Tips and tricks

When installing wall panelling around objects on your wall, such as outlets, switches, or protrusions like pipes or vents, you’ll need to take careful measurements and make precise cuts to accommodate them. Here’s a general guide:

Measure and Plan: Begin by measuring the dimensions and location of the objects on the wall that you need to work around. Use a pencil to mark these measurements on the panelling where it will be installed.

Mark and Cut: Transfer the measurements onto the panelling, marking where you need to make cuts to fit around the objects. Use a pencil and a straight edge to ensure accuracy. For outlets and switches, you may need to use a jigsaw or utility knife to cut out the appropriate shape. For pipes or vents, you may need to notch or angle-cut the panelling to fit around them.

Test Fit: Once you’ve made the cuts, test fit the panelling around the objects to ensure that it fits properly and aligns correctly with the rest of the panelling. Make any necessary adjustments as needed.

Secure in Place: Once you’re satisfied with the fit, secure the wall panelling in place using nails, screws, or adhesive, depending on the type of panelling and wall surface. Be careful not to damage any wires or plumbing behind the wall when securing the panelling.

Finishing Touches: If there are gaps between the panelling and the objects or wall, use caulk or trim pieces to cover and finish the edges for a polished look.

Installing wall panelling can vary depending on the type of paneling you choose (such as acoustic, slat, or shaker) and the method recommended by the manufacturer. However, here’s a general guide for installing traditional wood panelling:

Prepare the Surface: Ensure the wall surface is clean, smooth, and dry. Remove any existing trim, wallpaper, or other obstructions. If the wall is uneven, use a level to make it as flat as possible.

Measure and Plan: Measure the dimensions of the wall and calculate how many panels you’ll need. Plan the layout, considering any doors, windows, or other obstacles. You may need to cut panels to fit around them.

Cut Panels: Use a saw to cut panels to the appropriate size. Measure and mark the cutting lines carefully to ensure accuracy.

Apply Adhesive: Apply construction adhesive or paneling adhesive to the back of each panel according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a caulking gun to apply the adhesive evenly in a zigzag pattern.

Install Panels: Press each panel firmly onto the wall, starting from one corner and working your way across and down. Use a level to ensure each panel is straight and plumb. Nail or staple the panels into place along the edges and studs, following the recommended spacing provided by the manufacturer.

Repeat: Continue installing panels row by row, making sure to stagger the seams for a more attractive finish. Cut panels as needed to fit around obstacles.

Finish: Once all panels are installed, add trim pieces along the edges and corners to cover any gaps and provide a finished look. Caulk any seams or gaps between panels and trim pieces to ensure a smooth appearance.

Always refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your wall panelling for the best results. Additionally, if you’re not comfortable with DIY tasks, consider hiring a professional installer to ensure the job is done correctly.

Measure each wall separately, measuring the length and height of each wall where you’ll install panels. Repeat for all walls that you want to install wall panelling on. The panel width refers to the printed face. Divide the wall length by the panel width to determine how many wall panels are needed for each. Repeat this step for every wall.

It’s beneficial to lightly sand the edges of your wall panelling with medium grit sandpaper to soften them, making sure to vacuum them thoroughly afterwards, especially in grooves. Some of our wall panelling comes already primed, however, if your panelling isn’t pre-primed, apply a water-based primer, lightly sanding if needed for smoothness. For bathrooms and kitchens, use a quality eggshell paint for its water resistance and durability. Apply two coats, possibly more for full coverage depending on the paint.

You may decide that you fancy a change in decor, or maybe, you want to swap your current wall panelling for a different design. To remove wall panelling, follow these steps:

Inspect and Remove Trim: Carefully inspect the panelling for any trim or molding around the edges. Use a pry bar or a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off the trim pieces, starting from one corner and working your way around the perimeter of the wall.

Locate and Remove Fasteners: Once the trim is removed, locate any fasteners securing the panelling to the wall. These may be nails, screws, or adhesive. Use a pry bar, hammer, or screwdriver to carefully remove the fasteners, taking care not to damage the underlying wall surface.

Start Removing Panels: With the fasteners removed, begin to gently pry the panelling away from the wall. Start from one corner or edge and work your way across the wall. Use a pry bar or putty knife to help loosen the panels if necessary. Take your time to avoid damaging the wall or the panels themselves. If the panels are glued to the wall, you may need to use a heat gun or adhesive remover to soften the glue before attempting to remove them.

Prepare the Wall: After removing the panels, inspect the wall surface for any damage or residue. Repair any holes or damage, and clean off any adhesive residue left behind.

Finish the Wall: Depending on your plans for the wall, you may need to sand, prime, and paint or apply new wall covering to finish the surface.

Yes, you can. However, this should be considered an intensive clean and not part of your regular routine. Before cleaning your laminate floor, ensure any dirt or debris is swept away with a brush so you don’t scratch the surface. Following this, a laminate floor can be washed with a well-wrung microfibre mop but this should be limited to once every 2 months. It is vital to use the bare minimum amount of water as laminate floors are not waterproof. Allowing water to seep into laminate flooring can warp the floor or cause water spots. 

In most cases you do not have to replace the door frame when installing a new door. However, if there are gaps or the door is not closing properly then the issue may be with the frame and this can be replaced easily. 

Most existing houses do not need to change normal doors for fire doors. However, any new builds or renovations with three or more floors need to have fire doors fitted to any habitable room leading from a stairwell as well as doors leading from an integral garage into the home. This includes loft conversions where the house is becoming three storeys or taller. 

Even though laminate flooring is cheaper than hardwood flooring, it can still look beautiful in any home and comes in a range of high quality styles. Luxury laminate flooring is made to look and feel just like real hardwood flooring at a more affordable price point. 

On average, it takes around 2 hours to install an internal door, leaving ample time to remove the old door. 

Cleaning engineered flooring is similar to cleaning laminate in that water should be used sparingly. Use a specialised engineered wood floor cleaner with warm water and a wrung-out strip mop to clean your floor. However, stick to dry cleaning for day to day cleaning. Use a soft bristled brush and avoid anything that might scratch the surface of the floor.

The best way to deep clean a laminate floor is to mix one cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm (not hot) water and use a wrung-out strip mop to lightly mop the floor. But remember that laminate flooring is not waterproof and therefore this should be done sparingly (possibly every 2 to 3 months). For day to day cleaning, a soft bristled brush will be sufficient in getting rid of dirt and debris.

Make sure to brush your hardwood floor with a soft-bristled brush or hoover on a low brush/wood setting. Water should be used sparingly and spillages should be wiped up with a slightly damp cloth as soon as they happen. If you do want to wash your floor, a flat head spray mop is ideal so the floor doesn’t hold too much moisture. For more information on keeping a hardwood floor clean, visit our helpful blog.

A water based paint should easily come off with warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Make sure to wring out the cloth so it is barely damp. If the paint is particularly stubborn, you may have to use a plastic putty knife to carefully scrape off the thickest part of the paint. An oil based paint may be more difficult to remove and specialist paint remover/thinners such as mineral spirits can be used.

There are several different ways to lay engineered wood flooring. Create a floating floor – using the tongue and groove method to lay the floor using its own weight to keep it level. If you have a wooden subfloor, you may want to use secret nails to nail the floor down. Always check with one of our experts before laying your floor.

You do not need to use an underlay for solid wooden flooring as it would be glued or nailed down to the subfloor or concrete.