So, what is his reason for going with paneling? Cheaper? Match the rest of the house? You could definitely do beadboard and paint it the creamy buttermilk yellow you like, but I'm thinking I would stick with drywall since that is what you had originally invisioned. I'm not a big fan of paneling, so I don't think I would do that.

Laurie

I admit I don't fully understand his reason, although he explained it to me. I think part of it has something to do with the uneven surface he has to work with and the lack of squareness that exists throughout this 1850 house. Also, it's possible that he's in a hurry. I say this because he mentioned something about drywall having to be spackled. He squeezed this job in for me.

Don't do something just because someone is squeezing a job in for you and may be looking for the quickest fix. I would rather delay the job and have what you really want done. Hopefully someone here will know more about what's involved in drywalling and whether there is a realy issue there.

Laurie

Alisande you don't want paneling in your historcial home. It screams 1965 or 1975, and I don't think you would like it with your beautiful wood walls. Especially since you can see the room from your kitchen.

There are good things and bad things about hiring friends to do a job, don't you think?

4-6 inch pine tung and groove painted would look nice. Ceiling could be done to match. You could bin the knots or let them bleed through the pale creamy buttermilk yellow paint. It seems like that could look appropriate in your old home, sort of like you made the old woodshed into laundry.

My sister has a house that dates back to 1893 and she has the PVC paneling in her bath, like I have in mine, and it looks great. Here's a photo of mine. She has original tung and grooove on the walls and ceilings of 2 of her bedrooms. I think painted paneling looks very timeless if you put some nice top trim and nice baseboard.

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The chair-rail height beadboard, as pictured above, might have worked, but it would be swallowed up by the laundry machines. But after coming home from looking at full-length paneling this afternoon, I can tell you there's no way I am agreeing to it for that alcove. Nor am I agreeing to any kind of a plywood ceiling.

I like eandhl's suggestion, but I think I'm just going to announce that we're doing drywall and be done with it.

Thanks very much for your input!

I found out one of the main reasons why the contractor is reluctant to go the drywall route. He has no framing to work with. The house is a double-plank construction. No studs, etc.

Where does one find pine tongue & groove?

He or you will be able to find pine tongue & groove at any good home improvement store or lumber yard - it commonly used for porch decks.

A suggestion - Home Depot sells Pro's Choice Decorative Planking Cape Cod Wainscotting, it's primed white and ready for painting. I think this may be more budget friendly!
It comes in chair rail and 8ft lengths, goes up easily and fast - I've use the chair rail ver.

They also have it in solid pine:

3/4 In. Wainscot is highly durable and sturdyÂable to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life, making it perfect for every room in the house. It is recommended to use ProÂs Choice 3/4 In. Pine Trim Kit with pregrooved Base and Chair Rail molding. Package contains 8 Pieces Solid Pine. Actual Size 11/16 In. Thick x 3 In. Wide x 31 3/4 In. Long. Installed Coverage 24 In. Wide x 31 3/4 In. High (5.29 Sq. Ft.). Actual height when used with ProÂs Choice Wainscot Trim=36 1/4 In.

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Jim