The secret to great wall panelling

What are your wall panelling options?

There is a wide variety of wall panelling options which cater to different styles, preferences, and functional needs. From a practical perspective, some wall panels can enhance your room’s insulation, reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency, while acoustic panels also help in sound absorption, creating a quieter and more comfortable environment.

• Timber wall panelling includes natural wood panels – think pine, oak, and cedar, or engineered wood for those on a budget. Reclaimed wood panelling is another budget-friendly choice.
• MDF offers a cost-effective and versatile alternative and can be painted or finished in various styles. MDF is commonly used for wainscoting, decorative panels, and full wall coverings.
• Acrylic and PVC panels are waterproof and come in a variety of colours and styles. PVC typically comes with tongue-and-groove fittings for straightforward installation and tends to be cheaper.
• Fabric and acoustic panels are designed for sound absorption, ideal for home theatres, studios, or noisy areas.

How to DIY your own bespoke wall panelling

Hardware stores and other retailers in Australia stock both pre-made and custom wall panelling options, however, you can create a bespoke look with a little DIY – or the help of a handyman.

Materials:

• Timber moulding
• Pencil
• Measuring tape
• Heavy duty stapler
• Staples
• Adhesive
• Hammer
• Saw
• Mitre box
• Filler
• Paint & paint brush
• Paint tray & roller

Steps:

• Decide on your desired wall pattern (for example, large squares or herringbone) and measure the space accordingly. Precise measurements ensure a professional-looking result.
• Start with the longest line, marking angles and cutting timber pieces to size. Secure the moulding to the wall using adhesive, ensuring it dries securely. Use a handheld stapler to reinforce, spacing staples evenly for stability.
• Once secured, sand any protruding staples and fill any gaps between timber pieces with filler. This step guarantees a polished finish for painting.
• Select your preferred colour and paint the feature wall accordingly. Depending on the original wall colour and desired hue, multiple coats may be necessary for optimal coverage.

How a tradie can help

For Lara and Pete, having some hands-on help was the key to getting a great result with their eye-catching, hand-crafted wall panels.

“We leaned on him a lot as he knew what sort of materials were available with the short turnaround we had and he said he could bring the inspiration image we liked best to life.

Working in collaboration, Lara said she took on most of the responsibility when it came to colour choices.

“I went off to Bunnings and grabbed paint samples of colours that would work in the space and made the decision between painting the whole wall one colour, or two separate colours – and which half would be which.

“Overall, having our tradie was extremely helpful with this project and we probably wouldn’t have done it if we didn’t find him. He gave us great advice on where to stop and start the top and bottom panels – we used different scalloped sizes. He was also helpful with things like the trims on the window architrave – the things that are all foreign to Pete and I!”