Installing the Paneling

• 1). Remove the baseboards from the wall. Use the claw of the hammer to gently pry the baseboard from the wall.
  
  
• 2). Nail a furring strip from floor to ceiling on one edge of the wall. Continue to nail furring strips every 16 inches across the wall. Ideally, these strips are nailed into the studs. Use the stud finder to line up the furring strips to the studs.
  
  
• 3). Cut a triangular piece of paneling with 45-degree corners on two sides, using the miter box. Leave the tongue, the part that fits into the next piece of paneling, on the long edge.
  
  
• 4). Measure the long edge of the triangle, using a tape measure. This is the length of the shortest edge of the next piece.
  
  
• 5). Nail the triangular piece into place in the bottom edge of the wall. Use finishing nails and nail them through the tongue and into the furring strip. The nail must be flush with the paneling.
  
  
• 6). Cut the second piece using the measurements from the previous piece. Cut the groove on the shortest side that will now fit into the first piece. Cut 45-degree angles on both ends. Measure the longer edge for the next piece.
  
  
• 7). Slip the groove of the second panel onto the tongue of the first triangle. Nail to the furring strips.
  
  
• 8). Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the wall is covered with paneling.
  
  

Finishing the Wall

• 1). Fill the nail holes. Go over each nail hole with wood filler or putty. Push the soft material into each hole and allow to dry.
  
  
• 2). Sand the putty lightly for a clear finish. If painting the paneling, cover with a light primer and paint.
  
  
• 3). Replace the baseboard with finishing nails and a hammer.