How to Install Oak Paneling | This Old House

Over the years portions of the quartersawn oak paneling in the Arlington living room were covered to make room for shelves. Nick and Emily plan to paint the wood but they want the shelves removed and the wall panels to continue. Kevin O’Connor helps Tom Silva recreate the pattern of the wood panel.

New oak paneling must go in where the old bookcases in the Arlington living room were removed. Kevin O’Connor helps Tom Silva salvage an oak panel at the back of one bookcase to reuse for the wall. Even though the panels will be painted, Tom wants to use the same type of wood so the grain will look consistent across the room. They tack oak plywood panels to the wall and then they need to redo the baseboard. Tom replaces it with a new one, cutting a hole for the electrical outlet. The styles get installed next. Tom assembles the top piece of the paneling on the bench and then attaches it to the wall. The wall paneling covers the space where the bookcases once were and now it’s all ready to be painted.

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This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

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How to Install Oak Paneling | This Old House

[MikesTropicalTech]

I remember the outrage when this episode was first released. Painting over old oak panels, and Tommy used quarter-sawn oak for the new trim. They finally changed their minds.

[bulldogcottone]

It was nice to see that they actually stained instead of painting it in the end

[eeterp]

Perfect, this will go great with my popcorn ceiling, shag carpet and almond appliances.

[AbouTheMagnanimus]

Wait, the homeowners want to paint -- PAINT -- over white oak? There has to be some sort of law against this in the 21st century.

EDIT: At the end of the clip it looks as though they changed their mind! Good!

[dyannevans]

I just can't get over how good he is that's one man that can do it all. I've tried for years to do what he does I'll never make it . Wonderful work . Ron

[djamelhamdia]

06:05, "let's see if it fits".
Classic Tommy.

[larrymoore]

Its nice to see a project from start to finish. Nice job

[ericmcginnis]

Looks awesome! I would be torn with wanting to refinish the stained finish but I do agree that painting it white looks nice but to paint oak seems like a crime in my book!

[Olivia]

Beautiful work! I am glad you didnt show it painted. Still stripping paint off of our oak woodwork.

[tn]

As per usual an excellent cameo performance by Tommy, ably assisted by Kevin, after the style of Norm, with extra power tools.

However ... is it just moi who noticed the odd one or two seconds here and there where nearly half dozen different tools, all bearing the legend "Festool" were in shot?

It won't be long before the show is called "TOF", with occasional glimpses of "Tommy the Operator Guy" hands accidently caught in shot ...

Can't wait.

And, let's hope the homeowners were guided by divine intervention (director/producers/Best Boy?) into keeping the "oak" paneling, suitably slathered in 100% beeswax polish and buffed within a micron of its veneer to an opulent lustre.

With all that aroma of beeswax you'd think you were in the Vatican.

[jameyhenderson]

How do you install 4x8 sheets of paneling to allow for expansion and contraction of the wood it will be covering. Specifically a blandex wall

[lefthandedscrewdriver]

Do you put anything over the nail he's? Filler? Tuts?

[kenc]

Wow. The homeowners must be rolling in money. If the homeowners did this themselves, in their spare time, then fine--but to hire it out? Also, demo, salvage, and reuse can make sense, but paint?! If the end result will be painted, not sure the cost to salvage and reuse (especially if hiring carpenters) will be worth it.

[chetable]

Sure glad you used that track saw to cut 16 inches that will be covered

[sgvpotter]

while i get time is money, as the home owner, why wouldn't you fix all of that behind the paneling? at least some sheet rock with vapor barrier?

[lupinbrabablebix]

Why did you mitre an internal angle on your base board ?

[joeberryparrish]

What type of tool belt does Kevin O’Connor have in this video?

[se]

This is like watching Michael Jordan play basketball.

[jenniferbassett]

Nice job Kevin and Tommy! I like it!

Kevin, I hope either you or one of your team answer this question for me, but I'm wondering if you guys ever make mistakes, when you're NOT on camera? And are you guys considered General Contractors or are you Carpenters? Or finish carpenters? I'm just curious!

I hope you guys have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas from Oregon 🙏 and hope you and your family are keeping safe during this crazy time!

[peehandshihtzu]

Nise werk, yousa guys deserf a good reward, take the company cod and go gechaselves some lobstah fer dinna. :)