How to Hang Vertical Panels on Stairwell Walls

Create templates of the walls with cardboard sheeting. This will save you time in cutting the panels to size. Place a piece of cardboard sheeting against the wall. Trim it with a utility knife to fit the shape of the wall. Mark each piece with its location -- for example, south side 1 or north side 2.

Trace the template on the back of the wall panel. Lay the cardboard template on the back of the wall panel. Trace around it with a pencil. Hold the template down firmly to keep it from shifting while you work.

Cut the panels to fit with a circular saw. Keep the panels turned upside down so you can see your outline. Feed it through the circular saw. Write down the number of the panel on the back so you can keep track of each one.

Find the studs in the stairwell with an electronic stud finder. The panels will need to be nailed into the wall studs so that they will hold properly. Wave the stud finder in front of the wall. Make a mark where it indicates a stud is present.

Nail the panels with paneling nails and a hammer. Hold the panel in place while you insert the first nail into the wall stud. You can hold it in place with your knee or have a friend help you. Place one nail every 12 inches along the studs. Continue until all the panels have been installed.