Wall Panelling: The New Build DIY Project Everyone's Doing

Scroll through any new build interior Instagram account and you'll see wall panelling everywhere. It's the single most popular DIY project for new build buyers — and for good reason. It adds texture, character, and a sense of quality to walls that would otherwise be flat and featureless. Painted in a bold colour, panelling turns a plain magnolia wall into something that looks like it belongs in a design magazine.

New builds are particularly well-suited to panelling because the walls are flat, smooth, and plumb. No wonky old plaster to contend with — just clean surfaces ready for MDF strips.

Shaker: Simple rectangular panels with a flat centre and raised border. Classic, versatile, works in any room. The most popular choice for new build bedrooms and living rooms. Timeless rather than trendy.

Geometric: Angular patterns — diamonds, chevrons, or abstract shapes. More contemporary and eye-catching. Best as a feature wall rather than a full room treatment. Popular on staircase walls and behind headboards.

Board and batten: Vertical strips (battens) evenly spaced across the wall with flat panels between. A clean, modern look that adds height to a room. Works beautifully in hallways and dining rooms.

Tongue and groove: Interlocking horizontal or vertical planks. Creates a coastal, farmhouse, or Scandi feel depending on the colour. Often used as half-height panelling (bottom half of the wall) with paint above.

Jacobean: Ornate, multi-layered panelling with complex mouldings. More traditional and dramatic. Suits formal dining rooms and period-style feature walls. The most complex to DIY.

Modern linear: Simple parallel lines — either horizontal or vertical — creating a subtle ribbed texture. Minimal, contemporary, and the easiest to install. Brilliant for a Scandi-inspired bedroom.

1. Plan your design. Sketch it on paper first. Measure the wall and divide it into equal panels. Use masking tape on the wall to preview the layout before committing.
2. Cut your MDF strips. 9mm MDF strips in 20-30mm widths. A mitre saw makes clean, accurate cuts. Pre-cut strips are available from B&Q and Wickes if you don't have a saw.
3. Sand the wall lightly. This helps the adhesive bond. Wipe off dust with a damp cloth.
4. Apply adhesive. Use a grab adhesive (No More Nails or similar) in a zigzag pattern on the back of each strip.
5. Press and pin. Press each strip firmly onto the wall. Use panel pins or a brad nailer for extra security while the adhesive sets. A spirit level is essential for keeping lines straight.
6. Fill gaps and pin holes. Once all strips are up, fill any gaps with decorator's caulk and pin holes with wood filler. Sand smooth when dry.
7. Paint. Two coats of your chosen colour over the entire panelled surface (including the wall behind the strips). A small foam roller for the flat areas and a brush for the edges gives the smoothest finish.

• MDF strips (9mm x 25mm x 2.4m): £2-£4 per strip. A typical feature wall needs 15-25 strips. Total: £30-£100.
• Grab adhesive: £5-£8 per tube. 2-3 tubes per wall.
• Panel pins or brad nails: £3-£5 per box.
• Caulk and filler: £5-£10.
• Paint (2.5L): £25-£55 depending on brand.
• Total DIY cost per feature wall: £80-£200.
• Professional installation: £300-£800 per wall (supply and fit).

Dark greens: The panelling colour of the moment. Deep forest green or sage green panelling against white walls is the new build Instagram look of 2026.

Navy blue: Dramatic, sophisticated, works in any room. Navy panelling in a bedroom creates a stunning backdrop for the bed.

Warm white or off-white: Panelling doesn't need colour to work. White-on-white panelling creates subtle texture and shadow that adds interest without competing with your furniture and art.

Soft pink / blush: Increasingly popular for bedrooms and nurseries. A gentle, warm tone that's more sophisticated than it sounds.

Charcoal: Bold and modern. Charcoal panelling in a hallway or living room makes a serious statement.