8 Types of Wood Panels

Before drywall became popular, many homeowners used wood paneling. They used wood paneling to decorate their walls and protect them from any damage. Today, wood paneling comes in a variety of styles, making it a versatile option for many designs. With so many types of wood panels to choose from, it’s best to know your options before making a final decision.

Different types of wood panels include reclaimed wood, shiplap, tongue and groove, and board and batten. Wood paneling provides a distinct design element and also provides insulating qualities to a room. Other types of wood panels are beadboard, raised or flat panels, and tile board panels. Using wood paneling provides warmth to your design and adds organic elements to your space.

Whether you have a modern or traditional property, wood paneling can bring style to any interior space. If you’re considering using wood paneling in your home you should consider the ways to use wood paneling. Also, consider all of the types of wood panels, the pros and cons, and the ways to use it for your interior design.

Reclaimed wood is popular in both offices and households. Reclaimed wood is processed from its original workings. You can find reclaimed from timbers, old decks, warehouses, coal mines, or wine barrels.

The majority of recycled paneling we see today is reclaimed wood and comes from buildings in both the USA and France. People mostly use antique reclaimed wood for decorating and when building homes. For example, you will likely see reclaimed wood in siding, furniture, flooring, etc.

The process of what reclaimed wood goes through before it’s ready for purchase is very detailed. It goes through initial research, inspection, and quality checks. It also undergoes removal of wood segments, removal of nails, sanding for lumber, and finally storage and shipment.

Reclaimed wood is a great way to achieve a rustic look. For example, consider reclaimed barn wood, that is sanded at a minimal level. You can use this panel to create a weathered look that gives your home a beautiful aesthetic appeal.

Beadboard is a style of paneling that uses a series of thin, raised strips of wood that combine to make a panel. When using headboard panels, you can paint or stain them to match your vision.

If you paint them in blue or greens it will give your home a country feel. You can find beadboard paneling in solid oak, pine, wood composite, fir, and cedar. A popular place to install beadboard is mostly below seating rails. However, you can also find it on ceilings.

Flat paneling is very popular in craft rooms or dining rooms. It can be a lengthier project as you have to start from the baseboard and build it up. You place a piece of paneling horizontally, then vertically, then add the top rail and cap.

Not only does flat paneling look great, but you can also use it to cover up any damage or textured walls. Flat paneling is similar to the raised panel, except it is not using raised-shaped paneling.

Instead, it uses thin pieces of wood that fill in gaps. Flat paneling is also typically less expensive than raised paneling.

Tile board paneling is a very interesting option for wood paneling. This design makes the wood look like porcelain tile. These tile joints are very easy to install and can be a great DIY project.

The smaller the size panel you use, the more frames you will need, which will increase the amount of labor. It is best to use tile board paneling on half of your wall, rather than an entire wall in your kitchen or living room. For example, this would work great acting as a backsplash, just made sure to add a watertight seal.

If you’re still up in the air in choosing what wood paneling would be perfect for your home, don’t worry about their dated appearances. Wood paneling comes in so many styles now and can easily be created to look modern and not outdated.

You should know that there are many paint colors, wood options, and sealing products that can protect your wood. Before purchasing, go through your checklist to ensure that you have everything you need to keep your panels in great shape.

What’s even greater, is that if you decide you want to change the interior design of your space, they can easily be adjusted and fixed with another design or color. By giving your panels proper maintenance and routine inspections, wood panels can last for many decades to come.

This isn’t even close to prior decades where we didn’t have enough resources to make it last. Whether you choose to make this a DIY project or hire a handyman, your friends will surely be impressed with these designs when entering your home.

Related Questions

What is wainscoting?

For paneling needs, you can use an option called wainscoting. Wainscoting is a decorative panel option that will cover half of your wall while leaving the rest plain or painted one color.You can incorporate wainscoting by having a high-quality panel run from the floor and stopping mid-wall. If you want to have a narrow shelf around its edges, add anywhere from three to six inches of a lip at the top of the paneling. Wainscoting also looks great paired with a brick wall.

How much does wood paneling cost?

The cost of wood panels depends on the style and type of wood that you get. A 32-square foot sheet of wood paneling can cost anywhere from $12 to over $400 (if you get a more exotic species of wood).  You’ll also pay more to install wood panels than drywall, depending on how intricate your design.If you’re planning on a DIY project, but you’re on a budget, you can use plywood. Rather than buying palettes of expensive hardwood, you can even buy a peel-and-stick veneer option and stick it to your plywood.

Can I mix and match different types of wood panels? 

Mixing different pieces of wood with different stains can create a beautiful, eclectic design. A mixture of wood can bring a fresh, new look to an old room.You can also use wood panels in a variety of creative ways beyond your walls. For example, add it to the back of bookshelves, or use it to create an accent wall or focal point.You can also install wood panels on the ceiling to add an elegant or rustic touch to the space. If you don’t want to go for the natural wood look, try painting your paneling.If you decide to paint your paneling, use a good primer and paint and expect to do two to three coats. Painted paneling can look great in dining rooms and even on kitchen cabinets. You can also opt to do a whitewash technique for a more cottage, farmhouse, or shabby chic look.