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How To Install Decorative Wall Panels

4 min read
Published on February 15, 2016

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

Select an accent wall in your home for the application of these decorative wall panels. A very bold design element will be the result. Often it is complementary to install decorative wall panels in an entryway, around a fireplace, or in any other area that will be enhanced by such an attractive wall covering.

See the LL Flooring Wall Decor Page, or check any flooring product's spec details to be sure it is suitable for use on walls.

Looking for accent wall ideas? Options include hardwoods, bamboos, laminates and more. See this selected list of products for use as an accent wall.

TOOLS:

Prior to installation, assemble the following tools and supplies needed for the job:

  • Table saw or miter saw
  • Laser level or bubble level
  • Tape measure
  • LL Flooring floor tape OR polyurethane adhesive
  • Pneumatic 18-gauge nailer
  • Stud finder & chalk line
  • Utility knife or painter's knife
  • Rubber mallet & pry bar

WALL PREPARATION:

  1. Remove the existing trim and electrical outlet covers from the wall area selected to be covered.
  2. Check the flatness of the wall using a level or straight edge. When you hold the level against the wall, there should be no gaps greater than 3/16" over a 6' span.
  3. Scrape off any loose areas of paint with a painter's knife. You can also cover the drywall with 3/8"-thick exterior grade plywood if the wall is in bad shape.
  4. Wipe the wall with a clean cloth to remove any dust.
  5. If the wall is not covered with plywood, decorative wall panels must be nailed to studs for maximum holding. Use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the drywall and mark each location with a chalk line.
  6. Before installing on the wall, place the panels side-by-side on the floor, and arrange them to balance out the color and grain pattern.
  7. Measure the height of the wall space for proper fitting. Wall panels may need to be cut lengthwise to ensure the top and bottom rows are at least 3" high.
  8. Make sure the first and last panel in each row is at least 8" long. Trim if needed.
  9. Use a laser level to create a reference line to make sure the first row is level. A 6' level can also be used to create a level reference line.
  10. Be sure to leave a ½" gap between the panels and the ceiling, floor, and perpendicular walls. This gap will be covered with molding after installation is complete.
  11. Each end panel will need to be trimmed to create a finished, even edge.
  12. Highly recommended: Apply polyurethane adhesive to the back of each panel during installation. If not available, apply LL Flooring wood floor tape to the wall in between the stud locations.
this bathroom features an accent wall of wood look porcelain tile
This bathroom features an accent wall of Cottage Wood Ash Porcelain Tile.

 

WALL PREPARATION:

  1. Remove the existing trim and electrical outlet covers from the wall area selected to be covered.
  2. Check the flatness of the wall using a level or straight edge. When you hold the level against the wall, there should be no gaps greater than 3/16" over a 6' span.
  3. Scrape off any loose areas of paint with a painter's knife. You can also cover the drywall with 3/8"-thick exterior grade plywood if the wall is in bad shape.
  4. Wipe the wall with a clean cloth to remove any dust.
  5. If the wall is not covered with plywood, decorative wall panels must be nailed to studs for maximum holding. Use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the drywall and mark each location with a chalk line.
  6. Before installing on the wall, place the panels side-by-side on the floor, and arrange them to balance out the color and grain pattern.
  7. Measure the height of the wall space for proper fitting. Wall panels may need to be cut lengthwise to ensure the top and bottom rows are at least 3" high.
  8. Make sure the first and last panel in each row is at least 8" long. Trim if needed.
  9. Use a laser level to create a reference line to make sure the first row is level. A 6' level can also be used to create a level reference line.
  10. Be sure to leave a ½" gap between the panels and the ceiling, floor, and perpendicular walls. This gap will be covered with molding after installation is complete.
  11. Each end panel will need to be trimmed to create a finished, even edge.
  12. Highly recommended: Apply polyurethane adhesive to the back of each panel during installation. If not available, apply Lumber Liquidators wood floor tape to the wall in between the stud locations.

 

Get immediate help with your installation!

Don't panic! Our flooring experts are available to point you in the right direction. Chat live online at

www.llflooring.com

PANEL INSTALLATION:

  1. Install the first panel starting at the bottom left corner of the wall area. You will need to cut off the uneven ends of the first panel in each row.
  2. In addition to using glue or tape to adhere the panels to the wall, use a nail gun to nail through the plywood lip along the top edge of each panel, into the studs.
  3. Note: If using adhesive, apply an even bead of glue to the back of the board, using a snake pattern.
  4. Continue installing panels left to right. At each joint of two panels, the variable-length pieces will fit together perfectly.
  5. The last panel in each row will have to be cut to fit. If the leftover piece is 8" or longer it can be used to start the second or subsequent row.
  6. As your installation progresses, occasionally check to make sure each row of panels is level.
  7. Install the second and consecutive rows from left to right. Each row will overlap the backing panel of the previous row.
  8. The last row may need to be cut lengthwise to fit. We recommend the last panel row be at least 3" high.
  9. Install molding around the decorative wall panels. The molding can be fastened to the wall using an 18-gauge pneumatic brad nailer.
  10. Lastly, reinstall the electrical outlet and switch covers after the decorative wall panels have been installed.

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Or reach out to a flooring expert to describe your project: https://www.llflooring.com/support/customer-care/

We would be happy to help.