While spending an inordinate amount of time at home, you have likely noticed all of the to-do’s that have been piling up over the years. Whether you have an office in need of an update or drywall that is failing to impress, now may be the perfect time to start your own home remodeling project. Homeowners everywhere are staying busy and feeling good about their home improvements, relying on easy and affordable projects to create luxury and value without complications or high price tags.

Detail Design & Remodeling is here to serve as your premier remodeling company in Georgia, specializing in beautiful services such as cabinet refacing for Atlanta residents and beyond. We rely on old world craftsmanship to create considerable luxury and value without the high cost. Once things get back to normal, our team is excited to help homeowners turn their dream spaces into reality with professional home remodeling. In the meantime, we’re here to get people excited about their property improvements!

If you’re bored at home while in quarantine, now is the perfect time to get excited about DIY remodeling! Through this blog series, our home remodeling contractors will highlight simple and affordable home renovations to get people thinking about their improvement plans. Today, we’ll discuss the value and versatility of working with beadboard. 

What is Beadboard?

Traditionally, beadboard consisted of vertical boards that were installed stick by stick, generating a long-lasting wall with plenty of character. These components rely on tongue and groove connections to fit snugly into place. The name comes from the bead created when two boards are fastened together. People often get beadboard confused with shiplap, and this is due to the similar design and application. Whereas beadboard and V-groove panels rely on tongue and groove connections, shiplap boards are joined through a 90-degree overlapping joint, referred to as a rabbet. 

Today, beadboard is available in large panels to simulate individual boards without the high cost or involved effort. DIYers can create serious improvements within their homes with ease thanks to these modern materials. 

Choose Your Beadboard Carefully

Many homeowners get caught up in the excitement of installing their own home improvements, investing in the most affordable beadboard materials they can find. However, it’s important to keep in mind: 

  • Board sizes — A traditional 2½ inch V-beadboard is a good place to start. You can opt for different sizes, but remember that narrower boards create more detail and depth while wider boards tend to look less busy in larger wall applications. You can also opt for random-width boards to generate character in your home.
  • Panel profile — Thicker panels tend to look more realistic while thinner panels tend to cost less. Focus on finding beadboard materials with clean, clear cuts to create the most beauty for your project. High-quality panels will work to mimic the look of individual boards.
  • Board application — Do you want to install beadboard in your bathroom, or would you prefer to install it along the home’s exterior? Be sure to invest in beadboard panels specifically designed for your project application, such as moisture-resistant materials for the bathroom and outdoor products for exterior applications.

Installing Your Beadboard

How To:

  1. The first step is to let your materials acclimate to the moisture in your home. Much like wood flooring, beadboard panels need time to expand or contract to create equilibrium with your home’s temperature and humidity. Leave these panels stacked up for 72 hours to be safe, and don’t forget to include spacers for maximum airflow!
  2. If you plan on covering your drywall from floor to ceiling, be sure to remove any molding along the ceiling and baseboards along the floor. Save these materials for reinstallation once the job is done. If you have a thicker beadboard for installation, be sure your baseboards are flush to avoid trapping dust.
  3. Carefully install your panels to the drywall with adhesive. Rely on thin nails (brads) to keep things in place while the panel adhesive dries. Planning on painting your beadboard? Prime it, and add the first layer of paint before installation to make life easier later on!
  4. Focus on creating flush corners. The corners of your wall will likely not be plumb, requiring some modification to create a seamless finish. Do some research to refresh yourself on scribing techniques to create the best results. If you can, we would recommend renting or buying a powered brad nailer to make the project faster and easier moving forward.
  5. Install the beardboards. Place the boards along your wall one at a time, connecting them with the installed pieces and then securing them with finishing nails. Angle the nail into the tongue of each panel along the bottom and a direct nail into the top surface. Don’t forget to account for power outlets!
  6. Finish with molding. Once your beadboard is installed, cap it with your selected molding to create a cohesive finish.

Schedule a Consultation With Our Home Remodelers

DIY home improvement projects can be rewarding, but so can professional results delivered by experienced home improvement contractors. Detail Design & Remodeling specializes in home remodeling services such as cabinet refacing across Atlanta, relying on our skills and techniques to generate the most beauty and value without costing a fortune. We’re excited to get back to work, and will be happy to schedule a free consultation with you to illuminate how much you can save through our services.

Contact us today to get started!