Where do we start? 1906 Bungalow

10 years ago

We have this paneling covering our entire living area. Under it is masonite. Everywhere! Covering the masonite is a cloth wall paper. And finally under the wall paper is wood that runs horizontal about 6" wide which is either redwood or douglas fir.Shiplap? The question is, do we leave this paneling? Our family and friends opinions are all quite varied. We can't decide. Of course money and physical ability to remove this is an issue. Is it that bad?

Featured Answer

disfromage

10 years ago

Yes, it's that bad...

If you can remove all the layers to expose what I assume is the original redwood or douglas fir paneling please do that. It should be gorgeous. It'll be some work, but I think very worth it.

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Comments (7)

groveraxle
10 years ago
I agree. It is even worse than that bad. It's sacrilege. If someone wallpapered over the original paneling, it may be a goner. I'd rip off the top three layers, then make an assessment of the condition of the original wall. If it's not salvageable, depending on budget, I'd look for a real plasterer to redo the walls.
Mary B. thanked groveraxle
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Sigrid
10 years ago
It looks cheap and it's dark. I'd remove it. If you have a lot of it, you can always remove some in one smallish place, like your entry hall and see what it takes to rehab what's underneath.

My guess would be that the walls aren't in great shape, which is why the paneling was installed. Not in great shape might be something a paintable, textured wallpaper could fix.
Mary B. thanked Sigrid
Donald
10 years ago
Stop asking people tat don't live there, won't be doing the labor, and won't be writing the checks. Do you dislike it?
connie912
10 years ago
It could be dramatically improved with several coats of primer and a light colored paint. There is a reason for the previous layers. Don't go there.
Mary B. thanked connie912
User
10 years ago
What is your intent for the home? Restoration? (I would certainly HOPE so! The home deserves to have the the remuddles fixed and no new ones inflicted.) That is a long haul process and you need to pick your battles one at a time, as time and money allow.

It would certainly be an acceptable choice to just paint over that abomination for now if you were planning to remove it and deal with the full archeological dig of layers later.

Pick one or two rooms to be your sanctuary and work on them and FINISH them. Then make a list of the rest and where theat rank in priority. You do not need to have everything perfect immediately.
Mary B. thanked User
Mary B.
Original Author
10 years ago
yeah, I agree. We have pulled off a small portion of the 3 layers. Underneath are the horizontal boards I described. Beautiful. From my research, the wood was plentiful for the time of the build. It was never intended to be seen so they would wallpaper over it. Somewhere in time, a former owner worked for Masonite. So that is why all the walls and ceiling have that. Who knows why someone added the paneling? Also the floors in the home were covered in vinyl at some point. Ugh! That is going. Underneath is hardwood! Thanks for all the advice. I think I will take your advice live_wire_oak. Start in sections .We have been in this home 3 weeks and already have fenced the entire yard (for our dogs) and tore out a falling down rotted different fence area and are now in the process of removing a rotten deck. Roof is coming in November and we are waiting on calls from electricians. Whew! The list we have for restoration is crazy! Thank you all for your advice.