Beadboard is a type of wainscoting wall treatment typically made of thin tongue-and-groove boards lined up vertically along the wall. The ‘bead’ refers to the Victorian-era inspired recessed shape in the center of each board.
It’s a look that often evokes a sense of classic Americana, often found in country, cottage and traditionally styled homes. Beadboard is finished with paint, wallpaper, fabric, or fun, decorative scenes to fit the area it’s in.
It’s low-maintenance and easy to clean, making it a favorite for all types of homeowners. The thin boards are usually around 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick and come in various widths like 4, 6 and 8 inches. Beadboard can be installed as full wall treatments, mid-century looking chair rails or coverings, or in various other decorative features.
What is the purpose of beadboard?
Beadboard is commonly used in both unfinished and finished form to provide a decorative wall paneling or wainscoting look. It is a type of wood paneling that consists of narrow boards or “planks” arranged in a horizontally-oriented pattern.
While historically made from wood, modern beadboard often is made from various synthetic materials such as MDF, PVC, or other composites.
The primary purpose of beadboard is decorative. Its pattern has a classic and attractive look that complements many different types of decor and architectural styles. Beadboard can be painted to match a room’s color scheme and is often used for walls, ceilings, backsplashes, and as trim around openings.
The horizontal pattern can subtly draw the eye around a room, making it look larger and more inviting.
Some people also use beadboard for practical applications such as lining the bottoms of cabinets, creating furniture panels and sides, or for creating stylish kitchen countertops. It is also used outdoors for porch and deck sides and railings.
Beadboard is easy to install and durable, which makes it an excellent choice for many different home improvement projects and is preferred by many DIYers.
Is beadboard expensive?
Beadboard can range in price depending on the type and size of beadboard you’re looking to purchase. If you’re looking to purchase pre-made beadboard, they can range anywhere from around $20 per 8-foot sheet all the way up to several hundred dollars.
If you’re looking to save money, you can always purchase tongue and groove lumber for your beadboard and purchase the necessary tools to install it yourself. This will cost less overall, but there will be an upfront cost for the supplies and tools, as well as some time and labor required to install it.
In either case, when compared to other wall treatments such as tile, durarock, wallpaper, and so on, beadboard is typically a more economical choice.
What is the difference between paneling and beadboard?
The primary difference between paneling and beadboard is the type of material that each is constructed from. Paneling typically consists of solid wood or synthetic materials, while beadboard is made from interlocking wood boards.
Paneling has a more traditional, classic look, while beadboard creates a more casual, beachy feel. Paneling can be installed onto walls in a few different ways – it can be nailed directly to the wall, or it can be applied to furring strips that have been attached to the wall.
Beadboard is typically installed in much the same way on furring strips. Additionally, paneling is often used to cover entire walls and is available in a variety of finishes and textures such as pre-painted, pre-stained, natural and rustic.
Beadboard is also available in a number of finishes, but is usually used as an accent wall or in smaller areas.
Does beadboard increase home value?
Yes, beadboard can increase a home’s value. Beadboard is a material that typically consists of milled or routed wooden boards with a tongue-and-groove pattern. It is typically used as a decorative wall covering, but it can also be used to make furniture and cabinets.
Beadboard adds a classic, timeless look to any home, and it provides an easy way to upgrade the look and feel of any room. It also adds texture and texture to home decor, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Additionally, beadboard is fairly easy and inexpensive to install, so the expense of having it installed won’t break the bank. Ultimately, beadboard can increase the value of a home because of the beauty and style it adds, as well as its relatively low cost of installation.
Which is cheaper beadboard or shiplap?
The cost of either beadboard or shiplap installation will depend on the size of the project and the quality of the materials being used. Generally, beadboard is slightly more affordable, due to its simpler installation process and availability of stock materials.
However, shiplap is growing in popularity and is often more visually appealing, making it a great option for certain applications. While beadboard is generally much thinner than shiplap, shiplap does not need to be painted or stained and comes pre-finished with a variety of colour options, which can make it more expensive.
In either case, it would be best to compare the materials you plan to use and speak with an experienced contractor to determine which material is best for your project and get a good estimate of the cost.
Is beadboard cheaper than wainscoting?
Beadboard and wainscoting both make great additions to a room, but many factors can influence cost. Generally speaking, beadboard is usually more economical than wainscoting. This is because beadboard is typically a single layer of wood with a simple tongue-and-groove design, making it less labor intensive and therefore cheaper to install.
On the other hand, wainscoting is often composed of multiple layers, or “rails,” and may include trim or molding, which require more commitment in terms of time and materials to install. Additionally, wainscoting is often made with a more expensive wood, resulting in a higher overall cost than beadboard, even though the per-panel cost may be lower.
Ultimately, what type of paneling you choose to install will depend on both your budget and desired aesthetic.
What is cheaper beadboard or tongue and groove?
The cost of beadboard or tongue and groove depends on several factors, such as the type and quality of the material, the size of the panel, and the number of panels you need. If you are looking for the least expensive option, beadboard is typically the more affordable option.
Beadboard generally costs around $2-$5 per square foot, while tongue and groove costs a bit more, typically ranging from $3-$7 per square foot. Beadboard is a thin, grooved material commonly used for wainscoting and as a decorative panel for walls and ceilings.
It is easy to install with nails or glue and does not require sanding, painting or staining. Tongue and groove is a thicker material that is usually used for walls and floors. It requires heavier-duty adhesive or nails to secure it properly, and usually requires some sanding, painting, or staining.
In summary, beadboard is generally the cheaper of the two, but the cost will ultimately depend on the size and quality of the material you choose.
Is installing beadboard difficult?
Installing beadboard can be a challenging task, depending on the size and complexity of the project. If you are just covering a small area, the installation process is not too difficult, but larger and more complex installations can be quite involved.
The basic installation process involves attaching the beadboard panels to the wall with screws and nails, filling in any gaps between the panels, then caulking and/or painting the boards to seal them.
Depending on the type of beadboard you choose and the size of the project, it can take several hours to several days to complete the installation. Additionally, if the beadboard is being installed inside a bathroom or a kitchen, there may be more steps to ensure the boards are properly sealed and waterproofed.
Overall, installing beadboard can be a difficult job, though the difficulty level will depend on the size and complexity of the project.
Do you put baseboard over beadboard?
Yes, it is possible to put baseboard over beadboard. Typically, baseboard is installed after the beadboard to add a decorative touch and to help conceal any minor imperfections. Before choosing to place the baseboard over the beadboard, make sure that the two materials are compatible.
Otherwise, the beadboard may warp if it is not designed to handle the added weight of the baseboard. Additionally, pay attention to the height of the baseboard so it does not block the beauty of the beadboard.
If transitioning from one room to another, it is important to consider the height discrepancies and make sure the baseboard matches on both sides. Lastly, it is important to secure the baseboard sufficiently using nails to ensure it doesn’t come down after time.
With the right materials, the right height and the right installation, a baseboard can add a harmonious touch to a beadboard.
Do you need drywall behind beadboard?
The short answer is: it depends. Whether you need drywall behind beadboard depends on the type of beadboard you’re using and the load it will be subjected to. If the area isn’t load-bearing or isn’t taking any abuse, such as an accent wall or a backsplash, drywall isn’t required.
However, if the beadboard is being used on a wall that is load-bearing or a surface that will be exposed to water or humidity, then drywall should be installed behind the beadboard for added stability and to prevent damage.
Additionally, if you’re using a type of beadboard that does not have tongue-and-groove installation, such as plywood or MDF, then drywall should be installed for additional support.
If you do decide to install drywall behind beadboard, it’s best to use a water-resistant material such as cement board or a product like Denshield. These materials provide additional protection from water damage and can be used with moisture-resistant adhesives and sealants.
Can beadboard get wet?
Yes, beadboard can get wet with no serious consequences. However, it’s recommended to seal beadboard if it is going to be exposed to more than minimal water exposure, such as in a bathroom. Doing so will help protect the material from getting damaged or rotting.
If you’re sealing beadboard, make sure to use products specifically intended for the type of material you are using and follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. Additionally, moisture or wetness can cause beadboard to expand and contract, so be sure to provide as much drainage as possible.
For example, seal any joints between beadboard and other materials and make sure the space around it isn’t too tight, to prevent water from pooling.
How far up should beadboard go?
The exact height to which you should install beadboard will vary depending on your particular space and the design you are looking to create. Generally speaking, beadboard should be installed up to the highest point of the ceiling, although this may not necessarily be necessary.
In addition, if the beadboard is to be used as wainscoting, you may not need to go all the way up to the ceiling. Instead, the rule of thumb is to generally leave a distance of 12 to 16 inches between the top of the beadboard and the ceiling.
It is important to note, however, that much of this will be dependent on the overall look and design you are aiming for, so be sure to consider this when making your decision.
How do you finish the end of beadboard?
One of the easiest ways to finish the end of beadboard is with a beaded edge. Many beadboard panels come with an adhesive strip along one side that allow them to be connected to the wall without having to add additional nails.
The panel should be attached according to the manufacturer’s instructions before adding a beaded edge to the end. Beaded edges are typically made from pine and are available in various lengths and styles such as smooth or beveled.
A beveled edge will provide a more decorative look, while a smooth edge is more subtle. To install the edge, glue it to the panel and then secure it with a few nails. Once the nails are in place, the end of the beadboard will have a neat and finished look.
Does beadboard go out of style?
Beadboard is often used in homes and is a timeless look. It’s typically used on walls, ceilings, and furniture pieces and looks like thin strips of wood placed in a vertical orientation, almost like stripes.
So, if you want to keep a traditional look in your home, beadboard may be a good choice.
However, as with any design trend, there are times when beadboard may look dated or out of style. For example, if you are looking for a more modern style, you may want to consider an alternative look.
Many modern homes now incorporate modern wall textures and finishes, such as wood paneling, or bright, bold colors.
In summary, beadboard is a timeless look and can give your home a classic look, but there are times when it may look out of style. Ultimately, the style of your home should be determined by your personal preferences and the overall design of the space you’re creating.