I found these walls behind some plaster can you help

Question

I am curious as how to restore these walls this is a room that was remodeled and I tore it apart seeing the beautiful wood behind them what should I do to restore them?

Thank you

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Depending upon the style you like would depend on what you do. You can simply clean them and leave them be, or sand and finish them with stain or whitewash for tint of color. 
My only concern is at this point is the plaster that you removed and that may still be on the boards and around the room. It may contain asbestos and could be an issue. 
While its to late to do anything about spreading it around now, all you can do is to assume the worst and finish the project assuming it was. This means using a lot of clean fresh water and washing everything down carefully to remove any dust traces that may still be lingering. Be sure if you have not already to wear a mask and ideally a protective suite that you can discard once your done. Or some old clothes that you will simply discard once finished. Do not wash them throw them out. 
Its always fun to find something that is out of the ordinary when walls come down. Some times its pleasurable, sometimes a nightmare. Looks like you found something nice!

Swan Road Designs · Answer

It appears that you have what is known as 'lath and plaster' construction, which was used before plasterboard (sheetrock) and until about 1950 in the U.S. Lath and plaster was constructed by tacking (nailing) the thin narrow 'laths' of wood, then filling the gap between the wooden strips with plaster. Similar to how grouting is done.

In most cases, there is no insulation behind this type of wall construction. That is partially because insulation wasn't part of a builder's techniques as it wasn't known to be as effective in controlling the inside climate of a structure as understand it to be today, along with the understanding that most lath and plaster construction was used on interior walls. The wall on the right side of your first photo is more than likely an outside wall. Your home probably dates to way before 1950 judging by what the photos shows.

As for restoring it, check with a reputable builder who is familiar with plastering and get their advice. I have a feeling you will be advised to cover it up with sheetrock.

Ikbe · Answer

It looks like the wood may be what is called ship lap. The wood was recycled for use in some places where we wouldn't see it. I'm thinking that the look is more rustic or shabby chic, so I would try a light color pickling wash.

Brenna Morgan · Answer

I would paint them a creamy white. What a wonderful find!

Terri · Answer

Great find! I agree with Woodbridge; it all depends on your style. I recently was given two wooden crates on which I used Minwax pastels. These are oil-based stains that allow the grain of the wood to show through a rustic pastel color. Easy to apply and quick drying, but you need to open windows for awhile! Will post photos of finished crates asap. Good luck!

Robin Springer · Answer

I have a wooden wall between my kitchen and laundry room that was probably part of the old summer kitchen. I decided to leave it. I am going to sand it and then put some kind of treatment( I haven't made up my mind yet) and then seal it with some poly, just for easier cleaning. I love it.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Neat. I'd decide on what style for the area, then make it a kind of feature wall.

Christy Sudderth · Answer

I agree with the creamy white. If you look at Pottery Barn catalog almost all the walls are wooden instead of sheetrock.

Linda · Answer

I agree wit tip top house,  I would wash the boards carefully, and then finish with a wax base stain.

Krista · Answer

My Bro-in-law just redid a wall like this in his house - he sanded them down (I think he said it took almost 16 hours of sanding) and then just a clear coat or two of poly-acrylic to protect it.

Cynthia H · Answer

We have an old 'plank' house with wood behind the old plaster and lath. It's usually too rough and has too many gaps to use as found, but, your planks look really nice. Be safe and watch for the huge splinters you can get from old wood. If you like painted wood, it would look great in a creamy color.

Pauline · Answer

Looks like ship lap. Look up the show fixer upper on hgtv. They do a lot with ship lap. They have so many ideas I'm sure you can get a lot of information from them.

I found these walls behind some plaster can you help

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I found these walls behind some plaster can you help

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