Dreaming of a living room makeover? Wall panelling is a simple way to give blank walls more character, depth and style. From classic shaker designs to modern decorative wall panelling, it's an easy way to transform your living space.
It might look like a big job, but with the right tools and a bit of planning, it's a project you can tackle yourself. Follow our step-by-step DIY wall panelling guide to create a professional-looking feature wall you'll be proud to show off.
Materials and equipment you need
A successful wall panelling installation depends on having the right equipment for the job.
MATERIALS YOU NEED
• MDF battens
• Adhesive cartridge
• Wood filler
• MDF primer
• Paint
• Decorator's caulk cartridge
TOOLS YOU NEED
• A pencil
• Square
• Measuring tape
• Spirit level or laser level
• Circular saw
• Caulking gun
• Nail gun and nails
• Orbital sander
• Large paintbrush
• Small paintbrush
• Mini roller
1) Measure and mark out your panel layout
Getting your layout right from the start makes the rest of the job much easier. By measuring carefully and marking everything out before fixing your panels, you'll achieve a neater finish and avoid having to make adjustments later.
Marking the topline
Start by using a Measuring Tape and a pencil to mark the height of your uprights on the wall. Once you've made your mark, use a level to help you draw a straight guideline across the full width of the wall.
For smaller panelling projects, the RYOBI® 80cm Large Spirit Level is an easy way to keep everything straight. If you're panelling a larger space or an entire room, the 360° Green Line Laser can help speed things up. Set it to the correct height and the laser will project a clear line around the room, making it easier to keep your panels aligned from start to finish.
Marking the top and bottom pieces
Once you've marked your top line, drop it by the width of a batten and mark a second line across the wall. This creates the guide for your top rail.
Planning the spacing between panels
Once your topline is in place, it's time to plan the spacing of your panels. As [Susannah Mytton, Group Product Manager] at RYOBI explains:
"Many DIYers worry most about getting the measurements perfect, but fixing battens in the wrong position is much harder to correct than adjusting a pencil mark. Take your time planning the layout and don't be afraid to remark the wall if something doesn't look right."
Measure the full width of the wall, then decide how many panels you'd like to create. Remember that you'll need one more upright batten than the number of panels, with an upright at each end of the wall. For example, if you're creating seven panels, you'll need eight uprights.
To work out the spacing:
- Multiply the width of each upright by the total number of uprights.
- Subtract that figure from the overall width of the wall.
- Divide the remaining measurement by the number of panels.
This gives the width of each panel. Use these measurements to mark the position of every upright across the wall before moving on to the next stage. Taking a few extra minutes here can save time later and help you achieve a more balanced, professional-looking finish.
2) Cut, stick and level
Once your measurements are marked out, you can start cutting and fixing the battens in place. Before making each cut, measure the required length with a measuring tape, mark it clearly with a pencil, then use a square to create a straight cut line.
An 18V ONE+™ HP Cordless One Handed Circular Saw helps you make clean, accurate cuts with less effort. Once cut, lightly hand sand the edges to remove any saw marks. Just be careful not to sand too much, as this can round off the edges and affect the finished look.
For the easiest installation, start with the bottom batten. Then work along the wall, fixing the upright battens from one corner to the other, including the uprights at each end. Finish by fitting the top batten.
Follow these steps for each batten:
- Apply adhesive to the back of the batten using the 18V ONE+™ Cordless Caulking Gun.
- Position the batten against the wall using your guide marks, then check it's level before fixing it in place.
- Once you're happy with the position, use the 18V ONE+™ Cordless 18 Gauge Nailer to secure the batten while the adhesive sets.
Taking a steady, methodical approach now will help keep your spacing consistent and make the finished panelling look neat and balanced.
3) Finish and transform
The final step is all about turning your hard work into a finished feature wall. A little extra time here will help you achieve a smoother finish and make your panelling stand out for all the right reasons.
Filling and sanding
Start by filling any nail holes, joints or small gaps with wood filler. Once the filler has fully dried, lightly sand the surface until it's smooth and level. The 18V ONE+™ Cordless Random Orbit Sander makes it easy to create an even finish with less effort, helping you prepare the panels for painting.
For gaps between the battens and the wall or other surfaces, use decorator’s caulk, particularly where the wall is slightly uneven. Caulk helps create a neat, flexible finish around the edges. Do not sand the caulk once it has dried. When switching from adhesive to caulk, swap the cartridge in the caulking gun.
Priming and painting
Next comes the transformation. Apply an MDF primer using a brush and mini roller, making sure you cover the surface evenly.
Once the primer is dry, use a mini roller to apply your chosen paint colour. Use a small brush to paint around edges and corners where the battens meet the wall.
Depending on the colour you've chosen, you may need to apply more than one coat to achieve a consistent finish. Once the paint has dried, step back and admire your work.
DIY wall panelling FAQs
Is DIY wall panelling suitable for beginners?
Yes. Wall panelling is a project that many DIY beginners can tackle with confidence. The key is to measure carefully, plan your layout and take the installation one step at a time. With the right tools and a little patience, you can create a professional-looking feature wall without specialist experience.
How long does wall panelling take to install?
The time it takes depends on the size of your wall and the complexity of your design. For most feature walls, allow a full weekend to measure, install and paint your panelling. Taking your time at each stage will help you achieve a neater, more professional-looking finish.
What colour should I paint my wall panelling?
The right colour depends on the look you're trying to create. If you're not sure where to start, darker green shades are a popular choice for feature walls, adding depth and character without overwhelming the room. For a lighter, more contemporary look, soft neutrals can help create a bright and spacious feel.
Transform your next project with RYOBI® tools
Your DIY wall panel installation project is complete. What started as a blank wall is now a stylish feature that's full of character and completely your own.
With the right preparation, the right approach and the right tools, updating your home can be easier than you think. Explore the full range of RYOBI® tools and discover what's possible in your next DIY project.
Whatever's next on your list, RYOBI® has the tools to help you tackle it with confidence. You've got this.