Wall panelling is one of the simplest ways to give a room a modern, stylish look. It can completely transform plain walls, adding texture and depth — whether you’re after a classic shaker style, contemporary slats, or something bespoke. Here’s how to do it right from the start.
1. Plan Your Layout
Before you start cutting anything, spend some time planning your layout. A well-planned wall makes all the difference to the final look.
- Measure the width and height of your wall carefully.
- Decide on the style and spacing you want — shaker-style squares, vertical battens, or half-wall panelling.
- Use a level and pencil to lightly mark your design on the wall, including panel spacing and heights.
tip: Always check how your spacing looks around sockets, switches, and corners before committing. Adjust your layout slightly if needed so it looks balanced across the wall.
2. Choose the Right Materials
For most interiors, MDF is ideal — it’s smooth, easy to cut, paint, and affordable. For damp areas like bathrooms, use moisture-resistant MDF (MRMDF).
You’ll need:
- MDF strips or sheets cut to your design
- Adhesive (like Gripfill or No More Nails)
- Pins or brad nails
- Filler and caulk
- Primer and paint
If you don’t have access to a table saw, most DIY stores like B&Q or Wickes can cut MDF sheets into strips to your measurements.
3. Prepare Your Wall
Make sure the wall is clean, dry, and free of loose paint.
Fill any big holes and lightly sand the surface so your adhesive bonds properly.
If the wall isn’t perfectly flat, you can use extra adhesive or pins to pull boards tight against it.
tip: If your wall has a strong texture (like heavy artex), it’s worth lining it with thin MDF or hardboard first for a smoother finish.
4. Fix Your Panelling
Start with the top and bottom battens, then fill in the verticals and horizontals according to your layout marks.
- Apply a strong grab adhesive to the back of each piece.
- Press it firmly to the wall and check it’s level.
- Secure with a few pins or brad nails while the adhesive sets.
Work your way along the wall, checking spacing and alignment regularly. Small gaps are fine — they’ll be filled later.
tip: If your walls aren’t square, measure from one consistent side and trim the end pieces slightly to keep everything even.
5. Fill, Caulk & Paint
Once all panels are fixed:
- Fill nail holes and any visible gaps with wood filler.
- Run a bead of decorator’s caulk along all joins and edges for a seamless finish.
- Lightly sand the filled areas smooth once dry.
- Apply a primer before painting to help the paint grip evenly.
Finish with your chosen paint — satin or eggshell finishes work especially well on panelling.
6. The Final Touch
Step back and check your wall from different angles — it should look clean, symmetrical, and well-finished. The crisp lines and shadow effects from the panels will instantly lift the look of your space.
Final Thoughts
Wall panelling is a brilliant way to bring character into your home, and with the right prep and patience, you can achieve a professional finish.
If you’d prefer a bespoke design or professional installation, we can help.
At JP Carpentry & Roofing, we create and fit custom wall panelling, tailored perfectly to your space and style.
📞 Get in touch today for a free quote.
