Are you thinking of creating an artsy atmosphere in your house? How to install beadboard on the walls? Beadboard is known to bring a touch of elegance to most rooms.
It is an excellent choice for your walls because it makes any room look stylish. While beadboard has been used in the past to cover up exposed wall studs, it has become a very popular wall covering choice for many homeowners.
When installing beadboard molding on the walls, it is necessary to know some basics information. Here we will walk you about beadboard trim work, how to install beadboard, Its benefits, and some faqs.
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How to Install Beadboard
Installing beadboard may involve several different techniques depending on the size of the beadboard, how it’s mounted and whether it’s already painted or unfinished wood plank.
In this article, we discuss how to install beadboard, and show you some easy techniques to get that professionally installed look without hiring expensive contractors.
Tools Needed:
When you work with beadboard molding, you don’t need a lot of tools. In fact, most homeowners can get by with just a few basic items.
- Miter saw
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Wood Glue
- Coping saw
- caulk
Follow this step-by-step guide to install beadboard on the wall.
Step 1: Prepare the wall
To prepare the wall for the beadboard trim panel, simply remove and discard any baseboard or casings. If the walls are unfinished and full of drywall sanding dust, it’s a good idea to clean them before you start installing beadboard.
Step 2-Measure and mark
Measure the length of the beadboard you need, then mark the measurements on the wall with a pencil. Start in one corner of the room and measure up to where you want to start placing your beadboard panel. Use a level to make sure your measurements are straight.
Another way to mark the beadboard trim is to use chalk lines. This method is handy if you want an even, straight line that goes all the way across the wall. To do this, position one end of the chalk box against one corner of your room and carefully pull the string until it is taut, then snap the chalk line all the way across to the other corner. After you’ve marked the panel for length, use your level (or chalk box) to mark a height that is plumb (straight up and down).
Step 3: Cut beadboard to size
Now it’s time to cut your beadboard panel to length and width. Using a steady grip on the miter saw, carefully make the cut. You may have to cut through nails or staples in some cases, so take great care not to slip and cause damage to an interior wall or window frame. You should always wear safety glasses when operating power saws.
After you’ve made your cuts trim pieces, use the coping saw to cut around any outlets. While you could use a jigsaw as well, the coping saw allows for a more delicate cut.
Step 4: Place beadboard on wall
Now that you’ve cut your beadboard down to the correct size, it’s time to put it on the wall. You can use a level or chalk line to make sure you have a straight and even line. Then, apply a thin layer of construction adhesive along the back of one piece of beadboard sheets and press it firmly onto the wall. Once that piece is secure, apply a thin layer of glue to the back of another panel and press it against the first panel so it forms an edge flush with the other adjacent panel.
Make sure there is no gap between panels and your beadboard fits tightly and snugly together for a better-finished look.
Step 5: Finishing Nail
Now it is time to nail your beadboard in place. You can choose to hand-nail the panels or use a brad nailer with 1-1/4″ nails. It’s best to drive three nails along with each stud for secure installation. If you have access to an air compressor, you can use a brad nailer instead of hand nailing, which is faster and easier.
Step 6: Caulk edges of the beadboard
After you’ve finished gluing down all of your beadboard, use a thin layer of caulk to seal the edges. This ensures a neat and finished appearance while also preventing any gaps from forming between panels.
Step 7: Fill nail holes
Finally, use filler or spackle to fill in any small nail holes that you missed when cutting your beadboard panels down to size. After the filler dries, add a thin layer of paint to the trim to completely finish off your beadboard installation.
That’s it! Seven easy steps that anyone can follow to install a professional-looking beadboard panel on their wall.
Safety Precautions When Installing beadboard:
When you work on DIY beadboard tasks or any work, then safety must be the first priority. Always remember that safety comes first.
Working with power and hand tools can be dangerous if not used properly. To avoid accidents, use proper care and precautions during the installation of beadboard panelling on your wall. Here are few precautionary measures to follow while installing beadboard on walls:
- Don’t wear loose clothing. If your clothing gets caught in the power tool, it may pull you towards the machine and cause accidents.
- Use all necessary protective equipment like safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from any damage while operating power tools or machines on beadboard installation on the wall. Secure mounting of beadboard panels starts with nailing directly into wood studs.
- To avoid splitting, be sure to use thin beads of adhesive along the length of each panel so that it can flex easily when bumped or knocked.
- Be sure to caulk any gaps between panels and the wall for a more finished look that will conceal the beadboard seams.
- While installing on walls, keep in mind that not all power tools are suitable for large or heavy-duty items like beadboard.
- Always follow the usage instructions provided with your machine for proper handling and operation of the tool to avoid accidents while using it.
- Avoid bending of nails by cutting off heads before driving them into stud finder.
- Don’t operate a power tool unless you are well-trained and skilled to do the work properly and safely.
- When using a coping saw, always use a saw blade guard for safety.
Working on beadboard paneling can be accomplished by following simple instructions given in this article like how to install beadboard on the walls.
Benefits of Install Beadboard on The Walls:
There are many benefits of having beadboard installed on the wall. Some of them are mentioned below:
Wall Paneling:
Beadboard is one of the most versatile and decorative wall panels. Installing beadboard on the walls can be done to improve your home’s looks, save time and money by improving DIY projects around the house.
Durable:
Unlike hardwood or plastic, beadboard is made from flexible wood that won’t crack, chip or dent.
Easy to Install:
Beadboard is a lot easier to work with than hardwood and other wall paneling options. There are no special tools needed for installation on walls.
Versatile:
Beadboard has been around for centuries and can be used for a wide range of home DIY projects from kitchen backsplashes to bathroom tile.
Budget-friendly:
One of the biggest benefits of beadboard is how inexpensive it can be compared to other wall paneling options like hardwood or even plywood.
Low Maintenance:
As long as you keep your beadboard clean and free from debris, you won’t have to worry about chipping or peeling. Beadboard is finished with multiple coats of paint that continue to protect the paneling for years on end.
Some FAQ’s About Install Beadboard
Does the beadboard need to be glued?
Yes, the beadboard need to be wood glue. It’s best to use thin beads of adhesive across the full length of each panel so that it can flex easily when bumped or knocked.
Can beadboard be used for ceilings?
Yes, beadboard can be installed on ceilings to give it a traditional look. Not only that but beadboard gives your ceilings an attractive finish that adds warmth to the room.
What type of tools are used for installation?
There are a number of power & hand tools required for the installation of beadboard on walls. Some of the tools include: hammer, crowbar, pencil, measuring tape, stud finder, circular saw with a plywood blade, cordless drill with mixing paddle bit, and paint brushes.
Can you put beadboard over drywall?
Yes, beadboard can be installed over drywall. It’s important to use wall adhesive for this type of installation. There are three different types of wall adhesive that can be used for beadboard – construction, tile, or high performance.
Do you glue or nail wainscoting?
Both nailing and gluing are acceptable methods of securing wainscoting. However, it’s often easier to cut nails from a power tool. The same goes for gluing beadboard to the wall but it’s usually easier to use an adhesive spray for this type of job.
Do you paint beadboard before installing?
Yes, you should always paint the beadboard before installing it on the walls. In most cases, this type of paneling is installed with semi-gloss paint.
Conclusion:
Install beadboard on the walls as a wall paneling option to improve your home’s appearance and save time and money by using it for DIY projects around your house. It’s a versatile, durable, and affordable option that is easier to work with than other wall paneling options. I hope you enjoyed this article on how to install beadboard on walls.
