How to Install Interior Cladding

Installing Timber cladding is an excellent way to add some warmth and texture to a room. Interior cladding has the ability to transform any room whether you want to give it a rustic natural feel or a sleek contemporary look. While many people employ the services of a professional to install their interior cladding, others prefer to save money by tackling the job themselves. In this step by step guide we are going to guide you through the process from planning and preparation all the way through to adding those all important finishing touches.  

Preparation and Planning

Rather than just jumping in feet first and starting your cladding project you need to take time to plan and prepare. Careful planning and preparation is key if you want your project to be a success. The first thing to do is assess the space you will be working on. Measure the walls carefully, and plan the layout of the cladding, particularly if your plans involve decorative patterns or feature walls.

Once you are clear on exactly how you want your cladding to look, consider any obstructions such as electrical fittings. If there are light switches or sockets on the wall, they need to be taken into account. It could be that you may need to extend electrical boxes or carefully cut around them to make sure you get a nice clean finish. To guarantee accuracy, make sure to measure the area on the wall and mark it clearly.  

If you are working on an uneven surface it may be necessary to fit battens to the wall to create an even surface for the cladding. Also, think about the kind of timber cladding you’re using and whether you would need to prime or treat the walls. 

Safety and Compliance

Safety is paramount in any sort of construction project and installing interior timber cladding is no different.  Always make sure you wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), like gloves and safety goggles. It may also be advisable to wear ear protection especially if you are using power tools during the installation. 

If you are fitting cladding to the inside of your home or business, you need to check whether you need fire-retardant treatments. If you are installing timber cladding in a commercial environment such as a kitchen it could well require treatment with a fire-retardant coating. 

You should always make sure any alterations you are making comply with local building regulations, and where fire safety is a concern, use cladding materials that are pre-treated or apply a fire-retardant finish to your timber before installation.

Choosing Cladding Materials

There are a wide range of options open to you when choosing interior cladding. The one you choose will largely depend on the style of the project you are undertaking. At funky timber, we offer clients a choice of high quality new and reclaimed timber in a range of colours that can cater for all tastes. Listed below are some of the popular choices for interior cladding projects: 

Reclaimed Timber: The perfect choice if you are going for a rustic or industrial look, reclaimed timber is an eco-friendly option that will add character to any space. 

Tongue & Groove Boards: A more modern option, tongue & groove boards interlock to provide you with a seamless finish. They’re the ideal solution if you want a polished, contemporary look with the added benefit of being able to be used in both horizontal and vertical timber cladding installations.

Shiplap Cladding: This style of cladding features boards that overlap slightly, which creates  a subtle shadow effect. Shiplap is excellent if you want to add some texture to a wall without overpowering the space.

When deciding on a cladding material, you need to think about both the aesthetic and functional requirements of your space. For example, in rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens that experience high levels of humidity you may need to consider moisture-resistant timber or special treatments. 

Installation Techniques

The method you use to install timber cladding will depend on the material you’ve chosen and the surface you’re working with. Below are the most common techniques:

Nailing: Traditional timber cladding is often installed using nails. For a secure fit, use galvanised or stainless-steel nails that won’t rust over time. Be sure to leave small expansion gaps between the boards to allow for natural movement as over time, the timber will react to changes in both temperature and humidity.

Adhesive: If your preference is for a clean, seamless finish without visible fixings, the best solution is to use a strong adhesive. Adhesive is particularly effective if you are fixing your interior cladding to plasterboard. However, before starting you need to make sure that the surface you are working on is clean and smooth. 

Fixing Battens for Plasterboard: When installing cladding on an uneven surface you will need to fix battens to the wall to level it up. You will then attach the cladding to the battens, making sure the boards are evenly spaced. If you are working in a newly constructed wall or ceiling you can fit the cladding directly onto the wall itself which will give you a sleek and seamless finish.

Decorative and Pattern Considerations

Using cladding as a focal point for a room is one popular approach. One example of this is having a statement wall behind a bed which gives a room a warm textured feel. If you want to give your room a unique look, then using a herringbone or chevron pattern is a good choice. This type of intricate pattern not only makes a room visually appealing but also gives it that unique look that will make you the envy of your friends.  

Finishing Touches

If you want to achieve a truly professional finish then you need to pay particular attention to all those small finishing touches that come at the end of a project. Make sure to use a level to ensure all boards are aligned correctly and if not you need to adjust them accordingly. 

Corners can be tricky, but they play a big role in how neat your project looks. There are a number of options available to you when it comes to finishing the corners. The edge can be mitred so they meet cleanly at the corners, or alternatively you could use corner trims which is a more straightforward solution. It is imperative that you leave expansion gaps between the cladding boards, especially if your property is in an area where there is a fluctuation in temperature or humidity levels. The reason for this is that it gives the timber a chance to breathe which helps stop it warping. 

Handling Special Conditions

The environment can also have an effect on the techniques you use to install your interior timber cladding and how long it lasts. For example, in rooms that may experience high levels of humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, it may be advisable to use moisture resistant timber or apply a protective finish. This stops the wood from swelling or being affected by mould. 

In rooms where the temperature varies you need to leave gaps between the cladding boards to allow for wood movement. This is particularly important if you are thinking of installing cladding in a sunroom or conservatory.

There is no doubt that installing timber cladding comes with a  number of very real benefits. However, to get the most from your timber cladding, it is essential that it is installed correctly. If you are intending to fit your own interior cladding, hopefully the information in this guide will help. If you are looking for high quality interior cladding, why not check out our range of premium quality and reclaimed timber. With a range of colours and styles available to you we believe there is something to cater for all different tastes. Either check out our easy to use website or call and speak to our expert team for more details.

FAQs

How Do You Attach Cladding to Interior Walls 

There are a number of different ways to attach cladding to interior walls. If you are working on a flat even surface, your cladding can be attached using nails, screws, or a strong adhesive. If working on an uneven surface, then you will need to attach evenly spaced battens to the wall first then screw the cladding to the battens which will give you a smart level finish. 

How Do You Stick Cladding to a Wall 

If you want to stick your interior timber cladding to a wall, it is best to use a strong bond or adhesive. If you are installing your cladding on a dusty wall then use a diluted pva first. If you are using a strong adhesive you should always wear a mask for protection. 

Should Cladding be Nailed or Screwed  

Whether you should nail or screw cladding depends on a number of factors, including the type of wood, the environment, and your aesthetic preferences. If you are working on softwood then we would recommend using shank nails whereas screws are regarded as a better option for hardwoods or denser softwoods. If you want a cleaner look then nails are a better option as they are less visible than screws. However, you can get screws with decorative heads or use caps to give you the look you want. 

Do You Need Air Gaps Behind Cladding?

Yes, you generally need an air gap behind cladding. This gap is crucial for ventilation, allowing moisture to escape and preventing condensation buildup behind the cladding. Without proper airflow, trapped moisture could cause timber cladding to rot or warp over time. The air gap helps maintain the durability of the structure and ensures long-term performance.

Do I need a vapour membrane behind cladding?

Yes, a vapour membrane (or breathable membrane) is typically recommended behind cladding, especially in exterior installations. This membrane serves as a barrier to protect the underlying structure from moisture while still allowing any trapped condensation to escape. It acts as a secondary defence against water ingress, safeguarding the building’s walls and insulation.