Panelling
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Panelling is a type of timber surface covering primarily used for walls, but it can also be used for furniture, installed on ceilings and so on.
[edit] History
Early evidence of wood panelling appears in the 1400s, when it began to be used as a form of covering for stone walls. Acting as a type of insulation, wood panelling helped to control draughts, reflect heat from fires and dampen sound. It also increased the aesthetic options for walls that could be more easily decorated.
Its decorative characteristics became more sophisticated as techniques from Renaissance Italy spread due its depiction in paintings and print. In Tudor England, wood panelling became highly decorative and was widely adopted in the homes of the rich and, powerful.
During this period, panelling was typically made from thin planks of oak and was often carved with patterns. A linenfold pattern that resembled a fold of fabric became popular in England in the 1500s, with more fanciful panelling appearing in the 1600s and beyond.
In 16th century France, a type of ornate wood panelling known as boiserie became popular. Both intricately carved and fancifully painted, these wall treatments became fashionable during the time of Louis XV and Louis XVI. Examples can be seen in the Palace of Versailles, where rooms of importance were decorated with boiserie that included shallow-relief carvings, painted in contrasting colours and then adorned with gilding. This technique was also applied to doors, frames and other parts of rooms.
![]() |
The Cabinet Doré of Marie-Antoinette at Palace of Versailles features boiseries made by the Rousseu brothers. |
A similar form of oak panelling known as wainscoting became popular in England in the 1700s. In addition to protecting walls, it helped to decrease the impact of rising damp that could occur in some types of walls.
Wainscoting was originally used in floor to ceiling applications, but was later more commonly applied to just the lower portion of walls. The use of oak decreased over the years, and other types of timber became more common.
[edit] Modern panelling
Over the years, different types of materials have been used to produce panelling.
![]() |
This photo is of a cultural heritage site in Canada, numbers 14362 and 10582 in the Canadian Register of Historic Places. |
[edit] Solid planks
Traditional solid wood panelling is still available and is produced as planks with a tongue and groove edges. This provides a simple way to join the planks and allows movement to prevent splitting. Hardwoods are sometimes available, but softwoods - such as pine - are more commonly used.
[edit] Wallboards
Manufactured sheet wallboards come in a wide variety of materials and are made to various standard sizes and in thicknesses. This type of panelling is typically made from plywood or hardboard panels that have been covered with different types of finishes. These can include timber veneers, coloured plastic or simulated wood (on printed paper), embossed brick, stone, plaster or tile. Wallboards can also be made from wood fibre boards and covered with cork or fabric.
[edit] Reproduction panelling
When traditional solid wood panelling is not available, there are several reproduction options. The most common are rigid, moulded urethane foam panels (sometimes available with traditional linenfold or floral patterns) or veneer-faced panels (sometimes available with oak veneers) attached to plywood.
[edit] Industrial panelling
Industrial panelling can be made from galvanised steel sheet with a rigid insulation core and a plasterboard inner lining.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.