Walls with wood trim applied to the edges or around doors, windows, and other architectural details are most commonly referred to as paneled walls. The wood trim serves both decorative and functional purposes, adding visual interest while also concealing joints between walls, ceilings, and floors. While there are many types of paneled walls, some of the most popular wood trims used are:
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Wainscoting
Wainscoting refers to wood paneling applied to the lower portion of walls in a home, usually from the floor to chair-rail height (about 30-60 inches high). It serves to protect the lower part of walls from scuffs and everyday wear and tear. Wainscoting originated in the 17th century and was made from oak originally. Today, it may be constructed from any type of wood like pine, cedar, mahogany, etc. The panels of wainscoting can have raised or recessed profiles and may have decorative trim pieces or molding around the edges and joints.
Chair rails
Chair rails are a type of decorative trim applied horizontally to walls around 30-60 inches above the floor. They are named such because their original purpose was to protect walls from being scuffed by the backs of chairs. Chair rails form visual separation between lower and upper wall sections and are often used in conjunction with wainscoting to frame paneled walls. They offer a simple means of adding elegant visual detailing. Chair rail moldings are traditionally made from wood but can also be made from PVC, polystyrene foam, or other materials today.
Beadboard
Beadboard refers to walls paneled with boards that have small parallel grooves cut into them at regular intervals. The grooves resemble beads, giving the boards their name. Beadboard paneling imparts a casual, cottage-like look and is a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and other high-moisture areas thanks to its durability. It can be made from various woods but pine and cedar beadboard are common. Beadboard panels are usually 4 feet by 8 feet and attached vertically to walls and ceilings with paneling nails. Quarter-round or other trim moldings fill the seams between panels.
Tongue and groove
Tongue and groove paneling consists of wooden boards with protruding “tongues” along one edge that fit into corresponding “grooves” in the adjacent board. This interlocking design conceals seams and gaps between boards for a flush, smooth panel wall. Tongue and groove paneling comes in various wood species like oak, pine, cedar, etc. It can have square edges or cove, rounded “V-groove” edges. Tongue and groove walls with V-groove panels have a distinctive striped appearance. This type of panels are commonly used for interior walls and ceilings in residential and commercial settings.
Shiplap
Shiplap refers to wooden boards with rabbet edges that overlap to form flush joints without exposed seams. The name comes from its use as exterior siding on wooden ships and boats. For walls, shiplap boards are applied horizontally with the upper board overlapping the one below. Screws secure the boards along the studs. Shiplap provides a clean, smooth wall surface with subtle lines between boards. It has a casual, rustic aesthetic and is often used in farmhouse style homes. Shiplap is commonly made from pine but cedar and other woods can also be used.
Board and batten
Board and batten is a type of vertical siding made up of wide wooden boards with narrow wood strips, or “battens”, covering the seams between them. This creates a rustic striped pattern, with the battens providing decorative contrast. Board and batten paneling can be made from various woods – commonly pine, cedar or cypress. For interior walls, the boards are usually 1×6 or 1×8 and battens are 1×2 or 1×3. It is widely used in cottages, ranches, and country-style homes. Board and batten paneling offers a more hand-crafted, rustic look compared to typical tongue and groove panels.
MDF or plywood panels
In addition to solid wood, walls can also be paneled using manmade composite wood products like medium density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood. Prefinished panels made from these come in standard sizes and various profile shapes. They simply adhere directly to walls with construction adhesive or nails. The main advantage of MDF and plywood panels is cost – they are generally cheaper than solid wood options. However, solid woods offer more durability and ability to be refinished.
Types of Wood Trim Profiles
In addition to different arrangements, paneled walls may incorporate various decorative wood trim and molding profiles:
Flat trim
Simple, flat wood strips used to frame wainscoting, chair rails, or field panels.
Corner trim
Flat or profiled wood strips covering outside corners where walls meet.
Cove molding
Concave shaped trim used where walls and ceiling meet. Softer appearance than crown molding.
Crown molding
Elaborately decorative molding accenting the tops of walls. More formal look than cove molding.
Picture rail molding
Installed partway up walls to hang framed artwork from by hook or wire. Adds visual detail.
Baseboard trim
Flat, simple trim covering the joint between walls and floor. Protects from scuffs and hides gaps.
Base shoe molding
Smaller trim between baseboard and floor. Covers gaps and provides subtle accent line.
Quarter round
Thin, rounded molding fitting into inside corners to cover panel seams and gaps.
Casing
Trim molding surrounding doors, windows, and openings. Frames them within walls visually.
Benefits of Paneled Walls
Below are some of the benefits that make paneled walls with wood trims a popular wall treatment option for both homes and commercial spaces:
- Adds visual interest and architectural detailing
- Conceals unsightly wall flaws, joints, seams
- Contributes warmth and natural texture
- Protects and hides wear around doors, windows, and base
- Available in styles from elegant to casual rustic
- Can use real wood or low-cost composite wood products
- Trim can match or provide contrast to wall color
Installing Wood Wall Panels
There are some basic steps to follow when installing wood paneling on walls:
1. Planning and measuring
– Map out panel layout on each wall according to your design.
– Take measurements and calculate how many panels you will need.
– Buy panels allowing 5-10% extra for waste and errors.
2. Preparing the wall
– Walls need to be smooth, clean, and dry before installing panels.
– Patch any holes or flaws with spackle; sand smooth when dry.
– Prime walls if needed per panel manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Installing panels
– Apply adhesive to back of panels with caulking gun if using construction adhesive.
– Fasten panels using finish nails or screws, making sure edges line up.
– Pre-drill holes to prevent wood from splitting.
– Place panels with attractive side facing outwards.
4. Finishing touches
– Install any trim pieces, moldings, wainscoting frames etc.
– Use wood filler in any gaps, then sand smooth when dry.
– Finish with paint/stain if desired.
– Apply protective polyurethane for durability.
Following the manufacturer’s specific installation instructions closely will ensure your project goes smoothly and safely. Take care around electrical systems and plumbing.
Costs of Wood Panel Walls
The costs of installing wood paneled walls will depend on factors like:
- Type of wood (hardwoods cost more than softwoods)
- Solid wood vs. plywood or MDF
- Labor rates in your area
- Amount of trim/moldings
- Special tools/materials needed
- Wall prep work required
- Overall scope of the project
As a rough estimate, wood panel wall installation costs range from $6-20 per square foot including materials and professional installation. The average homeowner spends around $2,000-4,000 for wood paneling in a typical 10’x10′ room.
Conclusion
Walls finished with decorative wood panels and trim have long provided beauty, protection, and visual interest in homes. From refined wainscoting to casual shiplap, wood paneled walls offer design versatility to suit any style. By understanding the most common wood panel wall types and installation process, you can determine the best option to achieve the look you want within your budget.