How to Install Cedar Board on Interior Walls

Locate the studs in the walls. Run an electronic or magnetic stud finder over the walls. Use a pencil and a level to mark the location of the studs, drawing vertical lines along the wall.

Measure 1/8 of an inch off the floor on the wall with a measuring tape and use a pencil to mark the height. Use a level and a pencil to draw a horizontal line across the 1/8-inch mark. This line will indicate where the base of the first row of boards will be installed. The extra 1/8 of an inch will allow the boards to expand.

Cover the back of a cedar board with subfloor adhesive. Set the board in the center of the wall so that the bottom lines up with the horizontal pencil line and the groove side of the board is facing up. Use a nail gun to secure the board to the wall at the stud marks.

Hang the remaining panels along the first horizontal line following the same process described in Step 3. Space the panels so that there is 1/8 of an inch between them. Upon reaching the edges of the walls, measure the area that remains to be covered and subtract 1/8 of an inch from either side. Mark out the dimensions on the boards with a pencil. Cut the boards to size with a miter saw and install them on the wall.

Install the next row of boards in the same manner, inserting the tongues of the boards into the grooves of the previous row of boards. Continue the process of installing the boards until the wall is completely covered.