Wall panelling with boards or panels gives a warm and natural look. To achieve a clean finish you need the right type of materials and the right quantities. This guide walks through what you need from calculation to purchase.
Wall panelling comes in many variants: MDF panels, solid wood panels, particleboard with a veneer, or solid timber boards. MDF is affordable and easy to paint, while real wood adds more character but requires treatment. Consider the moisture level in the room and whether you want a painted or natural finish. Your choice affects both price and the material list.
Measure the wall area in square metres (or square feet) and subtract windows and doors. Panels are typically sold by area or linear length. Calculate the number of panels based on their width and effective coverage (minus overlap). Allow for off-cuts around corners and openings. For the subframe: battens are usually spaced every 40–60 cm (16–24 in), so calculate the total linear length of battens from the wall height and number of rows.
You will need: battens (typically 19 × 45 mm or 19 × 69 mm) for the subframe, screws for the battens (e.g. 4 × 50 mm), packing shims for levelling, panels or boards, adhesive or screws for the panels, edge strips and finishing profiles, and sealant or caulk if necessary. Add 5–10 % extra for off-cuts. Use the construction material list to gather everything in MyPlanDIY.
Many people buy too few materials because they don't account for off-cuts. Others use battens that are too thin or space them too far apart, resulting in an uneven surface. Forgetting packing shims on uneven walls can cause the panels to bow. Make sure the battens are level and straight, and let the panels acclimatise in the room before installation.
Create a project in MyPlanDIY and add all materials to your material list. Once you have quotes you can fill in prices and get a budget overview. Generate a printable shopping list for the hardware store. Also see the material list, printable shopping list and deck calculator for other calculation tools.
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