Not sure whether to install Trusscore’s PVC panels or drywall? Comparing the costs can help. Let’s take a look at the typical Trusscore versus drywall costs.
Can You Put Drywall Over Paneling? And Should You?
Cover dated wall paneling with drywall to modernize your room’s design
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Installing drywall over wood paneling works when your paneling is firmly attached to the wall, saving you from the mess and cost of removing it.
Expect to pay around $2,000 for professional drywall installation, while removing paneling first can cost $1,000 to $10,000 depending on wall type.
You need to adjust your trim work around doors and windows plus add extensions to electrical outlets after installing drywall over paneling.
Hiring a local drywall professional keeps your installation smooth and level, with proper trim adjustments and outlet extensions that match your wall's new thickness.
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If you’re purchasing an older home, it may have some design elements you love that ooze charm and character. However, it may also have a few elements that give you pause about signing the mortgage papers. Dated wood paneling walls may be a part of those concerns. However, don’t let paneling be a deal breaker—cover it up instead. Can you put drywall over paneling? You can, and you may even be able to glue the drywall sheets in place rather than screw them in to simplify the work.
Securely Attach Drywall Over Paneling
Before you can put drywall over paneling, you need to check the sturdiness of the installation of the paneling. If it’s loose or doesn’t feel securely attached to the wall studs, it may not support the added weight of the new drywall being placed over the paneling.
You can choose between different drywall thicknesses and dimensions. The most common thickness is 1/2 inch, but it can range between 1/4 and 3/4 inches.
A 4-by-8-foot sheet of drywall with 1/2-inch thickness weighs around 50 pounds. This can be enough to pull unsecured wood paneling away from the wall, ruining your drywall installation.
Before putting drywall over paneling, look for exposed edges. Try pulling on the paneling to see if any of it is loose. If so, repair the paneling to ensure it’s firmly attached to the wall materials or wall studs underneath.
Screw Drywall Into Paneling
The best way to secure drywall sheets in place is to screw them into the wall studs. If you plan to leave your wood paneling in place, you may need to find the wall studs.
Look at the wood paneling closely. You may see the nails holding the paneling against the wood studs, revealing their locations. Another option for locating the wall studs behind the paneling is to use an electronic stud finder.
Once you know where the studs are, you can screw the sheets of drywall directly into them, just like you would when installing drywall for a new construction project.
Glue Drywall to Paneling
When the paneling is tight to the wall and has no loose spots, you can use construction adhesive to stick the drywall to the paneling. This may be easier than trying to track down the studs and screw the sheets into place.
Adhesive can be quite messy if you don’t have experience with it. Additionally, it costs more to use glue than it does to use screws for attaching drywall sheets
Challenges With Drywall Over Paneling
Adding drywall over the top of wood paneling changes the thickness of the wall. Even though this change is only a fraction of an inch, it does affect the trim work around doors and windows. It also affects electrical outlets and light switches.
Before installing the drywall sheets over the paneling, remove all trim work, adjust its size and thickness as needed, and reapply it after adding the drywall. You also may need to use extensions on power outlets and light switches to accommodate the additional thickness of the wall with the new drywall attached.
Drywall Over Paneling vs. Removing the Paneling
Placing drywall over paneling is one way to save money by avoiding the cost of removing a wall, which can range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the type of wall and its location.
If you’re uncertain of what is behind your wall paneling, you may find a few different base materials, including:
Drywall
Plaster
Nothing, as the paneling is attached directly to wall studs
Removing the paneling and any materials behind it before adding drywall can drive up the wall removal cost. Covering the paneling with drywall will save you time and reduce the mess of demolition work.
Cost to Drywall Over Paneling
Photo: Martin Deja / Adobe Stock
Although putting drywall over paneling can be more convenient and cost-effective than removing the paneling, it’s still costly. The average drywall installation costs about $2,000, but a large job can cost several thousand dollars. A local drywall installer can give you an estimate for covering your paneling.
If you don’t want to incur the cost of hanging drywall over paneling, there are a few other options for how to cover paneling. Using wallpaper or applying paint can deliver a new look to dated paneling at a lower cost than hanging new drywall.
Drywall services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.9★ avg. • 25 total reviews
- Joseph D.
Cancelled appointment two hours after they were supposed to come for drywall work.
Hutch And Sons Drywall Services - Austin Y.
I would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLC - Mark B.
I cant stop admiring my newly painted walls. Custom Paint Jobs LLC made my house feel brand new.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLC - Lia P.
Excellent experience with hiring Tether House to Mount our 77’ Samsung TV in our bedroom. Fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Tether House - Warren C.
Excellent customer service and knowledge. I was recommend to him from my neighbour. My front door and window came in great and were installed beautifully perfectly, I m very satisfied with their excellent work, so decided to order one more big bow window for my living room. I cant wait for...
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Rob B.
Manuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
- Kathy W.
Would hire again. Wall looks great. Happy with job.
Central Paving - Kendrick V.
Involved an extensive bathroom remodel, including removing tub & installing walk in shower, new drywall, custome tile work to ceiling, plumbing, etc. Overall, job was done on time and on budget. Nick & his team were very professional and had high attention to detail. Quality was great. Highly...
Stamos Flooring and Remodeling LLC - Craig M.
We have had a great experience with Rising Height for the past five years on a number of miscellaneous renovation projects. They laid flooring for us and had a very good sub do the finish. Installed drywall for a vaulted ceiling, finished an attic/loft with new subfloor, framing and drywall,...
Rising Height Unlimited - Scott A.
Mr. Lopez was super nice and professional. He repaired our drywall just as he described during the estimate phase. Our dining room wall looks great again! Thanks Mr. Lopez!
The homeowners guide to drywall services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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