Wood/Plywood
These are the most common types of cladding; here’s how to choose.
Solid-wood tongue and groove or shiplap boards are available in many species. These range from the budget-friendly pine and poplar, to more expensive woods such as redwood, cedar and cypress. Wood expands and contracts with time so it is important that the wood can move freely during installation. Wood may weigh more than other manufactured products so you will need to fasten it and possibly another pair of hands to put it in. Thin plywood sheets with V or bead details and lap joints at each end are less expensive and more stable. Audrini Living’s Largo Wall Panels are unique and modern. The industry’s best wood panel makers handcraft each one from carefully selected materials. We are passionate about wood and art. Our panelling reflects these passions.
Salvaged Wood
You can find reclaimed wood boards in many sizes and species, whether they were salvaged from old barns or factory floors. Although the wood has a unique character that saves trees, it will not always be ready to use. The salvaged boards should first be cleaned and planed so that they can lay flat on the wall. Otherwise, they could warp. Any insects that may be hiding in the boards can also be eliminated by kiln drying. You can choose from prefinished or milled wall cladding in any style you like.
Fiberboard
MDF sheets are popular among DIYers because they are affordable and can be made to look like a groove or bead. MDF can withstand temperature swings better than wood, but it can absorb moisture like a sponge and swell to the point that it will crumble. MDF that is resistant to moisture can be purchased from some companies for use in wet areas. When new, standard MDF off-gass formaldehyde. MDF sheets or battens are most common for wall cladding.
How to Install Reclaimed Wood Walls
Preparation
Your surface should be relatively smooth, flat, clean, free of dust, and structurally sound. Optionally, paint the ceiling or wall a similar color to your wood. This will hide any gaps or knots between boards.
Refer to Reference Line
It is best to start your wood wall installation from the top or bottom. Before you start, make sure that the area where your first row will be placed is level.
Reclaimed wood is unique in its texture and color. To see how different boards look on your wall, we recommend that you lay out at least 1-2 packs of planks before installing.
You should not remove the banding from bundles of wood you don’t plan to install that day.
Gaps
You may find small gaps or knot holes between the boards. These spaces can be colored in with a Sharpie if you haven’t painted your walls before.
Construction Adhesive
Apply construction adhesive (Liquid Nails, or something similar) to the backs and sides of the planks. Apply adhesive to the backs of the planks, keeping it away from the edges. This will prevent adhesive ooze from your wall. Best results are achieved with a continuous “S” or squiggle pattern.
Secure with Nails
The board should be placed flush with the chosen straight edge (floor or ceiling, or any other reference line). Holding the board in place, attach nails to the corners about 1/2 inch from the edge. As the adhesive sets, the nails will prevent the reclaimed wood fro cupping or warping.
Continue
Continue with step 5. Continue to the edge of your ceiling or wall. Make sure to stagger your reclaimed wooden planks so that the boards’ ends don’t meet and cause seams. It is a good rule of thumb to keep the plank edges at least 8 inches apart row by row.
Repeat Until Complete
Continue repeating steps 1 through 6 until your ceiling or wall is fully covered with your reclaimed wood planks.
