Looking to transform your home and change the overall aesthetic? DIY stunning wall panels are here to help elevate your renovation. Use the tips below to help transform your tired walls into a dream space to relax and entertain.
Plan It Out
The most important part of a DIY renovation is planning. Preparing a detailed plan of how you want the room to look is key to success. During the planning phase, you’ll want to take your time, and carefully consider all your options. When beginning to plan your dream room, the first step is to measure every wall length and height, taking into account any windows, doors, and fixtures like sockets, light switches, and built-in furniture. If you have any alcoves or unusual wall areas, be sure to double-check the dimensions, this will ensure you have the correct measurements later.
Once you have the measurements, it is time to draw out the floor plan. It doesn’t need to be fancy, simply use a ruler and pen to mark out a scaled-down version of the room. The best scale to use is 1:48, which simply means that each 1” on the drawing is 48” or 4’ in real life.
Consider Your Options
Once you have your floor plan, it is time to consider your paneling options. Parkland Performance offers durable PLAS-TEX® Polywall Wall Panels that are 4’x8’ or 4’x10’, however, they can also be cut down to create the right size for your design.
Perhaps you’re wanting a wainscot design, which gives the appearance of wooden planks on the lower part of the room. PolyMax WAINSCOT® from Parkland Performance, you can save time and money. The attractive finished white tongue and groove planks are ready for installation as is, plus they’re reversible! Each section can be used to create a different look with either 2” groove spacing or 3” groove spacing. They’re also paintable should you not want the finished white look. These planks are available in 3 packs of 6”x96” or 6 packs of 6”x36”. Along with the traditional dining room and living room applications, these waterproof planks are perfect for areas where dampness or humidity might be a concern.
Decide on a Design
Now that you know what options are available, it is time to consider how you want the room to look. After all, wall panels have a seam between them, creating a unique look. Think of how wide you want the panels to be, and consider if you will need to cut the paneling to fit or utilize the standard sizing. Remember to consider the positions of outlets, switches and other wall items when choosing where to start and end panels. This is also when you should consider the finishes of the room, such as moldings, chair rails and baseboards. These are all elements that can help tie together wall panels to create a cohesive finish.
Another consideration is symmetry, often a room can feel bigger and brighter when the panels on opposite walls mirror each other. Once you have decided on your design, use your plan to order the panels you need. The Parkland Performance panels mentioned above are available online and at many Home Depot, Lowe’s and Menards retail stores.
Preparing the Room
Once you have your measurements and design and have ordered your panels, it is time to prepare for installation. First, make sure to clean the substrate thoroughly from dirt and grime. Then mark out the design in the room itself. Use a tape measure and pencil to mark where the vertical and horizontal end of each panel will be. Remember to include expansion room at the top, bottom and sides of each panel. This will help keep things moving quickly once you begin the installation. A laser leveler can be a helpful tool for this process, especially in older houses.
Once you have the panels on site, make sure to have them laying flat for at least 24 hours in a dry area. This will eliminate any bends that occurred during transport so the edges will be straight when they are installed.
Installation
Always follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s website for installing any specialized paneling. For Parkland Performance panels, be sure to use the recommended adhesive and application method for both the panel type and the substrate. Once you have applied your adhesive, carefully apply the panel, then use a wallpaper roller to apply even pressure across the entire panel. This will ensure a strong, continuous bond. Then, remove any excess with a clean cloth for a clean application. The final step is to add caulking between the seams and any molding details.
Using wall panels can help you give new life to a room in your home or office. Use the tips above to help with the DIY process as you tailor your design to meet your aesthetic preferences.
Parkland Performance
Parkland Performance offers a range of environmentally friendly wall panels that are the ideal solutions for your interior needs. Contact Parkland Performance on their website, or speak to an expert at 800-835-4110 to have any of your questions answered.