How Much Does Wood Wall Paneling Cost?

Adding paneling to your walls can dramatically elevate your home's interior by giving it additional character and texture. You can choose from a wide range of wood panels, regardless of whether you are searching for that minimalist look with flat paneling or are intent on having something more ornate such as a raised panel with a custom design. With wood paneling, there is something for everyone.

Wood wall paneling can be quite affordable, depending on what you are looking for–conventional wood paneling can cost as low as $12 for each panel, with some more expensive options reaching as high as $400 per panel. Of course, some designs and materials will cost more than others, but generally, paneling is reasonably priced. You can even consider wood paneling a bathroom if you’re looking to jazz up that room. 

When considering wood wall paneling for your home, it's important to weigh the wood paneling pros and cons to make an informed decision. On the positive side, wood paneling adds a warm, natural aesthetic that can enhance the character and elegance of any room. It also offers excellent insulation properties, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and potentially lowering energy costs. 

Additionally, wood paneling is durable and can last for many years with proper maintenance. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Wood paneling can be more expensive than other wall covering options, especially if you choose high-quality or exotic wood types. It also requires regular upkeep to prevent damage from moisture, pests, or wear and tear. 

Furthermore, installation can be labor-intensive and costly if not done as a DIY project. Understanding these wood paneling pros and cons can help you decide if this option aligns with your home's needs and your budget.

The main difference in the price of paneling comes from the materials you choose when purchasing wood paneling. For instance, when looking at a conventional, home-center-styled pressed wood paneling, you can get thirty-two square-foot panels for between $12 and $40. It usually depends on what you are going for.

As you would expect, higher-quality paneling is more expensive. For example, horizontal-oriented wood paneling can cost $400 per panel for the same size mentioned above. However, this is still considerably less expensive than solid ebony pieces.

When it comes to hardwood, one sheet of walnut veneer paneling can set you back $90 per piece. If this is out of your price range, you can still get something more affordable such as a photo-generated walnut-look-alike panel for about $20 per panel. When paneling is veneered with real hardwood, one of the cost drivers will be the cost of the hardwood placed on the front.

Sometimes, a contractor or homeowner may use a higher grade of hardwood in the front and a lesser quality of the same hardwood in the back. Doing this helps control the expansion and contraction of the panels. When only a portion of the board is veneered, any movement on the back side might stress the entire board, causing it to crack.

In addition to the style and the cost of wood paneling, you will have to consider the installation price if you don’t intend to do it yourself. In most cases, contractors will charge about $1,050 to $1,600 to add walling paneling to a twelve-by-twelve-foot space. However, prices can vary based on several factors, including material, style, and setup.

There are also several primary paneling types, and the one you choose will play a role in determining installation costs. For instance, shiplap is usually considered a budget-friendly material, whereas raised panels and decorative overlays can cost a substantial amount per square foot.

In most cases, synthetic materials such as medium-density fiberboard cost the least, unlike their solid wood counterparts, which are fairly expensive. If you intend to hire a general contractor to do the installation for you, you should expect to pay about $90 per hour, which will add to the overall cost of your paneling project. You should choose a person or company who has experience with wood paneling and knows what they are doing to avoid any problems in the end. 

Despite the high cost of some wood wall paneling, there is a wide range of functional and decorative benefits that come with them. When you analyze paneling, you will also find that wood panels can improve your home's insulation and provide better energy efficiency. When you factor in the cost of the paneling you like best, you should never forget the additional benefits they can provide.

Wondering about whether there are wood paneling weight limits to consider? Take a look at our latest article.