Meet the Expert: Affordable Decorative Wall Panelling Ideas

John Stynes from Stynes Painting and Decorating shares ideas on inexpensive ways to transform a room's walls with pattern and texture.

Wall panelling is an inexpensive and relatively easy way to bring a sense of style to a room or entry hall.

It’s also a popular way to hide wall imperfections, like wall dents or cracks, or practical when used in conjunction with insulation or used to hide pipes or electrics.

This post explores trending wood panelling ideas and typical costs with John Stynes from Stynes Painting & Decorating.

Tongue & Groove Panelling

Tongue and groove panelling is made from planks with a tongue along one edge and a matching groove on the other. The meeting edges of tongued, grooved and V-jointed are machined to produce a decorative V-shaped profile.

Shiplap panelling is very similar as it has the appearance of a slight gap between planks, but is slightly different in the install, as it has a rebate on the back face, which holds down the covered front edge of the next board.

Tongue and groove panelling is popular in bathrooms and kitchens as there no gap between the board for moisture to collect and looks amazing painted, stained or left as a natural wood finish.

John Stynes says that the price for tongue and groove panelling, supply and labour will vary according to the type of panel and finish.

“The average price for tongue and groove wainscotting, a term used to describe a decorative wood treatment applied to the lower one-third of an interior wall, for labour only, starts from €700 for an entry hall, stairs and landing in a 3-bed home,” says John, who advises that materials for this kind of work are typically priced separately.

John also suggests that decorative panelling can also form part of a wider kitchen makeover such as tongue and groove panels applied in the base of a kitchen island or added to one side of a kitchen's wall.

Raised Wall Panelling

Raised wall panelling can be positioned to create a picture frame look on an interior wall. This is where classic timber inlay moulds are fixed directly to the wall. This process can also be known as false panelling or faux frame panelling.

John advises that there is a range of wall mouldings in various sizes, shapes and styles to suit every property type from small and smooth, to finely intricate and sculpted designs.

“Raised wall panels tend to look a more formal, but it is a brilliant option for transforming boring while walls for something filled with character,” says John.

Pricing for raised wall panelling for a 3-bed home hall, stairs and landing start from €350 – €400 (labour only).

Board and Batten Wall Panelling

Positioning strips of beadboard panels in a pattern is known as board and batten wall panelling. Placement and the style of the beadboard can create a shaker style or jacobean-style panelled grid as seen below.

“Your choice of wood panelling will most likely be determined by your budget and the look you want to achieve. Solid woods such as oak and walnut can look great but can cost hundreds of euros per linear metre,” recommends John.

Shaker style board and batten styled panelling can also be recreated through built-in wardrobe doors.

Welcome to Stynes Painting Decorating Ltd

With over 25 years of experience, John and his team pride themselves on delivering the highest standards of work for clients based in Offaly, Midlands and Dublin

Along with decorative wall panelling services, Stynes Painting and Decorating Ltd offers a wide range of external and internal painting services including hand-painted kitchen cabinets, units and fitted furniture.

Kitchen painting services start at €2,200 including all materials and labour. John recommends the type of paint and materials to get the best finish.

For a no-obligation painting and decorating quote you can call John Stynes direct on 0851987411 or post a job via Onlinetradesmen.

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