Add decorative wall panelling

Materials

• Straight timber, MDF strips or moulding suited to the room
• Compatible adhesive and substrate-appropriate fixings where required
• Filler, paintable caulk and primer
• Finish paint with enough coverage for the measured area

Tools

• Tape measure, pencil, spacing template and long level
• Cable, pipe and stud detector used as an aid
• Suitable guarded saw with the correct blade and dust extraction
• Drill-driver and hand tools matched to the fixing system
• Filling, sanding and painting kit

Preparation

1. Measure the wall in several places and note sockets, switches, radiators and skirting.
2. Confirm the wall is dry, stable and compatible with the proposed adhesive or fixings.
3. Tape the full pattern on the wall and balance the end margins before cutting.
4. Check likely service routes and choose a method that avoids uncertain drilling or nailing.

Safety

• Keep guards and extraction fitted and get competent instruction before using an unfamiliar cutting or nailing tool.
• Do not drill or nail where a cable, pipe or wall condition is uncertain.
• Do not sand or cut suspected asbestos, lead coatings or unexplained board material.

Steps

1. Measure the whole wall

   Record several width and height measurements and every obstruction that affects the layout.

2. Set out and tape the layout

   Choose proportions, mark a true level and adjust the bays until both ends feel balanced.

3. Prepare the wall and strips

   Clean and repair the stable surface, then cut, label, seal and dry-fit every strip.

   Safety checkpoint: Stop if the wall is damp, unstable or the safe fixing route is unclear.

4. Fix from the reference line

   Use the compatible system as directed and recheck level and spacing as it grips.

5. Fill, prime and paint

   Fill stable joints, control sanding dust, prime bare edges and apply the specified finish system.

Professional checkpoints

• Use a competent professional where the wall, hidden services, structural condition or tool method cannot be confirmed.

Visual guidance

Level: recommended · Format: finish-preview

An illustrative image can help compare the look. Check exact widths and clearances in the full panelling workflow before cutting.

Illustration brief (conceptual only): Use an illustrative panelling image to compare the style. It is not a measured fit on the user's wall; the full panelling workflow handles measured layout.

Panelling style options

• Classic picture-frame

  Quiet detail

  Slim mouldings arranged in balanced rectangles. Elegant and shallow enough for smaller rooms.

  30–40 mm moulding · balanced rectangles

• Shaker half-height

  Most forgiving

  Simple rails and stiles below a top rail. A practical first project that works with most skirting boards.

  70 mm strips · usually 900–1,100 mm high

• Full-height grid

  Bold structure

  A floor-to-ceiling grid that creates a strong architectural feature and rewards careful alignment.

  70–90 mm strips · skirting to ceiling

• Vertical timber slats

  Warm and modern

  Evenly spaced timber slats add warmth and texture. Consistent gaps matter more than perfect walls.

  30–40 mm slats · 15–20 mm gaps

These are style examples. Check your own wall and measurements in the interactive planner.

Explore other guides

• Put up shelves
• Plan a room makeover
• Paint a wall or room

See every guide or describe your own project in the interactive planner.