How To Install Wall Panels Without Adhesive | Screws, Nails, Pins

Preservation of Wall Surfaces

Strong construction adhesives bond so effectively that removing panels later inevitably damages wall surfaces, often tearing away paint, plaster, or even sections of plasterboard. Mechanical fixings leave only small, easily repairable holes.

No Curing Time or Fumes

Mechanical installations are ready immediately, with no waiting for adhesive to cure or reach full strength. This expedites project completion and avoids the potential release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from solvent-based adhesives.

Accommodation for Material Movement

Natural materials like wood and MDF expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature. Mechanical fixings allow for this natural movement without stressing the panel, preventing issues like buckling or warping that can occur with rigid adhesive bonds.

Long-Term Durability

While modern adhesives offer strong bonds, mechanical fixings such as screws, nails, or robust clip systems provide exceptional long-term stability, less susceptible to degradation over time compared to some adhesives.

For PVC Panels

• Small-headed panel pins
• Stainless steel screws (non-corrosive)
• Plastic screw caps (colour-matched)
• Hollow wall anchors (for plasterboard)

For MDF Panelling

• Panel pins or brad nails
• Countersunk wood screws
• Wall plugs (for masonry walls)
• Timber battens (for uneven walls)

Plaster on Brick (Common in UK)

This traditional wall construction provides excellent support for mechanical fixings. Use a detector to locate any hidden services, then drill with an appropriate masonry bit and insert wall plugs suitable for the brick substrate.

For fixing lightweight panels, you may be able to secure them with appropriately sized screws directly into sound plaster, but for heavier items, always fix into the brick with proper wall plugs.

Plasterboard/Drywall

When fixing to plasterboard, locate studs where possible and drive screws directly into these for maximum strength. Where studs aren't available, use appropriate hollow wall anchors designed for plasterboard.

Never rely on screws directly into plasterboard without special anchors, they'll quickly pull out under load. For heavy panels, consider adding a framework of battens securely fixed to studs.

Tongue & Groove PVC Panel Installation

Many of our PVC panels feature tongue and groove profiles designed for interlocking installation. This system provides a waterproof seal between panels and allows for secure mechanical fixing without visible fasteners on the panel face.

When installed correctly, T&G PVC panels create a seamless, professional-looking surface ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where water resistance is paramount.

Measure & Cut Panels

Measure your wall area and cut panels to size using a fine-toothed saw. For intricate cuts around outlets or pipes, use a jigsaw. Always measure twice and cut once.

Tip: Leave a 5mm expansion gap around the perimeter to allow for temperature fluctuations, PVC expands and contracts more than other materials.

Position First Panel

Start in a corner or at one end of the wall. Using a spirit level, ensure the panel is perfectly level and plumb. For tongue and groove panels, position with the groove edge facing the corner.

Tip: For T&G panels, you may need to trim off the tongue on the first panel if it's going against a corner or edge.

Secure Panel to Wall

For direct fixing, drill pilot holes through the panel along the edge that will be covered by trim or the next panel. Use stainless steel screws with small heads, ensuring they're long enough to penetrate the wall but not so long they hit any services.

Tip: For plaster on brick walls, drill through and use appropriate wall plugs. Space fixings approximately every 300-400mm.

Install Subsequent Panels

For T&G panels, slot the groove of the next panel over the tongue of the installed panel. Apply pressure until fully engaged. Secure along the free edge as with the first panel. Continue this process across the wall.

Tip: A rubber mallet and scrap piece of wood can help tap panels together without damaging the edges.

Finishing Touches

Install appropriate trims around the edges, in corners, and where panels meet other surfaces. These can be secured with small panel pins or screws. For a waterproof finish in wet areas, seal edges with silicone sealant.

Tip: Use colour-matched trims and sealant for a professional finish. Our PVC panel ranges include coordinating trims for a complete installation.

MDF Panelling Strips & Kits

Our MDF panelling strips and complete kits are designed to create beautiful feature walls, wainscoting, and other decorative effects. While suitable for adhesive installation, they can be equally effective when installed with mechanical fixings.

This approach allows for secure attachment with the flexibility to remove or modify the panelling in the future without damaging your walls.

1 Acclimation & Planning

Allow your MDF panels to acclimate to the room's conditions for at least 48 hours before installation. This reduces the risk of warping or movement after fixing.

Measure your wall carefully and plan the layout of your panelling. For Shaker-style or grid patterns, mark out the positions of all vertical and horizontal strips using a level and pencil.

Tip: Create a scale drawing of your wall with measurements to plan the layout and calculate material needs accurately.

2 Cutting MDF Strips

Cut your MDF strips to the required lengths using a fine-toothed saw. For clean cuts, use a mitre box for straight lines and mitre cuts at corners.

If creating shaped panels, cut all pieces before beginning installation to ensure everything fits correctly. Sand any rough edges for a professional finish.

Tip: MDF creates fine dust when cut, work in a well-ventilated area and consider using a dust mask and safety glasses.

3 Installing Base Panels (If Required)

For wainscoting or full panel designs, you may need to install a base layer of MDF sheets. Cut these to fit the area and secure them to the wall with appropriate screws.

For masonry walls, drill and use wall plugs. For plasterboard, secure into studs where possible or use suitable hollow wall anchors. Space fixings approximately every 300mm around the perimeter and in the field of the panel.

Tip: Countersink the screws slightly so they can be filled and sanded flush later.

4 Fixing MDF Strips

Position each strip according to your marked layout. Check with a level before fixing. For direct wall mounting, use 40-50mm brad nails or panel pins approximately every 300mm. Pre-drill if the MDF is thin to prevent splitting.

Alternatively, use countersunk screws (countersink the holes first) with wall plugs for masonry walls. For mounting strips onto base panels, 30mm brad nails or panel pins are usually sufficient.

Tip: A nail gun significantly speeds up this process if you have access to one, but hand nailing works perfectly well with patience.

5 Finishing

Once all strips are securely fixed, fill any nail holes or screw heads with wood filler. When dry, sand smooth with fine sandpaper. Caulk any gaps between strips or where they meet the wall or other surfaces.

Prime and paint your panelling as desired. MDF requires proper sealing to prevent moisture absorption, use a good quality primer designed for MDF before applying topcoats.

Tip: For a professional finish, lightly sand between coats of paint and use a small foam roller for smooth surfaces.