COST GUIDES
Wall panelling cost UK: 2026 prices & types
Updated 06/26
Wall panelling is one of the most versatile home improvements you can make – and all for a fraction of the cost of replastering. It:
Adds style
Hides unsightly wires and damaged plaster
Can improve a room's insulation
Read on to learn about wall panelling costs, benefits, and hidden costs to watch out for.
Fast Facts
The average wall panelling cost is £225 per m²
Prices rise to £275 per m² for solid wood panelling
Planning to buy an MDF panelling kit, but need help with the installation? Average carpenter rates are £35 per hour
Exactly how much you pay will depend on the material type and size of panelling
How much does wall panelling cost?
| Wall panelling costs by type | Cost + VAT (Range low - high) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wall panelling cost | £50 - £400 per m² | £225 per m² |
| Oak wall panelling cost | £100 - £450 per m² | £275 per m² |
| Bespoke wall panelling | - | £295 per m² |
| Wainscoting | £50 - 400 per m² | £225 per m² |
| Carpenter hourly rate | £25 - £40 | £35 per hour |
| Decorating (primer, undercoat & gloss) | £25 - £35 per hour | £30 per hour |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||
Data verified by our professional estimators
Estimators are CIOB & RICS members
The average wall panelling price is £225 per m². But prices you pay for wall panelling per m² can vary from £50 - £400 per m² depending on the type of material you use and the size of panelling.
There's also the cost of decorating to account for.
Let's dive into all the costs involved to help you get the full picture.
Types of wall panelling
First, let's look at the costs of the most common wall panelling types, including MDF and solid wood:
MDF wall panelling cost
MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is the most popular choice for DIY wall panelling in the UK:
Pros: It's affordable, easy to paint and comes in kits from major retailers like B&Q and Wickes. Can be used to create tongue and groove, geometric and shaker-style panelling
Cons: Not as durable as solid wood, and you'll need moisture-resistant MDF in bathrooms and kitchens
Cost: For a standard 8ft x 4ft MDF sheet with an 18mm thickness (most common), expect to pay between £17 - £25 per board
Solid wood wall panelling cost
Types of solid hardwood used for wall panelling include oak and walnut:
Pros: Excellent aesthetics, and provides strong sound and thermal insulation
Cons: At the higher end of the price scale and they need to be well-maintained with protective finishes to preserve the quality of the wood
Cost: The average oak wall panelling cost is £275 per m²
Cost to install wainscoting
Wainscoting is a type of decorative panelling typically applied only to the lower half of a wall. Beaded and raised panelling is often used in dining rooms, hallways, and period properties:
Pros: Great for adding insulation in older properties, protects the wall from bumps and scrapes from furniture
Cons: Can be time-consuming to install, as it requires precision
Cost: The cost to install wainscoting can vary from £50 - £400 per m², giving an average wainscoting cost of £225 per m²
Reproduction wall panelling costs
Bespoke wall panels that replicate a specific style:
Pros: Great for renovations if you need to match existing panelling
Cons: Getting like-for-like materials of the exact size may involve bespoke capentry work, which costs more
Cost: On average, reproduction wall panelling costs £295 per m²
Don't forget, along with the cost of materials above, you'll also need to add the cost of installation for your wood panelling project. Average carpenter rates are £35 per hour .
Metal panels for kitchens, composite panels for bathrooms, tiles attached to a board, and fabric over panels for bedrooms are other types of wall panelling to consider.
After some decor inspiration for tongue-and-groove, geometric or shaker-style panelling? Check out what other homeowners have done with MDF panelling.
Wall panelling cost calculator
Looking for an all-in estimate, say for a feature wall? Try our free interactive cost calculator for an instant estimate based on size and materials used.
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Factors affecting the cost of wall panelling
Consider the following points before budgeting for your job:
Materials: Every material will be priced differently, for example, oak wall panels are very expensive
Size of panels: Larger panels will have a higher price point than smaller options
Size of area to be covered: More materials and extra labour times mean greater overall costs
Location: You'll pay slightly more if you live in London and parts of the South East due to demand
Hidden wall panelling costs to watch out for
Though not necessarily 'hidden' costs, these are the factors that can sometimes get forgotten:
Decorative touches: Once your panels have been installed, you will need to pay extra for any decorating, including the application of primer, undercoat and gloss paint, which will cost £30 per hour on average
Waste and cutting: Panels often need cutting to size, and offcuts add labour time and material cost
Covering up: It may be more expensive to cover wires or pipes because the job will be more difficult and take longer. Which brings us to...
How long does wall panelling take to install?
Most wall panelling jobs take one to two days to complete, depending on the size of the area and the complexity of the design.
Some average timescales include:
Simple MDF feature wall: Around one day
Ceiling panelling: Typically takes longer than wall panelling due to more difficult access and installation
Full-room tongue-and-groove panelling: Usually one to two days
Bespoke or geometric panelling designs: Around one to three days, depending on the room size and level of detail
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Is wall panelling worth it?
Well-installed, quality wall panelling has heaps of benefits, including:
Insulation
Concealing pipes, cables or unwanted fireplaces
A stylish and timeless decor upgrade
Lots of choice of colours, patterns and textures
The option of waterproof, heatproof and weatherproof panels
Wall panelling should never be used to hide damp walls, as this will make the situation worse. Speak to a checked and reviewed damp surveyor first to get to the root of the cause.
Can I install wall panelling myself?
Thinking about DIY wall panelling to save money? Let's work out what's doable:
DIY wall panelling installation may be suitable if:
You're a confident DIY-er with the right equipment and a good eye for detail
You're thinking about a feature wall rather than a whole room
You have the time (wall panelling is fiddly work that needs precision)
Hiring a professional is more worthwhile if:
You're tackling a whole room or multiple rooms
Your room has fiddly configurations, such as covering over pipework
The wood panelling needs to hold up radiators, shelves or perhaps even door frames
You want peace of mind knowing the wall panelling will be fitted safely and precisely for a quality finish that lasts
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Wall panelling cost checklist
Looking for more ideas to add character and style to your internal walls? From feature wallpaper trends and room wall design tips, right up to decorative ceiling ideas, we've got it covered.
Wall panelling cost FAQs
What can be concealed with wall panels?
You would be surprised by the vast number of unsightly items, damage and utilities that wall panels can cover up. They include:
Old fireplaces
Pipes
Wires
Old doors
Waterproof membranes
Insulation
Damaged plaster
Stains
How much does wall panelling cost per m²?
The average wall panelling price is £225 per m². But prices you pay for wall panelling per m² can vary from £50 - £400 per m² depending on the size and type of material. MDF is at the cheaper end, while bespoke oak panelling sits at the top.
What is the cheapest type of wall panelling?
MDF wall panelling is typically the most affordable option. For a standard 8ft x 4ft MDF sheet with an 18mm thickness (most common), expect to pay between £17 - £25per board. Shaker-style MDF kits for a feature wall are popular options, just don't forget to add the cost of a day's labour to fit.
Is wall panelling more expensive than tiling?
Basic MDF panelling is often cheaper than mid-range tiles, especially once you factor in grouting and a tiler's time. For bathrooms, waterproof PVC or composite panels can offer a more cost-effective alternative to tiling.
Does a carpenter do wall panelling?
Yes, most wall panelling is fitted by a carpenter. For more complex jobs involving concealing pipes or wiring, a builder may be needed.
Why is wall panelling so expensive?
The material cost for wood panelling varies widely, and labour can add significantly. This is especially true for bespoke designs, awkward areas, or rooms that need prep work first (like removing old wallpaper).
Is panelling outdated in 2026?
Far from being outdated, wall panelling remains one of the most popular home improvement trends in the UK. Shaker-style and geometric MDF panels are popular feature wall updates, while tongue-and-groove is a timeless favourite in bathrooms and hallways.
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