NEED TO KNOW

HOW IS PANELLING FITTED?

If damp is an issue, a building surveyor or architect will assess whether any preliminary treatment is needed before the panels can be fitted. Installation comes at the end of a project, after the dirty, dusty jobs are complete. Gamble says, ‘In many cases, the panel mouldings will be fitted directly onto the walls; this is the best method for fixing and space saving.’ Where pipework needs to be hidden, like in bathrooms, a batten may be needed. The wall should be smooth and strong enough to carry the weight of the panel; the softer the surface, the more fixing points needed. Prefabricated acoustic panels are quick and easy to install – cut them to the right size using a handsaw and glue, or screw them to the wall. Panels can be oiled or varnished after staining to make them water-resistant, which is most practical for bathrooms.

Hughes says, ‘Try not to use glues that last forever, because the only way to then remove the wood is to splinter it off. If you get some simple, nice screws, they can also look good if they punctuate the timber.’

WHO CAN DO IT FOR YOU?

Installing traditional wood panelling usually requires the expertise of a skilled carpenter. Madeley says many of The English Panelling Company’s customers fit their MDF panels themselves, but those less confident in DIY will typically use a builder or handyman, as a fully skilled carpenter is not essential in the vast majority of cases. ➤