Choosing Wood Paneling for Your Home
Stylish wood paneling is the perfect way to dress up boring walls. It can make your home feel warm and inviting with a unique, custom look. However, wood paneling comes in many forms, so it can be hard to know which variety is best, not to mention which ones will remain in style for years to come. Consider some popular types of wood paneling to help you decide what might work best for your home.
Reclaimed Wood Paneling
If you want to create an accent wall in your living room, consider adding character and texture with reclaimed wood paneling. This is more eco-friendly than using new wood because it utilizes wood rescued from old barns, warehouses and factories that would otherwise end up in the landfill. It’s also a conversation starter because it’s much more interesting than simply painting an accent wall a different color from the others.
Wainscoting
To add elegance to any room, consider lining the walls with wainscoting. This is a type of wall treatment only covers the bottom portion of the wall. Standard heights from the floor include 36 inches, 42 inches, 54 inches and 72 inches. The wainscot paneling may be capped off with decorative moulding or a narrow picture shelf. Beadboard and v-groove paneling are traditional options, but any “half-way-up-the-wall” method is considered wainscoting.
Board and Batten Wood Paneling
Wood paneling with the texture and character of wainscoting can also run all the way to the ceiling. Board and batten is a traditional wall paneling method that uses wide boards installed vertically with narrow battens to cover the seams. The width of the boards and battens you choose is up to you.
Shiplap
If you prefer a horizontal wall treatment, consider shiplap. This wood paneling features boards with a special notch or “rabbet” cut into the edges so they fit together with water-tight construction. You can mimic this traditional paneling with any wood boards installed horizontally on the walls, even if they lack the signature notch of genuine shiplap.
Species
Common wood species used for wall paneling include alder, cherry, maple, oak, fir, popular and others. Medium density fiberboard (MDF) and melamine are examples of durable, impact-resistant wood alternatives that are popular for wall paneling.
Colors and Finishes
There’s a nearly endless array of wood paneling colors and finishes to choose from. White is traditional, but it’s far from your only choice. If you select a natural wood species, you can opt to stain it and preserve its natural beauty. You can also choose any paint color under the sun to improve the look of your interior. Popular options include charcoal, cream, tan and grey. You can also paint your wood paneling a bold hue to contrast a neutral-colored wall.
If you need help choosing wood paneling for your home, turn to The Moulding Company in Concord, CA. We can provide you with personalized recommendations and a free quote for your upcoming project. Contact us today at (925) 798-7525 to get started!