, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
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Sound insulation
If you live in a home where sound travels easily, installing wood panels can help in absorbing the sound. Wood can absorb between 0.60 and 0.90 decibels – this is the equivalent of a lawnmower.
The porosity of the wood helps with vibration and sound insulation, while limiting echo and resonance in a room. This can enhance the overall acoustics and make the space quieter and more comfortable.
Durability and longevity
The longevity of wood panelling is among its best characteristics. The panels are durable and do not require replacement even after years of use. Wood cladding is easy to clean with a wet cloth, compared to paint, which may require touch-ups over time. Remember to sand and refinish the wood if necessary in order to maintain its look.
Applying wax coating to the panels can make them more resistant to water and moisture, which further increases its durability. This is particularly useful for certain types of wood, like pine, which can benefit from wax treatment to become more stable and long-lasting.
Variety of styles
One of the biggest benefits of wood wall panelling is the variety of colours, shades and designs. Whether you’re after a traditional style or something with a modern twist, there’s a diverse range of designs you can choose from.
Some of them are mentioned below:
- Slatted panels
- Shiplap
- Tongue and groove
- Wainscoting
- Board and batten, etc.
You can even paint the wood in different colours to match the overall interior design of your home.
Sustainability
If you care about nature and sustainability, which is a priority for you and your family, MDF and wood panelling are environmentally friendly, unlike plastic or other options on the market. These materials can be sourced from responsible forestry practices, making them an even more eco-friendly choice.
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Cons of wood wall panelling
Despite the many benefits of timber panels we talked about earlier, there are a few disadvantages to keep in mind.
Cost factors
The cost of wall panelling with real wood might be expensive. The price of the materials, the installation, and any special treatments like wood protection may all add up to your budget. Long-term maintenance expenses, such as polishing or oiling the panels to maintain their appearance, must also be taken into account.
Weight
Another thing to have in mind is the weight of the wall panels made from real wood. They can be heavy, and not all walls are strong enough to support them. You’ll have to ensure that yours are sturdy and well-protected to bear the weight of the wood cladding. Also, its thickness and heaviness may
Maintenance and refinishing
Even though wood panels are strong, they still need to be maintained on a regular basis. To keep them in good condition, you may need to repaint or re-oil them every few years. Although it takes more effort, this extra upkeep is necessary if you want your panelling to look fantastic for many years to come.
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Susceptibility to insects and moisture
One of the main downsides of timber wall panelling is its vulnerability to insects and moisture damage. As wood naturally absorbs moisture, wood panels aren’t suitable for damp spaces like bathrooms or kitchens. Over time, the moisture can cause the wood to swell or split, which could ruin your interior design and increase the possibility of mould growth. Also, if moisture seeps into the wood, that can lead to rot, which will require you to replace the affected panels.
Insects, like termites and carpenter ants, can pose a threat if insect treatment is not done properly.
You may be interested in learning that on the market, you can find a type of wood panelling that is less prone to insects and moisture. It’s called black locust, and it is the most robust of all. This type of wood requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable even for outdoor use.
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How to choose the right wood for your panelling?
To get the most out of the panelling, it’s important to choose the right wood. The choice depends on the texture you want and the area you plan to cover. Also, the shape, colour, and pattern of the panels create different visual effects.
The suitable wood types for wall panelling are these:
- Walnut
- Oak
- Beech
- Larch
- Ash, etc.
Swiss stone pine, with its aromas and essential oils, can positively impact physical and mental well-being and sleep when installed in the bedroom.
Wood with a protective varnish layer is ideal for bathrooms or kitchens, preventing moisture from penetrating the planks.
If you’re not sure about the right wood for your needs, It’s best to consult an expert in renovation and improvement services.
Is it worth it?
After all, Is wood wall panelling worth it? If you’ve got children or pets, it’s a practical choice, especially for areas like the hallway or living room, where walls are more likely to get scratched.
Wood panels are much easier to clean than wallpaper or paint – you can use a wipe or a damp cloth. They can add both style and functionality to any room.
As you already know, wooden panelling has its pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Brings cosiness | Can be costly |
| Enhances the insulation | Heavier than other types of panelling |
| It’s durable | Prone to moisture |
| Eco-friendly | Susceptible to insects |
Can you install it yourself or call a professional?
If you’re good with DIY, you can install wood wall panels yourself. Unlike other wall surfaces like tiles, wood panelling is relatively straightforward to install. The simplest type of wall panelling to fit is shiplap, as the pieces slot together. However, if you’re not confident doing the job yourself – you may have wall sockets and pipes to work around – it’s best to call in a professional joiner.
Preparation
Before installation, the panels need to acclimatise. To do this, lay the unopened packages flat in the middle of the room where you plan to install them for around 48 hours. The room temperature should be about 20°C (at least 15°C), and the relative humidity should be between 30-65%.
Ensure that the walls and ceilings are dry, with a maximum residual moisture content of 5%.
Installation surface
If the area where you want to install the panels is longer or wider than 10 metres, an expansion joint will be needed. When installing, make sure you’re leaving a gap of at least 10-14 mm around all walls and other fixed components. Air circulation behind the panelling is also very important to prevent mould growth.
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Hiring a professional might be a good idea to guarantee that the job is done correctly especially if you’re hoping for a sleek finish. Experts have the knowledge, tools, and experience to solve any issues that might arise during installation. Thus can ensure that the wood wall panelling looks great and lasts longer. All of that saves you time, stress, and the potential costs of correcting any DIY mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you take care of wood wall panelling?
Maintaining wood wall panelling is easy. Use a soft cloth or a duster to dust it regularly. If you notice dirt on the planks, simply wipe it with a damp cloth or a wipe. Avoid using abrasive and harsh cleaning products. If you want to renew the shine of your panelling, you can use a special wood oil.
Where can I use wood wall panels?
Wood wall panels are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and even bathrooms and kitchens as long as the space is well-ventilated to prevent moisture damage. If you decide to use timber panels in moisture-prone spaces, use a protective varnish.
Does wood panelling improve room climate?
Yes, wood wall panelling can have a positive effect on the room climate. Wood helps regulate humidity and improves room acoustics, making it both functional and stylish.
