How to Cut Paneling Around a Window

Wall paneling is available in a wide variety of colors and wood finishes, and some even contain decorative grooves. You can install them so that they completely cover a wall, or cut them in half to cover only the lower portion. Although installing wall paneling is fairly basic, cutting the sheets to fit around window openings can get a little tricky. The key is to take accurate measurements before you cut into the panel.

Tape measure
Pencil
Straight edge
Saw horses
Clamps
Safety glasses
Power saw

Instructions

- 1
  Install the surrounding wall panels per the manufactures' instructions, stopping only when the next sheet will overlap the window.
- 2
  Place the end of a tape measure at the edge of the last installed piece of paneling and measure to the nearest edge of the window frame. Write down the measurement on a piece of paper.
- 3
  Place the end of the tape measure back at the edge of the last installed panel and measure over to the opposite side of the window frame. Write down this measurement as well.
- 4
  Place the end of the tape measure at the base of the wall under the window. Make sure it is 1/4 inch above the floor, then stretch it up stopping at the lower edge of the window frame. Write down the measurement.
- 5
  Place the end of the tape measure at the bottom of the wall and measure up to the top edge of the window. Take note of the measurement.
- 6
  Lay a piece of wall paneling flat on the floor with the finished side facing downward. Transfer the measurements onto the paneling by making small lines for each one. Connect the lines using a straight edge so that you have a rectangular square line representing the window.
- 7
  Place the paneling on top of sawhorses with the pencil line in the center. Secure each end of the panel to the saw horses with clamps. Put on safety glasses and cut out the pencil lines using a power saw.

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