Spend over £100 (ex. VAT) for FREE Delivery

Customer Support 0800 22 77 77

Near You - Local Branches Nationwide

How to do wall panelling on stairs

How to do wall panelling on stairs

How to Do Wall Panelling on Stairs

Wall panelling works throughout the home, including on your stairs, adding character and interest. Whether wood, MDF, or PVC, wall panelling can transform your walls. But how do you go about fitting panelling on your stairs?

What Will You Need to Install Wall Panelling

  • Fine Tooth Saw or Jigsaw
  • Stanley knife
  • Tape measure
  • Adhesive
  • Spirit level
  • Protractor
  • Pencil
  • Chalk line
  • Panels of your choice

How to Cut Wall Panels to Shape

  1. Measure for the dado rail
    If you are installing panels to the lower half of your stair wall only, it is recommended that you also fit a dado rail. This provides a clean, professional finish whilst hiding the top edge of the panel.

    Firstly, measure straight up from the skirting board and mark the height of the dado with a pencil – generally, 1 metre is a suitable height. Next, measure this same height along your hallway, up the stairs and across the landing. Using a pencil or chalk line, mark the position for your dado rail, from the hallway, up the stairs, and across the landing.

  2. Attach the dado rail
    Cut your pieces of dado rail to length and use a protractor or angle finder to measure the angles correctly. Attach the dado with wood glue. If your wall is uneven, you can use nails for additional strength.
  3. Positioning your panels
    Your panels will go up the stairs at an angle, so it’s important to get this angle right. Using the protractor or angle finder, accurately measure where the panels should be positioned.
  4. Cut wall panels
    You now need to cut your wall panels to size, both in terms of width, length, and height. We always recommend measuring twice and cutting once!
  5. Attach your wall panels
    The final stage is to attach your new wall panels to the wall. This can be done using the appropriate adhesive for the type of wall panel you’re using, for example, wood glue or specialist PVC wall panel adhesive.

What to Consider When Installing Wall Panels on Stairs

The key factor to consider when installing wall panels on stairs is the measurements. Due to the angle at which the panels go up the stairs, you want to ensure that all measurements are accurate. This is the only way you will finish with perfectly aligned panels throughout your hallway, up the stairs, and onto the landing.

Wall Panel Designs for Staircases

There are myriad designs you can choose from when it comes to panelling your stairs. The most popular include:

  • Beadboard – This design features vertical boards with grooves and small ridges between, which creates a parallel beaded appearance.
  • Wainscoting – Wainscoting features a raised border which creates the appearance of a panel. This type of panelling is particularly popular as it is a cost-effective way of creating an eye-catching interior.
  • Shaker – Shaker panelling features plain, square designs which form frames across the wall. This minimalist design is a simple way of creating depth and texture.
  • Shiplap – Shiplap originates from its traditional use on ships for insulation and protection. These typically rough boards are now being used in homes to create a rustic, nautical look which offers both charm and practicality.

Wall Panels at National Plastics

If you’re thinking of installing panelling on your stairs but would like further guidance and advice, call our friendly, expert team today on 0800 22 77 77.



National Plastics is a trading name of Specialist Building Products Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Epwin Group Plc. Specialist Building Products Limited is registered in England & Wales. Company Registration number: 1268689. Registered Office: Friars Gate, 1011 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4BN. VAT Registration No. 864 4507 10