Replace Paneling with Drywall for a Smooth Wall
Outdated wood paneling can make a room feel dark and dated. If you're ready to modernize the look of a space, replacing paneling with drywall is a remodeling project that can completely transform a room. With some time and effort, you can remove old paneling and install smooth, seamless drywall for a bright, fresh aesthetic.
Replacing paneling with drywall takes planning and patience, but it's an achievable DIY project for many homeowners. With the right materials, tools, and techniques, you can swap wood paneling for a modern drywall wall surface. Follow this guide to learn the steps, costs, and benefits of replacing paneling with drywall.
Reasons to Replace Paneling with Drywall
There are several benefits to removing old wood paneling and replacing it with drywall:
- Modernize the look of your home - Drywall creates a smooth, uniform wall surface for a clean, contemporary style.
- Get seamless walls - Drywall seams can be taped and mudded to create one continuous wall surface.
- Easier to paint and decorate - Drywall accepts paint easily and decor adheres to it better than paneling.
- Get rid of wood-look paneling - Drywall provides a blank slate for any color or decor look you want.
Other reasons to replace paneling with drywall include improving insulation, increasing wall durability, and boosting your home's value. Drywall is an affordable way to refresh the look of a room.
Drywall Creates a Contemporary Look
Many homes built before 1980 feature wood paneling on the walls. While wood paneling provides texture and warmth, it can also make a home feel outdated and dark if discolored or worn over time. Replacing paneling with drywall is one of the most effective ways to modernize a room.
The smooth, white surface of new drywall opens up the space visually and pairs well with contemporary decor. Neutral, blank drywall allows you to implement any wall colors or styles you choose. Say goodbye to dated walls and hello to drywall for a light, modern look.
Seamless Walls Provide Continuity
Wood paneling features visible seams where each panel edges meet. Over time, seams can warp or separate, leaving awkward gaps in the wall surface. Removing paneling eliminates this patchwork look.
While drywall also comes in panels, the seams can be finished to create one unified wall surface. Joint compound and drywall tape conceal seams for a smooth overall appearance. The seamless look of drywall makes a space feel clean and put together.
Prepare for the Paneling Removal Project
Before you get started ripping out old paneling, take time to plan and prepare for the project. Careful prep work will make the panel removal and drywall installation process go smoothly.
Assess the Existing Paneling
Examine the paneling to determine how it was installed. Look for nails, screws or adhesive used to attach it to the walls. This will guide how you detach the panels. Inspect for areas of moisture damage or mold on walls behind panels.
Also note the size of the panels and estimate how many you will need to remove. Measure to plan how many drywall sheets you will need. Finally, decide if you will salvage any trim pieces or window/door casing.
Gather Materials and Tools
You'll need safety gear like goggles, gloves, and a dust mask. Use a pry bar, hammer, utility knife, screws, and a power sander. Have drywall, joint compound, tape, and screws ready. Rent a drywall lift and lift, if needed.
Protect Surrounding Areas
Remove furniture and flooring from the workspace. Cover remaining items with tarps or plastic sheeting. Seal doorways with plastic sheeting to prevent dust from spreading.
Step-by-Step Process for Removing Paneling
Taking down outdated wood paneling takes time and physical effort, but can be tackled by DIYers. Follow these steps to safely remove paneling:
Take Down Paneling
Start by detaching the paneling from the walls. Pull any nails out of the panels using a hammer or pliers. Use a pry bar in panel seams to pop them off the walls. Go slowly to avoid damaging the walls behind.
Once detached, take panels down carefully. Stack them as you work across the room. Wear gloves as panels may have nails or splinters. Have another person help hold panels as you take them down from the walls.
Remove Paneling Adhesive
If the panels were mounted with adhesive, you'll need to scrape off the remaining residue. Use a power sander, putty knife, or heat gun to remove old adhesive. Take it down to the bare wall surface.
Be cautious using heat, as old adhesive may contain asbestos. Wear a respirator mask and test adhesive samples before removing. Consider hiring an asbestos abatement company if needed.
Patch Holes and Imperfections
Inspect the walls and use spackling compound to patch any holes or gouges in the drywall underneath. Sand patches smooth and clean walls to prepare for new drywall installation.
Installing and Finishing Drywall
Once walls are prepped, it's time to cut and mount new drywall panels. Follow these steps for proper installation:
Measure and Cut Drywall
Measure wall dimensions and use a chalk line to mark cutting lines on drywall. Clamp a straightedge guide to the drywall and use a utility knife or drywall saw to cut along lines.
Wear safety goggles and gloves for eye and hand protection. Make sure edges are smooth and even for seamless joints.
Secure Drywall to Studs
Hoist sheets into place against the wall with help from another person or a drywall lift. Screw panels into wall studs, placing screws every 12 inches. Don't overtighten, or you may strip the studs.
Stagger vertical seams between panels. Leave a 1/4 inch gap between drywall and ceiling. Cut outlet and switch holes with a drywall saw.
Tape and Mud Drywall Seams
Cover all drywall seams and corners with joint compound using a taping knife. Embed paper drywall tape in compound. Apply multiple coats to feather and smooth seams.
Let compound fully dry between coats. Sand final coat until smooth. Avoid over-sanding, which can damage the drywall paper.
Matching Existing Trimwork with New Drywall
Replacing paneling with drywall often means removing existing trim and installing new trim suited to the thicker drywall.
Remove Existing Trim
Carefully detach any existing wood trim from around doors, windows, and the floor perimeter using a pry bar. Salvage pieces if possible. Number pieces to remember their location.
Cut New Trim to Match
Since drywall is thicker than paneling, new trim is needed to hide panel edges and gaps. Measure and cut new wood trim pieces to size with a miter saw. Pre-prime or seal cut edges.
Re-Install Trim Around New Drywall
Nail new trim pieces around room edges using a finish nailer. Nail into wall studs wherever possible for a secure hold. Use wood putty on nail holes and sand trim smooth.
Priming and Painting New Drywall
Prepping and painting your new drywall installation completes the remodeling project.
Let tape and joint compound dry for 24 hours before priming or painting. This prevents bubbles or cracks in the finish coat.