How To Apply Wood Paneling In 5 Easy Steps

If your walls are feeling bare or blah, wood paneling will give them texture and dimension, creating a distinctive backdrop for natural, rustic, industrial or even modern looks. Stikwood Adhesive Wood Panels are real, reclaimed pine wood in a variety of colors and finishes that can be added to walls, backsplashes, headboards and more. Many west elm designers use them for accent walls, but they also look great in an entire room. The wood panels are American–made and sustainably sourced from forests certified to Forest Stewardship Council® standards. It's as easy as peeling and sticking—all you need is a clean, flat surface and a little imagination. Let's get started!

What you'll need:

Pencil
Level
Hammer (for removing nailheads)
Measuring tape
Hand miter saw
Hand roller

Before starting:

Unwrap your Stikwood planks and let them acclimate for 48-72 hours
Make sure that any new wall paint has dried for 4-5 days

1. GET YOUR SURFACE READY

Make sure the area you want to cover is clean, dry and even. Remove any nailheads, outlet and light switch covers, or anything else sticking out from the wall.

2. MEASURE

To determine how many sets you'll need, measure the height and width of your space in inches, then multiply those two numbers. Divide that number by 144; this is how many square feet you'll need to cover. Most Stikwood sets cover 20 square feet (each panel is about 5" wide and 48" long).

3. SET THE PATTERN

Staggered planks, vertical, chevron—there are endless possibilities with Stikwood. Starting near the center of your wall, use a level to draw a straight horizontal line (in pencil) about 20" long. This will be your reference line.

4. APPLY YOUR PLANKS

For a staggered plank pattern, peel off the adhesive covers and install one plank above your reference line and one plank below, staggering them about halfway. Continue to add planks end to end until the wall is filled. Where necessary, trim the planks using a saw, so they fit flush against the wall's edges.

5. PRESS THEM DOWN

Using a hand roller, firmly press the panels onto the wall.

And that's it!

Stikwood panels aren't exclusively for walls, either. Here are some of our favorite spots to add a touch of rustic style:

Kitchen backsplash
Kitchen island
Pantry doors
Behind shelves
Lounge area
Behind a TV or media console
Headboard

The only place not recommended for Stikwood panels is in high–moisture areas such as bathrooms.

Rather not do it yourself? Our installation pros will install your panels for just $129 per hour. Ask a store associate or make an appointment at westelm.com/style–service.