How to Install Wood Paneling on Interior Walls Lacking Furring Strips
When you need an attractive substitute for your masonry walls, cinder block walls, or brick walls, wood paneling can be an ideal option for you. The paneling offers an appealing and cost-effective way of enhancing unfinished interior walls in various spaces such as basements or garages. Their ease of installation means that you can fit them on walls that have no furring strips. Because of their versatility, the panels can be stained, painted, or left in their original condition to suit different decorating needs. This article highlights the steps for installing wood paneling on concrete walls that have no furring strips.
Prepare the Wall -- Remove all debris, dirt, and dust from the concrete wall before installing the wood paneling. When you clean the wall, you enhance the bonding strength between it and the panel. Use interior caulking to fill all holes and cracks on the wall. It is recommended to use acrylic or high-grade latex materials for sealing these cracks and holes. Caulking material offers insulation and protects the wall against pests and corrosive substances.
Apply Sealants -- In order to prevent moisture penetration, and to enhance insulation, apply a sealant on the concrete wall. When a sealant is not applied, the concrete wall can absorb moisture, which weakens or warps the wood paneling. To reduce the cost of installing the sealant, you can use a paint roller or garden sprayer to apply the sealant yourself.
Applying the Paneling Adhesive -- Most manufacturers pack adhesives in tubes that can fit into a standard caulk gun when applying the glue. Avoid cheap wood panels that can form unattractive smudges when some adhesives bleed through them. Always read the manufacturer instructions about the wood paneling to determine the appropriate adhesive. Also remember never to use all-purpose glue on panels. Apply the adhesive evenly to the back of the panels after cutting the wood to required lengths.
Installing Wood Paneling -- Place the wood paneling next to the wall and use your hands to press into the right position. When you need to place additional sections of the panel, a level can come in handy. Most panels come with tongue and groove joints for seamless installation. With these joints, different sections of the panel fit right into each other. Remember to wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and an apron when using a power tool to cut the panel to the right size. Also, remember to cut the panel less than an inch shorter than the height of your wall so that its bottom side does not reach the floor. Doing this ensures that the wood paneling does not absorb water and dampness from the floor. Since the adhesive takes a long time to dry, you should apply lumps of hot wood glue to hold the panels in position.
For more information on building supplies, contact local professionals.
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