Nail faux paneling in staircase

[friki]

Hi

I am planning to nail beadboard in the staircase as there is currently some boring wallpaper. The beadboard is about 6mm and the wall it will be nailed to is 12mm. I assume there are electrical wires in the wall but I don't know where or how deep. What nails should be used and how do you avoid nailing into electrical wires, or are they placed so deep in the wall? I am a beginner when it comes to houses. Grateful for any experiences, tips, etc.

 

[sir_daniel]

Adhesive might be an option

 

[bonnier]

If the wall is reasonably flat, you might be able to glue the boards in place and nail at slightly fewer but appropriate spots.

 

[Tiger79]

What is the wall made of?

 

[friki]

The house was built in the 60s. Exactly what it consists of is a bit hard to say, but some form of masonite/chipboard, very soft. I've poked a little with a knife under the trim as you can easily cut pieces out of it and it is soft. I don't think these boards are sold at hardware stores today. About 12mm.

 

[Tiger79]

Glue and nail at the studs.
Alternatively, use short nails across the entire area and secure with some strings of glue.

 

[friki]

My biggest question about this project, and in general, how does one avoid nailing into common electrical wires that are in pipes? Is the only way to tear everything down and start from scratch? I have seen so many pictures of new ceilings, etc., so my thought is, aren't there electrical wires under those paneled boards in the ceiling?

 

[Tiger79]

My biggest question about this project and in general how to avoid nailing into regular electrical wires that are in conduits. Is the only way to tear down everything and start from scratch? I've seen so many pictures of new ceilings, etc., so my thought is aren't there electrical wires under those tongue-and-groove boards in the ceiling too?

Nail with short nails...

 

[friki]

what kind of nails and how long like 15mm are there

 

[KnockOnWood]

As mentioned above: Why not just glue it?

Arrange some 45x45 timber in strategic spots over the panel board, and some timbers of the right length to brace against the opposite wall to get some pressure on the glue.

And then construction adhesive, e.g., PL400.

It will look awesome, and there will be no nail holes that need to be filled. And it will hold!

 

[HandySmurf]

I installed beadboard wainscoting and used PL600. Worked well. I've done it in three staircases at home. The substrate was concrete walls and drywall. While it dries, you can lean a batten against the wall so the panel sits flush.

 

[morsan]

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