Wall Panelling Strips
Create custom panelling layouts with our versatile MDF wall panelling strips. These square-profile strips form the building blocks for traditional Shaker panelling, modern geometric designs, and everything between. Unlike complete wall panels, these individual strips give you complete control over your layout and spacing.
Available in two convenient lengths of 2440mm or 3050mm to suit your project needs and minimise cutting waste.
What Are Wall Panelling Strips?
Wall panelling strips are individual MDF lengths with completely square profiles - clean, crisp edges with no decorative detail. You arrange them on your wall to create custom panelling layouts, from traditional Shaker grids to modern geometric patterns.
Unlike pre-made kits, strips give you total flexibility over spacing, sizing, and design. You can create anything from simple half-height wainscoting to full-wall geometric features, adapting the layout to your exact room dimensions.
The strips work by creating raised frames against your wall surface. This adds depth and visual interest without the bulk of full panel systems. It's the same principle used in traditional Georgian and Victorian panelling.
For those who prefer guided designs, our wall panelling kits include pre-calculated strip quantities for specific layouts, while our interactive calculators help you design custom arrangements.
Popular Panelling Styles
Shaker Panelling - Classic rectangular grid pattern with equal-sized panels. Works in both traditional and contemporary settings. Use our Shaker calculator for exact measurements.
Board and Batten - Vertical strips with consistent spacing between them. Creates height illusion and works well in hallways and compact spaces. Use our board and batten calculator for precise spacing.
Geometric Patterns - Diagonal, chevron, or hexagonal arrangements for modern interiors. Our chevron kit shows one popular approach.
Simple Slat Walls - Horizontal or vertical strips with regular gaps. Good for bedrooms and living areas where you want texture without formal panelling.
Mixed Heights - Combining different strip widths or creating panels of varying sizes for more dynamic layouts.
Strip Sizing Options
We stock strips in various widths to suit different design approaches:
Narrow strips (20-35mm) - Create fine, detailed textures. Work well in smaller rooms or where you want subtle panelling effects.
Medium strips (50-95mm) - The most versatile option. Provide clear definition without overwhelming the space. Suit most traditional panelling styles.
Wide strips (95-120mm) - Make bold architectural statements with deeper shadows. Best for larger rooms and contemporary designs.
Standard thickness is 9mm for most applications. We also offer 6mm for lightweight installations and 12mm where you want extra depth and substance.
All strips come in 2440mm or 3050mm lengths. Choose longer lengths to minimize joints in your design, or shorter lengths for easier handling and transport.
Planning Your Layout
Start by measuring your wall and deciding on the overall style. Traditional panelling often uses panels that are taller than they are wide, while modern designs might favour squares or horizontal rectangles.
Consider existing features like light switches, radiators, and door frames. These often determine panel sizes more than aesthetic preferences. It's usually better to adjust your grid to work around obstacles than try to modify them.
Our online calculators take the guesswork out of planning. The Shaker calculator handles traditional grid layouts, while the board and batten calculator works for vertical strip arrangements.
Remember to add 10-15% extra material for cutting waste, mistakes, and future repairs. Complex layouts with many short pieces typically need more allowance than simple designs.
Installation Methods
Most installations use strong adhesive as the primary fixing method. Modern construction adhesives create strong, permanent bonds that eliminate the need for visible fixings in many cases.
For additional security, particularly on uneven walls or heavy strips, use panel pins or screws driven into wall studs. Fill and sand the holes after installation for invisible fixing.
Start with your outer frame strips, ensuring they're perfectly level and square. Work inward, checking measurements as you go. Small errors multiply quickly in grid patterns.
Allow strips to acclimatise to your room temperature for 48 hours before installation. This prevents expansion or contraction after fixing that could cause gaps or buckling.
Finish Options
Unprimed - Raw MDF with no finish applied. Choose this if you're using specialist primers or want complete control over the preparation process.
Primed - Single primer coat applied and sanded smooth. Ready for undercoat and final paint. Good foundation for most standard paint systems.
Undercoated - Primer plus undercoat applied, ready for your final colour. This popular option saves preparation time and provides excellent coverage for most paint finishes.
Matt Grey - Complete ready-to-install finish. No painting required if you're happy with the neutral grey colour. Good for industrial-style schemes or quick installations.
Most customers choose undercoated strips. They're ready for painting but still allow complete colour flexibility. The white undercoat also provides better opacity for lighter final colours than building up from primer alone.
Custom Sizing and Bespoke Options
If our standard widths and thicknesses don't match your design requirements, we can manufacture strips to your exact specifications. This includes unusual widths, different thicknesses, or specific lengths for complex layouts.
Custom sizing works particularly well for renovation projects where you need to match existing panelling or work around unusual room dimensions.
Contact us with your requirements - we can quote for almost any size within reasonable limits. Lead times for bespoke strips are typically longer than standard products.
