Repaneling Walls?

Question

Ok, I live in a trailer and it has this horrible dark wood panneling for walls. We are looking to repanel. Is it something someone can do themselves with out professional help? Is it relitively easy? I've looked on the diy websites and I have been unable to find an articles explaining the process.

Answer 1

I've lived in mobiles and am in one currently. I've remodeled every one. I've just re-paneled my living room with Bead Board and I'm pretty satisfied.

The usual situation is in fact that paneling or even cheap 1/4 inch drywall is 4 ft. wide. Hence the need for studs to be on or near 16 inch centers. The problem might likely arie in that the perimeter of the mobile is paneled or dry walled before interior walls are installed; hence occasionally creating a situation where you might have a 13 ft. room/ a 4 inch thick wall/ and the next stud will be approximately 3 ft. into the adjacent room.

In your case, and for ease of achieving what you want; I suggest you pull any molding, be it cove base or window,door trim, and check for concave or convex of the current wall material. If it all seems flush, I'd panel over. What you'll lose in floor space will equal less than 1/2 inch probably; will suit your desire for whatever you choose; and give you an additional sub surface to tack into.

I'd also get an air compressor and brad/staple gun to do the job. Narrow crown staples are what was and is used often anyway; and they do an adequate job. You could; if you wish; use contactor adhesive; such as liquid nails; as well as the stapling; but it's not strictly neccesary.

The issues will only be in ripping the paneling at corners perhaps where equal multiples of 4 ft. aren't the case; and measuring from floor to ceiling; as some mobile ceilings are slightly less than the 8 ft. length of a piece of paneling. If you have a "cathedral" type ceiling; you'll have to adjust for that with waste; or purchase extra sheets.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Let me tell about trailers. Depending on how old it is (pre 1980) back then, the manufactures didn't have to comply with building standards. So, the studs are actually not at 16" centers. If you pull the paneling, you will get the inside of the wall.

What you could do is pull down the paneling a piece at a time then match the new stuff to that- sorta a template. Where the job will become a little tedious is getting the moulding to fit properly, if you have no experience in this area, you may learn and I would recommend the closet.

Good luck,
Jim

Answer 3

You should have no major problems replacing the paneling. I worked in a factory that built mobile homes and we used the same products and sizes of wood paneling that is available at Lowes,Home Depot,etc.The home repair and DIY books in your local library might also be helpful to you

Have you considered painting it? Less money, less work and less skill required...plus it is easy and inexpensive to change colors in the future.


Here's a link to a very good website dealing with mobile home repair that you may find helpful for future projects.
Good luck!

http://www.mobilehomedoctor.com/wood.htm

Answer 4

Slice them real thin and use a Bran Name caulk in your gun!