Tongue and groove cladding is the perfect way to complete a room’s interior, with tongue and groove panels you will have the same seamless finish as wall panels with modern designs and the ease of installation at your fingertips.
This method of cladding is relatively easy to install, and the end result looks amazing. However, many people find it difficult to measure their wall for this type of cladding, especially when they’re working with curves.
Unlike traditional; timber cladding, working with groove panelling such as Wall Panels & Shower Panels, you’ll be able to install directly on top of your flat surface, without worrying about water damage or uneven surfaces.
After buying the material that you need, here are some tips and tricks that can help you get it right.
What is tongue and groove interior cladding
Tongue and groove cladding is a method of finishing interior walls where the tongue on one piece fits with the groove in another piece. This type of cladding is relatively easy to install, and it looks amazing. The end result is a smooth, seamless look that can be achieved with either wood or vinyl materials.
Tongue and groove wall panels take this approach, and apply it to the neat finish of bathroom cladding boards, or what is now known as tongue-and-groove panelling. This is a style of panelling that requires little to no heavy chemicals such as adhesive, but relies on the panels clipping together to be adjusted to the bathroom walls. Installing your choice of wall panelling can create stunning feature walls or an all around bathroom modern design.
The main reason that both tongue and groove planks and tongue and groove wall panelling is so popular is due to it’s affordable renovation solutions, unlike tiling you won’t require an even starting base, meaning you can still use your uneven walls. You also won’t need to hire a professional to fit internal timber cladding or panelling, as they slot together easily you’ll be able to do it in no time.
How to Measure for Tongue and Groove Interior Cladding
First, you need to measure the wall for the cladding. Make sure that your measurements are accurate by measuring your wall twice with a tape measure to ensure you’ve chosen the correct size of timber. You’ll need a length of studs and a depth of each stud for measuring. After measuring in, you’ll need to figure out how many pieces of cladding you’ll need. If there are four studs per foot, and your floor is 25 feet long, then four lengths will be enough. However, if your floor is smaller or larger than that, then you might have to buy more or less pieces of cladding.
After figuring out how many pieces you’ll need, you can now lay down the first piece of tongue and groove cladding on the wall. Put one side of it flush against the wall with no gaps between it and the wall itself. Take care not to let any material overhang onto the floor because this will muck up the measurements later on when you install it into place.
Next, take a ruler and measure from that point to where the other end of the first piece meets with another piece at its opposite end. Now take note of how far apart these two points are from each other. This number should be equal across all four walls in order for your project to go smoothly as planned during installation.
You’ve now completed one wall’s measurements for tongue and groove interior cladding! Take those numbers and repeat them for each wall in your room until all four corners are completed!
Basic hand tools can be your best friend during this project, as cutting your bathroom wall panels can often be tricky.
Tips for Installing Tongue and Groove Cladding
Tongue and groove cladding is relatively simple to install. It can be installed in any shape or size, from the smallest room to the largest. Here are some tips that can help you get it right.
- If you’re installing tongue and groove cladding on a rounded wall, use something round like a socket wrench to measure the radius of your wall.
- You’ll also need to measure the length of each piece of cladding you need for your project. Add five inches to this measurement for each stud used in your walls so that there will be enough wood at the edges of your cladding to keep everything together when you attach it with screws.
- When installing tongue and groove cladding, make sure that all pieces are even before attaching them. This will make sure that they all fit snugly together without gaps at the joints where they meet up.
- If possible, find someone who has experience installing this type of cladding before you start so that you know what materials and tools you’ll need for installation.
- When drilling holes for screws or nails into the material, make sure to use a drill bit made specifically for wood and avoid using power drills as much as possible because these tend not to work well with wood surfaces.
Common mistakes when installing tongue and groove cladding
The most common mistake when installing tongue and groove cladding is not ensuring the wood is straight and flat. A lot of people just cut their pieces off the board and hope for the best, but that’s not going to work in this instance. If you’re using curved boards for your project, make sure to use a jig saw or circular saw to take off thin slices from the edges of the board before cutting it into your desired shape. This will ensure your cladding will be straight and level, giving you a beautiful finished product.
Many DIYers often forget about the importance of panel trim when using groove cladding boards, the best way to ensure a waterproof and moisture resistant finish is to pair the bathroom wall panels or shower panels with the Easy Panels Trims, these keep away excess moisture and add a touch of design flourish to each bathroom, providing the smooth finish to your modern home.
Conclusion
Tongue and groove cladding is the perfect way to complete a room’s interior. This method of cladding is relatively easy to install, and the end result looks amazing. However, many people find it difficult to measure their wall for this type of cladding, especially when they’re working with curved edge walls.
