How to Install Plank Paneling

Mark each stud in the wall, using a stud finder. Draw vertical lines throughout the wall, with a level and a pencil, to show where each stud is.

Mark a horizontal line all along the bottom of the wall, 1/2 inch above the height of one plank. For example, if the planks are 8 inches across, the line should run 8 1/2 inches up from the floor.

Cut your first plank to the width of the wall, minus 1/2 inch. For example, if the wall is 10 feet across, the plank should be 9 feet, 11 1/2 inches. Make the cut on a miter saw set straight across, at 90 degrees.

Set the piece onto the wall, under the horizontal line, with the tongue side facing up. There should be 1/2 inch at the floor and 1/4 inch at each end. Nail the piece in place with a nail gun, putting two nails through the face at each place where the plank intersects a stud, using your wall marks.

Measure and cut the next piece up. Set it on top of the bottom piece, locking the groove of the upper plank over the tongue of the lower one. Nail the upper one in place by shooting in nails at a downward angle on the side of the board, next to the tongue, at each intersection with a stud.

Build your way up the whole wall. Cut the top plank along its length on a table saw so it fits against the ceiling with a 1/2-inch space there. The spaces will be hidden when you install the trim around the edges of the wall.