9 Budget-Friendly Wall Panel Ideas for Your Next Project
Updated: Apr. 24, 2024
Whether you opt for shiplap or fluted panels, these budget wall paneling ideas help you save on your paneling project.
If your bathroom walls look bare, or you find yourself pining for a fun and easy renovation project, look no further than wall panels. Wall paneling has become one of the hottest home improvement trends, with thousands of DIYers installing them. There are tons of different types of wood paneling, from shiplap style to beadboard.
I enjoy the traditional look of beadboard and always try to incorporate it into my home design. No matter what fits with your existing decor, you’re bound to find a few favorites in our list. Here to help discuss cheap wall panel ideas and their cost are two interior design pros, Brenda Chicoine from Design House 413 and Caleb Walston from Walston Architectural Products.
Fluted Wall Panels
Fluted wall panels are paneling that looks like carved vertical channels. Manufactured from solid wood, compressed wood or PVC, this architectural detail originally adorned columns in Ancient Greece. Currently, fluted wall panels are gaining popularity as a fun, easy way to add a little personality to bare walls.
“We’ve had customers use our paneling on accent walls, behind mirrors and vanities in bathrooms as well as on and around fireplaces,” Walston says. The modern style pairs well with mid-century modern furniture.
Fluted wall panels are usually installed with a construction adhesive. Walston says that using a nail gun to additionally secure panels is optional.
How Much Do Fluted Wall Panels Cost?
Expect to pay $10 to $40 per square foot for fluted wall panels, plus installation costs. “Our paneling runs between $12 to $25 per square foot including shipping,” Walston says.
Shiplap Wall Panels
Shiplap wall panels are decorative boards that interlock when installed, leaving a slight gap between the boards. While getting its start as a method for building waterproof wooden ships, shiplap has become a popular home decorating trend in recent years. Traditionally installed horizontally, shiplap is typically sold as unfinished or pre-primed pine, cedar or fir.
One of the pros of using shiplap is that it can be installed in any interior space that could use some warmth and charm, from entryways to kitchens. Depending on the finish, it creates a rustic or coastal look and adds visual interest and texture. “Shiplap is [often] used on focal walls, bathrooms or the backs of kitchen islands,” Chicoine says.
How Much Do Shiplap Wall Panels Cost?
Costs for shiplap will range from $2.50 to $12.00 per square foot, depending on the material and distributor. Contractors can charge $3 to $7 to install shiplap. “The deeper the shiplap and more detailed it is, the more it will cost,” Chicoine says.
Acoustic Panels
When you’re furnishing your home theater, don’t skimp on easy upgrades that enhance the experience. Acoustic wall panels are crafted from flexible, professional-grade acoustic foam. When added to walls, they boast soundproofing abilities that allow you to crank up the volume guilt-free.
They also improve the quality of instruments and sound bar audio, so they’re ideal for audiophiles and musicians alike.
Typically, these are put on the wall by screwing small mounts to the wall and then hanging the panels off the mounts. Some types are installed with adhesive directly to the wall.
How Much Do Acoustic Panels Cost?
The cost of acoustic panels ranges based on the thickness, quality, material and size of the panel. The low price range is $20 to $100 per panel, while high-end panels with decorative details can cost upwards of $300 per panel.
3-D Wall Panels
3-D wall panels are the most visually striking wall-paneling option. Featuring a three-dimensional design of geometric shapes, lines or patterns, 3-D panels can really make a statement.
Made of individual wall tiles, this wall covering allows for endless creative options, from stunning accent walls to eye-catching focal points.
Easily installed with adhesive and customizable with paint, they are a DIY-friendly product. Adding depth and visual interest, these panels can be used in virtually any room of your house that could use a little personality. “These are becoming increasingly popular, and I expect to see more and more of these in the next decade,” Chicoine says.
How Much Do 3-D Wall Panels Cost?
3-D wall paneling can cost as low as $1.75 per square foot and up to $14.00 per square foot for higher-end products.
Cork Tiles
Cork is an easy, cost-effective solution for walls that could use a little personality.
A natural material harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, cork has a warm and textured aesthetic. Beyond being visually interesting, cork is also functional. Its unique thickness holds push pins, so has long been used as a place to pin up important paperwork in the home or office. You can also use it to quickly hang pictures or photos as well.
Cork panels come in varying thicknesses that can be cut to create custom shapes and patterns. Get creative and have some fun decorating your wall with cork.
How much Do Cork Tiles Cost?
Very cost-effective, cork tiles range in cost from $1 to $9 per square foot.
Solid Wood Wall Paneling
Solid wood wall paneling is individual boards installed together to create a cohesive, uniform look. It has a look that’s similar to shiplap but instead fits tightly together without gapped spacing. Pick from several pre-finished options, or opt for the unfinished panels and stain them to match perfectly with your existing furniture. Solid wood paneling is relatively easy to install with adhesive or nails.
A popular option is to use reclaimed wood or barn board. Authentic reclaimed barn boards are valued for imperfections like nail holes, knots and dents that give it a unique feel. There’s such a demand for it that “new” barn wood is manufactured to imitate the real thing.
How Much Does Solid Wood Wall Paneling Cost?
Pick up solid wood paneling for $5.00 to $14.00 per square foot.
Bamboo Wall Panels
Made of flattened slats of bamboo affixed to a textile backing, bamboo wall panels are packaged and sold in rolls. Easy to cut and install with a staple gun and adhesive, bamboo is a budget-friendly way to spruce up a boring wall. Cover walls, create partitions or add an island accent to a luxury living room for a fun contrast.
Aside from being DIY-friendly and cost-effective, bamboo paneling is also a sustainable and versatile paneling choice. A renewable resource that grows quickly with little water and pesticide use, bamboo can also be harvested with little environmental damage. It is also 100% biodegradable at the end of its use. Naturally resistant to mold and mildew, bamboo can hold up well in high-humidity rooms like bathrooms or kitchens.
How Much Do Bamboo Wall Panels Cost?
Expect to pay $1.00 to $2.80 per square foot for bamboo wall panels.
Partial Wall Paneling With Trim
Not planning to cover an entire wall with paneling? Instead, consider covering just the bottom portion with wall paneling and trim. Wainscoting, raised panel, beadboard and tongue-and-groove paneling are all types of partial wall paneling that are finished with top and floor trim.
Typically, installed 30 to 36 inches from the floor, partial wall paneling was originally added to protect walls against wear and tear. Today’s wall paneling with trim does this and more by adding texture and architectural interest to a wall.
I initially used beadboard with trim to cover damaged plaster walls in my first home. Since then, I’ve used it as a backsplash, to cover dated tile in a bathroom and to finish the walls of a mudroom in homes I’ve lived in since. It’s inexpensive, easy to work with, and has many possible applications.
How Much Does Partial Wall Paneling With Trim Cost?
This type of wall paneling will cost $5.75 to $7.00 per square foot, including the trim.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to panel a wall?
Bamboo is the cheapest wall paneling option. Install it yourself for additional savings.
Is paneling on walls outdated?
No. “It is making a huge comeback!” Chicoine says, “Get ready to see a lot of different options, especially 3-D panels.”
What are the best ways to cover a large wall?
Shiplap, fluted, bamboo, solid wood and 3-D wall paneling are all good options to cover a large wall. Which is best for you depends on your budget, home decor and design style.
About the Experts
Brenda Chicoine co-owns Design House 413, a full-service design and build remodeling company in Easthampton, Massachusetts. She has been a kitchen designer for twelve years.
Caleb Walston is the CEO and co-founder at Walston Architectural Products, a manufacturer and retailer of high-quality doors and wall paneling for homes and businesses. He has eight years of experience in the industry.
