Hanging Thin Plywood Over Wood Paneling

Obstacles

• The major obstacle in hanging thin plywood over wood paneling is that both materials are likely to be very thin. This means that the existing wood-panel wall won't provide much of a base for fasteners to attach to. Hanging even a lightweight plywood sheet over wood paneling presents the risk that the plywood might come loose, or that the wood paneling could pull away from the wall frame with the added weight of the plywood.

Fasteners

• Using the right fasteners makes it possible to hang thin plywood over wood paneling. In general, any fastener that distributes the load over a large surface area will work. This includes toggle bolts, which expand when inserted. Plastic anchors are another option; they expand when metal screws are installed in them, preventing the screws from pulling out of the thin wood paneling. Another option is to use standard nails and nail directly through the wood plywood and wood paneling into wall studs.

Finishing

• Once a plywood wall is in place you can finish it however you choose. When plywood is likely to be covered, the pattern and number of fasteners you use doesn't impact the finished look of the wall. Finishing a thin plywood wall involves puttying over the nail or screw heads, then painting the plywood or applying plaster for a stucco-like appearance. Countersink fastener holes and cover with wood putty in a matching tone when applying decorative plywood panels to your wall.

Alternatives

• There are several alternatives to hanging thin plywood over existing interior wood paneling during a room remodel. One is to use joint compound to fill in the vertical grooves cut into the paneling, creating a smooth surface that's suitable for sanding and painting. Another option involves removing the wood paneling before installing thicker plywood or drywall. While this is a more time-consuming process, it gives you a chance to insert new insulation into walls and provides an entirely new wall you can build to suit your specific needs.