Page 289 - 2018 National Home Improvement

2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 235

A hole more than 12” across is probably too large for a cardboard-backed patch. Instead, mark and cut
out a rectangular section of wallboard all the way to the middle of the studs at both sides. Cut two
nailing blocks to fit horizontally between the studs. Insert the blocks into the cutout and toenail them at
the top and bottom of the rectangular cutout. Then cut drywall to fit in the cutout. Tape and finish the
perimeter of the cutout as with any drywall joint.

Wood Paneling
Plywood paneling is sold in many grains and species. Hardboard imprinted with a wood grain pattern is
generally less expensive. Better hardboard paneling has a realistic wood grain pattern. Both plywood
and hardboard paneling are sold with a hard, plastic finish that’s easily wiped clean. Hardboard is also
available with vinyl coatings in many patterns and colors, including some that have the appearance of
ceramic tile.

Wood paneling should be delivered to the site a few days before application. Panels need time to adapt
to room temperature and humidity before application. Stack panels in the room separated by full length
furring strips so air can circulate to panel faces and backs. Figure 10-09.

Always start a panel application with a truly vertical edge. If a corner is straight and vertical, butt the first
panel into that corner. Cut subsequent panels so they lap on studs. If you don’t have a vertical corner,
tack a panel perfectly vertical and 2” from the starting corner. Use an art compass to scribe the outline
of the corner on the panel edge. See Figure 10-10. Cut the panel along this line and move it into the
corner. Butt the next panel against the first, being careful to keep the long edges truly vertical. Use the
same art compass to scribe a line for panel top edges.

Fasten the panels with nails or adhesive. Adhesive saves filling nail holes on the panel surface. Use
adhesive that provides “work time” before forming a tight bond. That makes it easier to adjust panels for
a good fit. If panels are nailed, use small finishing nails (brads). Use 1-1/2” long brads for 1/4” or 3/8”
thick materials. Drive a brad each 8” to 10” along edges and at intermediate supports. Most panels are
grooved to simulate hardboard panels. Drive brads in these grooves. Set brads slightly below the surface
with a nail set. Many vendors of prefinished paneling also sell matching nails that require no putty to fill
nail holes. Other vendors sell wood-filler putty to match their panels.