Frisuous wooden a good option to coat the walls of the home
Covering the walls of the house with wooden friezes can be a good way to remodel the different rooms, but it is not only a decorative option, it has other advantages for the home.
A wood frieze can be a good option to hide imperfections in any wall. These are wooden sheets that are installed on battens previously placed on the wall using plugs and screws. This frieze can totally or partially cover the wall and it is even possible to generate original designs by alternating areas with wood and parts without covering. Also, this is a quick process that does not require a large construction site.
Types of wood cladding
Not all wooden friezes are the same, for this reason, it is important first of all to define the need for each case in order to make the best decision. The most practical way to cover walls is by using panels or boards for panelling. In this case, there are different possibilities, since it is possible to choose between the different species of solid wood and even use cheaper materials, such as MDF or chipboard, and then place a natural wood veneer on top. In addition, it is possible to apply varnishes, lacquers or paints according to the interior design of the room and the desired finish.
Among the most practical ways to cover walls is the use of prepared sheets, which are very similar to laminate flooring and are easy to install. These generally have a click system to hold the pieces without using battens, and they also offer multiple designs to adapt them to the style of the house. The good thing about this option is that the material is already specially treated for use on walls, for example, with anti-humidity treatments, therefore, it is a resistant and durable coating, although it can also be one of the most expensive.
Another option is the tongue-and-groove method, where the wooden boards already have a series of recesses that allow them to fit together. In other words, each sheet has a male part on one side and a female part on the other, so it is possible to align them very precisely so as not to leave spaces between them. In this sense, it is possible to use paint or some varnish for the finish, however, the main variable is the type of wood used, which can considerably increase or decrease the final cost of the remodeling.
Selecting the wood for the frieze
Wood is one of the most used materials in home decoration and wall cladding is no exception. One of the main advantages is the variety of natural and processed woods that exist, since this allows for original finishes depending on the design of the home. The different species of pine are widely used in Spain for interior cladding, this is due to their colors, but also to their price, since they are among the cheapest. On the other hand, oak is considered a harder and more elegant material, but it is also true that it has a high price.
When it comes to wall cladding on the outside of the house, it is very important to take into account the type of wood to be used. First of all, as with any outdoor wooden object, the material to make the frieze must go through a deep impregnation treatment with a protective product so that it is resistant to atmospheric conditions and can last a long time. In addition, constant maintenance is necessary regardless of the type of wood used.
The wooden frieze for exteriors must be made with a resistant species. In many areas of Europe, larch wood is used, which is very hard and durable even in very humid conditions, which is why it is also used in shipbuilding. However, some tropical species of wood, such as balau, teak or ipé, can also be good options.
How to install a wooden paneling on the wall?
One of the advantages of wood paneling is precisely that it can be installed by any DIY enthusiast with minimal knowledge. The materials and tools for this task may vary a bit depending on the type of frieze you want to place on the wall, but this time we can mention battens with their screws and plugs, contact glue, tongue-and-groove sheets or boards for paneling, moldings to make the plinth, as well as staples or nails to hold the frieze to the battens. Also, you may need a drill, a nailer and an electric or manual saw, in addition to some measuring instruments such as a square and meter stick to make exact cuts.
As an initial piece of advice, before laying the cladding it is advisable to correct the unevenness of the wall with leveling paste where necessary. It is worth remembering at this point that the frieze must be installed starting at one of the ends of the wall, to follow a sequence that guarantees a cleaner finish, otherwise the staples may be seen or it may be impossible to place the previous sheets, especially if you use tongue-and-groove pieces.
Next, you must cut the battens according to the size of the wall and proceed to drill the holes for the screws. It is advisable to leave a separation of 40 to 60 cm between each screw. Once you have the batten base, you can start laying the frieze. If you have tongue-and-groove wood, you can place the first sheet at the end of the wall, with the female part visible, taking care of the leveling because this will be the guide for the other boards.
To fasten the sheets to the battens, even if you have the best nailer or stapler, it is important to use the correct staples or nails according to the type of wood. There are also tools designed specifically for wall sheathing, as some very powerful tools with large nails can damage the wall tiles. Also, it is important that the nails are on the ends, so that you can later hide them with the moldings at the top and bottom of the frieze. The plinth is not fixed with nails but with contact glue for a more aesthetic finish.
