Asked on Aug 09, 2018
How to easily install oak library / judges paneling?
by Debbs
+5
We are wanting to install floor to ceiling library / judges paneling out of oak in the family room. We are thinking of using 1/2" ply (4'x8') sheets upright, then installing 1/2" or 3/8" ply strips for stiles and the same for rails to create the "boxes". We are thinking panel moulding on the inside edges of the boxes created, chunky floor moulding and top it with crown. Has anyone done this project and do you have any post project words of wisdom or tips and tricks to make things easier? Stain and laquer in place or pre-finish and then install? Better materials to use?
Suggested Project Book
Hi, I have never done this but wonder if you have considered "Lincrusta" Wallpaper - Very thick and made in many different designs, My parents used it with a light oak varnish and it looked pretty good. It might pay you to take a look at the Pattern Book before you go to all that trouble and expense..............
Some special library ideas you may choose to adapt.
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/home-libraries-slideshow/all
Often a tell-tale sign “antique”, be it furniture or paneling, is that the edges are slightly rounded. Partly from years of use, but that that bit of softness makes even an all-paneled room cozier
I have no experience with building, but a lot designing my house. Look at lots of great ideas and adapt. Choose to copy stain colors, but check how Your light affects them. Stains are like buying paint - different every time of day.
Decide how to accentuate height - and note that many of these rooms have an interesting ceiling.
Have ve fun with this, but take your time designing the package.
Wow! AD is such a remarkable publication and that was a fabulous collection of library's I would love to live in - forget the kitchens and bedrooms - all I need is books, a cat and a hot pot of Earl Grey.
The home contains this southern facing great room space of family room, informal dining room and kitchen. The overall space is large (300 sq ft in the family room alone). So it will be a lot of wood. Your suggestion to evaluate stain is a very valid point. The 1/4" ply is only $22 a sheet...it would be a prudent investment to "try" the stain before I commit. Since the room is bright, I may be able to get away with a darker stain that my brain was steering away from. Thanks.
Cheers.
I’m jealous for your space and this library potential.
Consider a deep window seat where you can hide.
Best of luck, and have fun.
OH MY GOODNESS... I looked up Lincrusta before I get into my day's priorities. That is not your grandmothers wallpaper for certain - they even have a Georgian Panel style the would achieve a very similar look. I did not spend time looking for better pricing than the first Google search returns. However, $430 for 32.9' by 1'9" width is more than my initial product cost tally for the wood....actually it is over double for our space - not to mention they recommend a "very experienced installer" which we are not for wallpaper. They do have many beautiful designs and I can think of applications where this would be preferred to the weight of wood paneling or for diy'ers who don't own all the wood working equipment like table saws, routers and sanders etc., space to use that equipment, do not possess the skill set for wood install or the budget for professional install. BUT it is an option to investigate for all future readers of this Q&A.