Which is easier and/or cheaper? Mudding/sanding walls or panelling?

Michelle N.
by Michelle N.

So I have this very ugly back hallway that has had dry wall hanging for years, but has never been mudded/sanded. As a diy beginner to middle level, which do you think is easier and/or cheaper? Installing some bead board paneling with trim (and then painting it) or attempting to mud and sand the walls (and then painting it)? My husband has all of the tools for both jobs, but is too busy with a very big project right now. Thank you in advance!

My very ugly back hallway. I have stained the stairs since this picture was taken.

  8 answers
  • Oliva Oliva on Jul 29, 2018

    You'll probably be happier in the long term if you mud and sand. Caulk edges if needed with clear caulk.

    • See 1 previous
    • Michelle N. Michelle N. on Jul 30, 2018

      Thank you for responding. I'm not sure I have the skillset for it. But, if I mess up too much I guess I could always decide to cover it with paneling.

  • 33499099 33499099 on Jul 30, 2018

    Mudding and sanding is hard to get a smooth look. It can be done but it takes some skill...that's why some contractors use orange peel finish on walls so they don't have to worry about the finish. I like the smooth look myself but it does take time.

  • Nzo31798419 Nzo31798419 on Jul 30, 2018

    Mudding and sanding is cheaper. Paneling is easier.

  • Chubby58 Chubby58 on Jul 30, 2018

    Mudding and sanding is an art. Hire a professional would be my choice.

  • Michelle N. Michelle N. on Jul 30, 2018

    I think I will experiment with some mudding & sanding since we have all if the materials & tools for that. But, my back up plan will be the paneling. I looked at bead board paneling at Home Depot & although I loved it, I was a little turned off that it was $30 a sheet! Any other suggestions for wall coverings?

  • Cheryl Gillman Cheryl Gillman on Jul 30, 2018

    The faster/cheaper route would be missing and sanding. It's not as hard as it sounds really, you get the hang of it prettyquickly

  • Cheryl is right, you could always rent a sprayer and do it like that

  • Michelle N. Michelle N. on Aug 07, 2020

    Two years later, with lots of free time on my hands, I ended up mudding/sanding/painting. It is not perfect by any means & I truly do believe it is an art form. But, I'm happy with it. I am finding the key to this dyi stuff is to just work up the guts to try something new!