Installation Instructions
This instruction sheet describes the proper methods for
installing Murphy decorative wall paneling. This paneling is
intended for dry interior use only and requires care in
handling.
There is nothing quite like the warmth and
beauty of Murphy wall paneling. Appropriate in
every setting and harmonious with either
traditional or contemporary decor, prefinished
paneling has an appeal no other wall covering
can match. When you choose Murphy paneling,
you can be assured you’ve made a wise choice.
Murphy prefinished paneling is suitable for
normal dry interior use environments. Murphy
prefinished paneling should not be used in
environments where accumulation of grease,
smoke, or other surface contaminants will
require frequent cleaning to remove
accumulations.
PLYWOOD
Timber Ridge®, Bedford Village®, McKenzie®, High
Ridge®, Estate®, Wainscot Paneling
MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARD (MDF)
Western Vista® , StyleLine®
*MDF is an engineered wood product. Moisture and high
humidity can adversely affect the product. Do not install in
rooms with high humidity such as bathrooms, carports,
garages, and other unheated rooms. Do not install on
ceilings. 1/8” MDF wall paneling should not be installed over
masonry and should always be installed over a solid
noncombustible backing such as gypsum board. Do not use
1/8” MDF below ground level. To panel over masonry, you
should use 1⁄4” plywood wall paneling over a lightweight
wood frame or stud wall. DO NOT USE IN
MANUFACTURED HOMES.
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.
All prefinished interior wall paneling is not
waterproof and should not be stored or
installed in areas subject to moisture or high
humid
2. Wall Preparation
• PLYWOOD AND MDF
Installing paneling 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 paneling
must be nailed through the backing into studs or
furring 16” on center for maximum holding.
Measure stud centers and snap vertical chalk
lines along the wall for each stud.
If studs are over 16" on center, install horizontal
furring 16” on center following recommendations
in section 8. If you’re paneling over a new wall,
check your local building codes to see if you’re
allowed to install paneling 1⁄4” and thicker
directly to studs without a backing. Paneling
thinner than 1⁄4” will require installation of a
noncombustible backer over the studs. Exterior
walls must be insulated and have a 4 mil or
greater vapor retarder installed on the living side
of the wall prior to panel installation. 1/8”
Western Vista® and StyleLine® wall paneling
should always be installed over a solid
noncombustible backing such as gypsum
wallboard.
Arrange Panels
If you have chosen real wood veneer or
simulated wood grain 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
• PLYWOOD, PANELBOARD, 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.
4. Spacing Between Panels
• 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.
• PLYWOOD
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.
5. Fitting Panels
• PLYWOOD 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 paneling, paint a
stripe of color to match the paneling groove
color on the wall location where the panels will
meet.
6. Adhesive Application
Adhesive application may be used to apply
Plywood and 1/8" MDF which requires both
adhesive and nails.
• PLYWOOD ¼” OR THICKER
Adhesive may be used to apply paneling directly
to studs or over existing walls as long as the
surface is level, sound and clean. Once the
panel is fitted, apply beads of adhesive with a
caulking gun in a continuous strip along the top,
bottom and both sides of the panel. On
intermediate studs, apply beads 3” long and 6”
apart. Over solid backing, apply adhesive in a
zigzag pattern between studs. Some
supplemental nailing will be necessary to hold
the panel in place until the adhesive sets. Be
sure to read the adhesive manufacturer’s
instructions carefully prior to installation, as
instructions may vary. Use a hammer and
padded wood block (or rubber mallet) to set the
glued panel in position.
* Use only a latex water based adhesive with MDF
Paneling. Solvent based adhesive may cause discoloration
of finishes on MDF paneling.
7. Nailing Panels
• PLYWOOD AND MDF
Panel grooves are usually located every 16",
allowing nails to be placed in the grooves on
standard 16" stud centers. Panel matching
colored ringshank nails are recommended. Use
1" nails to apply paneling to studs alone, 11/2”
nails to apply paneling through a solid backing
or plaster. Space nails 6" along panel edges and
8" on intermediate studs. Wear eye protection
when nailing.
• MDF
MDF panels must be installed using both a
good quality panel adhesive and nails. Make
sure the surfaces of the studs or the existing
walls are sound and clean. Once the panel is
Plywood
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
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