Installing wood wall panels is a great way to liven up a space in your home. This quick DIY project won’t cost a lot of money and will make your room look like a professional did it! Of course, when shopping for wood panels, it’s important to determine how many panels to order, and in what size.
In this guide, we’ll dive into how to choose the best panel size for your home improvement project, as well as some tips when it comes to how to use wood panels.
What Is Wood Paneling Used For?
If you don’t know how to decorate wooden wall panels, it’s easy to learn. You can paint them and hang art on them just as you would on drywall.
Wood panels also dampen sound, making them perfect for music rooms and homes in areas with lots of traffic. Acoustic plywood is good for sound absorption because it prevents reverberation and echoes, and it also absorbs the bass from loud music.
Medium-density fiberboard (‘MDF’) is also great for soundproofing because it can absorb sound and contain noise frequencies. One drawback to using MDF is that it’s particularly flammable.
In addition, wood panels can be used as insulation because they keep rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Better insulation in your home will reduce energy costs and make rooms more comfortable overall.
How Much Wood Paneling Should I Use?
Determining the amount of wood paneling needed for your project is easy. Use the square foot formula of height (in inches) multiplied by length (in inches), and divide the total by 144. The result is the number of square feet you need to order. Be sure to subtract the square footage of any windows, using the same formula to measure them.
When installing wood panels, accidents can happen. They may chip, crack, or get scratched. For this reason, we recommend buying 10% more than the square footage of each wall. This will account for any mishaps that may occur.
How Thick Should Wood Panels Be?
If you’re adding panels to an existing wall, it’s best to use a thinner panel. Make sure the panels aren’t thicker than the wall’s molding because they won’t look great after they’re installed if they stick out above the trim.
If you’re installing panels on an empty wall, opt for thicker wood that will be more secure and provide more insulation. The thickness you need will be based on whether you’re adding these panels to an existing wall or a bare wall frame.
What Sizes Do Wood Panels Come In?
Depending on what kind of wood you’ll be using, your panels will have a different thickness. Plywood is one-half inch to three-quarters of an inch thick, and this is one of the thickest types of paneling you’ll find. Reclaimed wood is sometimes thicker, reaching up to an inch thick. MDF and beadboard, on the other hand, are thinner at one-quarter of an inch. Choosing the right type of wood paneling for your project will ensure that you get the results you want.
Where Can I Find Wood Paneling?
When starting any DIY home improvement project, you need high-quality materials at a reasonable price. Whether you’re flipping a home or renovating your own, 27EStore has you covered. We carry a wide variety of wood veneer panels that can suit any room. Browse our selection to see which ones are best for your space!
