What Do I Need To Remove Wall Paneling?

Here are the tools you’ll need to remove your wood paneling, with estimated pricing from stores like Lowe’s: 

• Plastic or canvas drop cloth ($10–$20 for plastic, $20–$30 for canvas) 

• Flathead screwdriver ($5–$10) 

• Pliers ($8–$15) 

• Hammer ($10–$20) 

• Pry bar ($20) 

• Drywall putty ($8–$15) 

• Chisel ($5–$15) 

• Heat gun for glued wood paneling ($25–$40) 

A total ballpark cost for these budget/entry-level tools is $85-$165. 

How Do I Remove Wood Paneling Safely? 

The three steps to removing wood paneling safely in order are: clear the room before removing wood paneling, look behind the wood paneling, and remove the panels. Below are details for each step.  

Step 1: Clear the Room Before Removing Wood Paneling 

Removing wood paneling can get messy, so prep your space first. 

1. Take down photos, artwork, and decor. 
2. Move furniture out or cover it with a drop cloth. 
3. Remove baseboards, molding, outlet covers, and light switch plates. 

Pro Tip: Take your time with molding and baseboards. It’s better to go slowly than to rush and crack them.  

Here’s how to remove them: 

1. Slide your flathead screwdriver between the molding/baseboard and wood paneling. 
2. Gently pry until you create about a quarter-inch of space. 
3. Use your pliers to remove any exposed nails. 
4. Carefully remove the molding or baseboard from the wall. 
5. Unscrew and remove any light switch plates and outlet covers. 
6. Store all items in a safe place where you can easily find them later. 

Step 2: Look Behind the Wood Paneling 

It’s time to figure out what you’re working with: glued paneling or nailed boards. 

1. Place your pry bar in a corner near the flooring, where two walls meet. 
2. Use your hammer to carefully tap your pry bar within the seam where the two walls meet. 
3. Wiggle the pry bar to loosen the wood paneling. 
4. Use your pliers to pull out any nails that come loose. 
5. Gently pry the panel away from the wall to see whether it’s glued in place or nailed against drywall/wall studs. 

Step 3: Remove the Panels 

These general removal steps apply to tongue-and-groove, shipboard, and barn paneling. If you’re working with tongue-and-groove panels, it’s easier to pry away the tongue side first. 

For paneling nailed to studs: 

1. Pry away the panel using your pry bar and hammer. 
2. Pull out nails using pliers as they come loose. 
3. After removing every nail, pull away the paneling. 
4. Stack your panels in a pile or dispose of them responsibly. 
5. Continue until you’ve removed every panel. 
6. Use drywall putty to patch nail holes. 
7. Add new paneling or install drywall over exposed studs. 

For paneling nailed to drywall: 

1. Work slowly to avoid damaging the drywall. 
2. Pry away the first panel using your pry bar and hammer. 
3. Pull out nails using pliers as they come loose. 
4. After removing every nail, use your pry bar to gently ease away the wood panel. 
5. Carefully wedge your chisel or pry bar between the next panel and repeat. 
6. Continue until you’ve removed every panel. 
7. Use drywall putty to patch nail holes. 
8. Dispose of unwanted paneling responsibly in a dumpster or garbage bin. 

If you damage your drywall, it’s OK. Use joint compound or replace the panel. After, just sand and paint to match your other walls. 

For paneling glued in place 

1. Work slowly to avoid damaging the drywall. 
2. Pry away as much of the panel as possible using your chisel and hammer. 
3. Stop once you get to the glued-on portion. 
4. Beginning with the lowest setting, hold the heat gun about six inches from the section of paneling that you’ve lifted. 
5. Keep moving your heat gun around to avoid burning the panel. 
6. As the glue softens, pry the panel away. 
7. Continue to apply heat as you remove the panel with your free hand. 
8. Scrape softened glue residue from the drywall using your chisel. 
9. Continue until you’ve removed every panel. 
10. Eliminate remaining glue residue from the drywall using a fine-grit sandpaper, or your heat gun and chisel if necessary. 
11. Use drywall putty to patch any holes. 
12. Dispose of unwanted paneling responsibly. 

What’s the Key Takeaway? 

Removing wood paneling safely requires you to create a safe workspace, check behind the paneling, and remove it using the right tools. While DIY projects like this can save you money, major home repairs often require professional help.  

A home warranty from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10) offers budget protection against covered breakdowns to covered home systems and appliances, along with helpful tips like these. Find a 2-10 plan that’s right for you and give yourself the peace of mind you deserve.