Securing Wall Paneling How Far Apart Should Nails Be

Space anchors about 8 to 10 inches apart.

Securing wall paneling how far apart should nails be.

Plywood paneling is anchored into wooden wall studs using colored paneling nails also called finishing nails or brads driven inside the darker seams of the paneling. The field is considered a more stable area. Use trim nails that will penetrate at least 1 2 inch into the studs. Use a studfinder to locate the studs and nail into those so your panel is secure.

Measure mark and cut a 2 by 4 to serve as the bottom. Both the international residential code irc and usg the manufacturer of sheetrock say that maximum field screw spacing for wall drywall is 16 inches. When nailing very thin materials into wood a minimum of 1 2 of penetration is necessary. If you want to hold 1 2 drywall to a stud wall the length of the nails should be at least 1 1 2.

Pound the nails in with a hammer and then tap them in flush with a nail set. Some builders like to space fasteners tighter than that so they go down to 12 inches. While a partner holds the panel use finishing nails to attach it to the wall. Continue until all walls are covered and all moulding is attached.

Damp proof any exterior walls you re paneling and add backing to reach each corner. The flush set of the appropriately colored nail head will blend in with the darker seam color of the panel. You can glue them on but it s better to use anchors. For this approach the nail head is covered making it possible to use a greater variety of nail types.

Nails should extend one inch into the studs through the furring strips for a good hold. When installing on a framed wall make sure the studs are spaced properly either 16 inches or 24 inches apart. Repeat across the length of the top of the wall then move to. Test drive screws or nails to find the studs.

To choose the right sized nail add to that 1 2 inch the thickness of the drywall usually 1 2inch and the thickness of the trim board. Drive the nails in at a slight angle to avoid splitting off the panel s tongue. This is a reasonable guide most of the time. Use a masonry drill and masonry screws for masonry walls and nails for wood framed walls.