Instructions / Assembly

Decorative Wall Panel Installation Instructions
1. Conditioning Panels
Condition panels by placing them in the room to be paneled 48 hours
prior to installation. Stack the panels on the floor or lean them against
a wall, with spacers between each sheet. This allows the room air to
circulate around each panel for proper acclimation. Only Lionite
®
Tileboard has a finish that is moisture, stain, and scuff resistant.
All other pre-finished interior wall paneling have finishes that
are not considered moisture resistant and should not be
installed in areas subject to moisture or high humidity. All
Georgia-Pacific decorative wall paneling should be stored flat
and off the ground in a dry area prior to installation.
2. Wall Preparation
Hardboard and MDF Installing panels over existing true walls requires
no preliminary preparation. Sanding high spots on the wall is generally
about all you have to do. In most homes, studs are spaced 16” on
center, but 24” centers and other spacing may exist especially in
exterior walls. Stud spacing must be determined, since panels must
be nailed through the backing into studs or furring 16” on center for
maximum holding.
Measure stud centers and snap vertical chalklines along the wall for
each stud. If studs are over 16” on center, install horizontal furring 16”
on center following recommendations in section 10. If you’re paneling
over a new wall, check your local building codes to see if you’re allowed
to install panels 1/4” and thicker directly to studs without a backing.
Panels thinner than 1/4” will require installation of a non-combustible
backer over the studs, such as gypsum wallboard. Exterior walls must
be insulated and have a 4 mil or greater vapor retarder installed on
the side of the wall required in local building codes.
Tileboard Tileboard must be applied to a continuous solid non-
combustible backing. Do not apply panels directly to studs or furring
strips. On masonry walls (concrete, brick or cinder block) a framework
of furring strips or studs overlaid with water-resistant gypsum
wallboard is suitable for tileboard application. Exterior walls must
have insulation and a minimum 4 mil vapor retarder installed
beneath the solid backing.
Arrange Panels If you have chosen simulated woodgrain panels,
take a few minutes to stand the panels side-by-side around the room.
Arrange them to achieve the most pleasing balance of color and
grain pattern, then number the back of each panel in sequence.
3. Cutting Panels
MDF and Hardboard If measured floor-to-ceiling height is 8’ or
less, subtract 1/2” from this measurement to allow 1/4” expansion
clearance top and bottom.
Transfer these measurements to panels for cutting. If using a handsaw
or table saw, mark and cut the panels face up. If using a portable
circular saw or sabre saw, mark and cut panels face down. Cut-outs
for door and window sections, electrical switches and outlets or heat
registers require careful measurements. Many a good paneling job
has been ruined by inaccurate cutting for outlet boxes or heat
registers. One method is to mark the outlet box with chalk. Then,
place the properly cut panel on the wall and tap at the outlet
location. This will transfer an image to the back of the panel and
indicate the area for cutting. A 1/4” gap around this area will provide
room for spacing and adjustment — the faceplate will cover up the
extra space. On an existing wall, adjust the outlet box to meet panel
thickness. Unscrew at the top and bottom, wedge a small paneling
scrap at screw locations, and tighten.
Tileboard See Spacing, Fitting and Tub and Shower Installation sections.
4. Spacing Between Panels
Hardboard and MDF A 1/16” gap between adjacent panels is
recommended to allow for expansion. Never butt panels tightly. A
3/16” space should be provided around windows and doors.
Tileboard Installation
With a Divider Strip
For tileboard installation
with divider strips, leave
a 3/16” gap between
panels, including 1/16”
between panel edge
and the inside of
the moulding.
Tileboard Installation Without a Divider Strip For tileboard
installation without divider strips, seal 1/8” space between panels
with a high-quality silicone caulk. For a pleasing appearance, and a
secure seal, carefully caulk around the tub. Note: Panel adhesive must
be dry before caulking. Wet adhesive may discolor caulk.
5. Fitting Panels
Hardboard and MDF Put the first panel in place and bring to
adjacent wall in the corner allowing 1/16” space. Make sure it is
plumb and both left and right panel edges fall on solid stud backing.
The panel may have to be trimmed to allow the outer edge to fall on
the center of a stud for nailing. Also, on rough walls, or adjoining a
fireplace wall, use a pencil compass to mark the panel on the inner
edge, then cut on the scribe line to fit around the obstruction. Before
nailing the panels, paint a stripe of color to match the panels groove
color on the wall location where the panels will meet.
These instructions describe the proper methods for installing Georgia-Pacific decorative wall panels.
These panels are intended for dry interior use only and require care in handling.
Always remember to follow these important steps when installing decorative wall panels:
1 Condition the panels. 2 Prepare the walls. 3 Space the panels. 4 Use proper nailing and/or gluing patterns.
Please read the Decorative Wall Panel Installation Instructions in their entirety before proceeding!
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