Can You Put Sheetrock Over Paneling? (Find Out Now!)

Wood paneling was a popular option for homes in the 1970s and 1980s, but today is a dated look. Many homeowners prefer the appearance of smooth drywall compared to wood grain paneling. Updating your interior space can not only make you happier at home, but it can increase the value of your home. Unfortunately, removing wood paneling can be extremely time-consuming and expensive.

It is possible to install sheetrock directly over wood paneling, pending the paneling is in good condition. Adding drywall to your wood paneling can not only give you an updated look, but it is cheap and relatively quick to complete. A homeowner can add sheetrock to wood paneling in just a weekend with limited and essential tools.

Of course, adding drywall to your existing wood paneling will increase the thickness of your walls, which means additional accommodations are needed for the fixtures and electrical components. Not only will you have to re-measure and cut your molding and trim, but you’ll also need to upgrade your outlet boxes and light switches to an extended box design.

Luckily, these accommodations are easy to do, and many big-box home improvement stores carry the necessary supplies for you to complete your project.

Hanging sheetrock over paneling is a wonderful idea to help update your room. Removing wood paneling can be extremely labor and time-intensive and can take even longer if your wood paneling is held in place with glue and nails. Plus, removing and disposing of wood paneling is costly and can be a messy process. Adding sheetrock directly over your wood paneling can help save you time and money. Plus, adding the sheetrock over your paneling can give you the bonus of some additional insulation and soundproofing in your room.

It is possible to sheetrock over wood paneling, pending your paneling is in good shape. You want to ensure that your sheetrock has something substantial to adhere to and that the paneling is not deteriorating. Ensure that the structure of the wood paneling is in good condition.

If you notice cracking, chipping, or flaking, your paneling may not be in the best condition. Further, if your paneling shows any signs of mold or mildew, do not sheetrock over the paneling. Adding sheetrock to the molded paneling will trap mold and mildew in a dark area, allowing it to spread further. Eventually, mold and mildew will penetrate and destroy your new sheetrock.

Adding sheetrock to your wood paneling can help give you an updated look with smooth walls, but sheetrock is a heavy expense. Plan on spending about $2 per square foot to install the drywall. After you calculate the labor and material, this cost comes out to about $70 per panel. In a standard size room that is 12 x 12, you can expect to use about 18 sheetrock panels, which will cost about $1,300.

Some conditions within your home may cause the price to fluctuate. Be sure to also account for the cost of:

Applying new drywall over existing wood paneling will add thickness to your walls, making it impossible to use the old electrical outlets and switches. You’ll find with the added sheetrock that your junction boxes are now about ¼ inch too short. You will need to buy extension boxes for your outlets. These boxes are readily available from most large hardware or home improvement stores. Adding an extension box will ensure your electrical outlets and light switches will fit flat against the finished wall.

Related Questions

What cheaper options do I have to cover my wood paneling?

Wood paneling was once a popular option for people, but today is not the most desirable look to have in your house. Installing drywall over wood paneling can be expensive and very labor-intensive. Luckily, alternative options can still give you an updated look with much less time and effort.Many people choose to paint over wood paneling. Simply remove dust and dirt before painting. The ridges in the paneling can give the paint a fun texture and sometimes even look like wallpaper!

What is an easy way to find studs without a stud finder?

When hanging drywall, you must find the studs inside the wall to ensure you properly secure the sheetrock to a stud. However, buying a stud finder can be expensive, and not everyone is willing to make the investment in a new specialty tool. Studs can be easy to find, especially if you can see the original nail holes through the wood paneling.Because you will soon cover the wood paneling, mark the ceiling where at least one nail line falls, indicating a stud. Usually, studs are spaced every 16 inches, so with a quick measurement across your wall, you will be able to locate where the studs are without an expensive stud finder.