Replacing Paneling with Drywall? Here's Everything You Need to Know

If you're like many homeowners, you may have rooms in your house covered in dated, dark wood paneling. While wood paneling was popular in decades past, it can make a space feel dark, closed in, and stuck in the past.

Luckily, replacing wood paneling with drywall is one of the most effective ways to open up and modernize a room. By removing those tired old panels and installing crisp, clean sheets of drywall, you can give any space a light, airy, contemporary look.

Why Replace Wood Paneling with Drywall?

There are several great reasons to ditch the paneling in favor of drywall:

• Drywall gives a room a brighter, more spacious look and feel.
• Unlike paneling, drywall provides a neutral backdrop that makes rooms feel larger.
• Drywall allows you to easily incorporate modern design elements like clean lines and minimalism.
• Replacing paneling can add value and appeal when it comes time to sell your home.

For many homeowners, the dark and dated look of wood paneling is the biggest motivator for taking on a drywall replacement project. Even if your wood paneling is in good physical condition, its style likely feels stuck in the past.

How to Replace Wood Paneling with Drywall

Replacing paneling with drywall is a project that most DIYers can tackle in a long weekend or over the course of about a week.

Before starting demolition, you'll need to stock up on the following supplies at your local home improvement store:

• Drywall sheets
• Drywall screws
• Joint compound
• Drywall tape
• Drywall tools (knives, T-square, etc.)
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Painter's tape

Step 1: Removing the Paneling

Start by using a pry bar and hammer to carefully pry the panels away from the walls. Locate any nails and pull them out. Go slowly here to avoid damaging the walls behind the paneling.

Once the paneling is down, inspect the condition of the walls. Patch any holes or imperfections with joint compound so the walls are smooth and ready for drywall.

Step 2: Measuring and Cutting the Drywall

Measure each wall with care, marking stud locations. Then cut the drywall accordingly with a sharp utility knife or scoring tool. Be sure to cut holes where needed for outlets.

Having accurate measurements ensures your drywall sheets fit snugly for a seamless look.

Step 3: Hanging the Drywall

Use drywall screws to firmly secure sheets to the wall studs. Screws should be spaced about 8 inches apart, with joints staggered between rows. Corners, ceilings, and garage walls may require specialized drywall techniques.

Do an initial sanding once the drywall is hung to smooth seams and knock down high spots.

Step 4: Taping and Mudding Seams

Now comes the messy but extremely important step of applying joint compound over all seams and screw holes. This is a multi-coat process, with each layer drying completely before the next is applied.

Embed paper drywall tape into the first layer of mud over seams. Sand between coats for a super smooth finish.

Step 5: Prep, Prime, and Paint

With mudding complete, give walls a final light sanding to remove any imperfections. Then wipe away all dust before priming the surface.

Use high quality drywall primer before painting for best results. Apply two finish coats of paint for a fully transformed room!

Avoiding Common Mistakes

There are a few tricky parts of any drywall project. Be mindful of these potential pitfalls:

• Screw popping: This happens when screws aren't driven into studs firmly enough. Ensure screws bite into studs to prevent drywall seams from cracking.
• Crackling tape joints: Make sure joint compound is fully dry before adding additional layers to prevent cracks.
• Uneven seams: Carefully smooth each coat of mud with a drywall knife to prevent uneven joints.
• Texturing issues: Prime walls before painting and apply paint properly to avoid texture problems.

FAQs

If you're new to drywall replacement, you probably have lots of questions. Here are answers to some of the most common:

How long does replacing paneling with drywall take?

For an average size room, expect the project to take around 2-5 days from start to finish. Removing the paneling can be done in 1 day. Hanging, taping, and mudding drywall will take 1-2 more days. Priming and painting adds another 1-2 days.

Can I install drywall right over the existing paneling?

It's possible but not recommended. Removing the paneling allows you to address any issues with the walls and start fresh. Drywall over paneling can cause problems like screw popping, cracks, and uneven surfaces down the road.

What about electrical and outlets?

When removing paneling, carefully detach any outlets or light fixtures from the panels. Most are just nailed in place over existing electrical boxes. Drywall is installed over boxes and openings cut out.

Should I replace the ceiling panels too?

Ceilings can be covered in drywall too for a cohesive look, but this adds complexity. It may be best to focus on walls first. Upgrading ceiling lights and trim can also update paneling.

What drywall should I use in bathrooms?

For damp areas like bathrooms, use moisture-resistant drywall to prevent mold growth. Greenboard drywall is a good economical option.

Replacing wood paneling with drywall is one of the most dramatic ways to update dated, dark rooms in your home. While the process takes time and hard work, the end results are well worth it.

With the right supplies, tools, and techniques, this is a DIY project any homeowner can feel empowered to take on. Just be sure to tackle each step carefully and thoroughly for professional-looking results.

That outdated paneling doesn't stand a chance! With this guide, you can look forward to opening up those dreary spaces and creating bright, modern rooms your whole family will love.