A timeless, versatile choice for many homeowners looking to add texture, character, and dimension to interior spaces. Tongue-and-groove wall panelling is a hard-wearing and affordable alternative to traditional tiling and drywall options.
Whether you're aiming for a rustic farmhouse aesthetic, a clean coastal look, or a modern twist on traditional design, these interlocking PVC or MDF panels provide a seamless and stylish solution. In this guide we will walk you through everything you need to know about tongue and groove wall panels - from selecting the right materials to the tools you need and step-by-step installation instructions help you achieve a polished, high-quality finish.
What is tongue and groove wall panelling?
Tongue and groove wall panels feature a tongue along one edge and a matching groove along the opposite edge. This means that when installing the slots fit seamlessly together, creating a sort of “jigsaw puzzle” style of wall cladding which makes it much easier for independent installation and can save you money by cutting out the need to hire professionals.
The benefits of tongue and groove panelling
PVC tongue and groove cladding is a sturdy material that can offer peace of mind for homeowners looking for something that's easy to install and effortlessly stylish. A few of the great benefits tongue and groove panels can offer include:
- Durable for long-lasting wear
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Waterproof features (making them great for kitchens and bathrooms)
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Doesn’t require specialist tools or expertise
These are only a few of the benefits you experience when choosing tongue and groove wall panelling for decorating your home interior. If you’ve decided that these are the perfect option for your home, then keep reading as we’re going to take you through the installation process.
What you need to install tongue and groove wall panels
First, we need to discuss what you’ll need to get the job done. This will ensure that the project will go smoothly and you won’t be caught short of the tools you need.
To install tongue and groove panels, you’ll need:
- A spirit level
- Measuring tape
- A pencil (for marking where your panels will go)
- A hacksaw or Stanley knife
- Solvent-free adhesive (or silicone adhesive if placing over existing tiles)
- Panel trims
How to install tongue and groove wall panels
Installing tongue and groove wall panels is a straightforward process that starts with preparing a clean, dry surface and measuring your wall for accurate panel placement. Although they are simple to install, to ensure you have a seamless installation as well as a professional finish, we’ve created an easy-to-follow, step-by-step process on how to install these panels
- Prep and measure your walls
Regardless of the size of the area you’re planning to cover, it’s important to work out how many tongue-and-groove panels you will need to successfully complete your project. To start you’ll need to use a tape measure to measure the dimensions of the wall. Carefully note down the measurements in the form of H x L x W and use a panel calculator to help you work out how many panels you’ll need by combining the size of your chosen panels with the measurements of your wall.
The majority of tongue-and-groove panels are made to run from floor to ceiling, but we recommend ensuring that your wall height is shorter than the length of the panels to reduce the chance of spacing issues during installation. Panels are easy to cut to size, so it’s better to cut to fit your wall rather than scrambling to fill in the extra space with offcuts, trims and caulk.
Lastly, when preparing your walls and panels, you’ll need to mark out the height the panels will sit at on the wall using one of the panels. We recommend using a spirit level when marking the lines to ensure they'll be as level as possible.
- Cut the panels to size
The PVC materials means that the panels can easily be cut down to size during installation. Once you’ve measured them to size using a measuring tape and a pencil, you can use a basic hacksaw or Stanley knife to cut through the panel. Use the tool to score across the width, and the excess panel should break off. This will leave a straight, clean edge in its place.
- Secure the panels
One of the great things about these panels is that they can be installed over existing materials such as tiles without the need for stripping.
When securing over plaster or wooden framework - we recommend using a solvent free adhesive to secure the panels in place for strong adhesion.
When fitting over tiles - we would recommend using a silicone adhesive for better adhesion to this kind of material, which will provide long-lasting results.
Once the tongue and groove panels are installed, run a small bead of silicone adhesive inside the joining of the panels. Doing this will create a watertight seal, ideal when you’re fitting them behind showers and baths.
Hold them in place until the sealant has set and push into your joiner, corner, or end trims. If any excess sealant comes through the cracks, then wipe with a cloth. There should be no sealant that remains visible by the end for a polished and professional finish.
- Fit your panel trims for a high-quality finish
The final job is to install the panel trims from a seamless finish. For this job, you’ll need to find a suitable trim that suits the job. Trims help to hide any exposed edges once your panels have been fitted, allowing for neat edges. There are a range of different trims you can choose from, and these include:
- End caps - These panel trims need to be installed before your panels and are often seen around doorways and panel feature walls as they offer a clean finish. They slip onto the edges of your panel grooves.
- External corner - These can be used to join two panels together where each panel meets in the corner of a room, with a groove on either side for them to neatly slide into. They’re the best option for those who are panelling a whole room.
- Internal corner- These panels are the opposite of the external corner trims. Each internal corner piece has slots on either side for wall panels. Similar to above, an internal trim fits into the corner of a wall and joins two panels using the same groove process.
Getting the right trims is essential for acquiring a professional finish for your panelling. If you find yourself still unsure which is the best for your DIY project, then read through our guide on how to choose PVC trims for more advice.
Discover tongue and groove wall panels with Panel Company
Whether you’re planning on creating a feature wall or you’re going for all-around coverage, build the home of your dreams with panels that perfectly encapsulate your style. Browse our range of tongue and groove wall panels and enjoy full bold patterns and textures, or keep it minimalistic with their perfect interior solutions.
