Options for Wood Paneling

Q: I am thinking of removing paneling and replacing it with a textured or painted wall. How difficult is this? Do I have other options?

A: Start by determining what's under the paneling—plaster, drywall, or bare studs—and whether the paneling was attached with glue, nails, or a combination of the two. Removing paneling that is attached primarily with nails will pull chunks off plaster walls, but paneling will often pull out cleanly from drywall. If the paneling was attached with glue, it will cause the most harm to drywall and less harm to the harder plaster.

If the paneling comes off with minimal wall damage, you can patch nail holes, add new baseboard molding, and then prime and paint, using flat paint for the walls and semigloss for the molding. If the drywall or plaster is heavily damaged, it will take a lot of work to replace it. Plus, doorjambs, window frames, and electrical trim may no longer match the new wall's thickness.

Depending on the extent of the project it may be worth calling a professional. If you think any of the materials may contain asbestos, also seek help from a pro. And if all this sounds like too much trouble and/or expense, consider painting the paneling itself. It might look better than you think.