How to Clad a Playhouse's Interior Walls With Beadboard

Measure Walls and Mark Beadboard

Use measuring tape to determine width and height of all walls you plan to cover (Image 1). Based on these measurements, pick up enough 4x8 sheets of pine beadboard. Mark sheets of beadboard to proper height with pencil (Image 2). Tip: Installing beadboard sheets with lines running vertically can make a space feel taller, plus the finished look will include fewer seams.

Snap Chalk Line Then Cut

In order to make perfectly level cuts with circular saw, first snap a chalk line onto the paneling by placing chalk line on pencil mark, pulling back, then snapping (Image 1). Guide circular saw across chalk line to cut beadboard to size (Image 2).

Apply Liquid Bonding Adhesive

Beginning on one end of a wall, add liquid bonding adhesive to edges of studs (Image 1). Note: This will keep board in place before permanently securing it with a nail gun. Place each cut sheet of beadboard into its proper position against liquid bonding adhesive. Slightly adjust up or down until panel is perfectly level. Next, secure to studs using nail gun (Image 2).

Cut and Install Around Windows

Here's a handy trick for easily cutting holes in beadboard sheets for windows. With the help of a friend, hold the beadboard sheet in place, covering the window completely. Step outside of the window, then trace its opening along the back of the beadboard with pencil (Image 1). Next, use circular saw to cut hole for window out of beadboard. Once cut, add liquid bonding adhesive to studs around window (Image 2), position beadboard (Image 3), then secure with nail gun.

Cut Holes for Outlets and Switches

Use measuring tape to determine exact position of outlets and switches (Image 1). Mark measurements on beadboard using pencil and speed square (Image 2). Next, use drill and 1-inch drill bit to create a pilot hole along marked line (Image 3). Cut hole completely from beadboard with jigsaw, starting jigsaw inside pilot hole (Image 4).

Frame Windows

Use measuring tape to determine the window's dimensions (Image 1). Referring to these measurements, mark 8-foot long planks of 1x3 pine to size, then cut with circular saw. Once cut, install all four sides of the frame using a nail gun (Images 2 and 3).

Trim Windows and Doors

Determine dimensions for window trim pieces using measuring tape (Image 1). Referring to measurements, mark 8-foot long planks of 1x3 pine to size with pencil. Cut each piece of trim with a circular saw, mitering corners at a 45-degree angle (Image 2). Starting along the bottom, attach each piece of trim with nail gun, ensuring a tight fit along each mitered corner (Images 3 and 4).

Measure, Cut and Install Baseboards

Use measuring tape to measure for baseboards. Mark 8-foot planks of 1x3 pine to size with pencil, cut with circular saw, then attach with nail gun.

Paint Paneling

Cover windows with kraft paper and painter's tape to avoid overspray. Use HVLP paint sprayer to add even coats of primer then semigloss paint to all beadboard and trim surfaces, allowing at least one hour dry time between coats (Images 1 and 2).