Installation Guide

fitted, apply adhesive with a caulking gun in a
continuous strip along the top, bottom and both
edges of the panel. When applying directly to
studs (1⁄4" paneling only), apply beads of
adhesive along the entire length of the
intermediate studs. For installation over existing
walls or gypsum wallboard, generously apply
beads of adhesive to the panel in a zigzag
pattern between studs from top to bottom. Be
sure to read the adhesive manufacturer’s
instructions prior to installation. Use a hammer
and padded wood block (or rubber mallet) to set
the glued panel in position. Nail panels using
color-matched ringshank paneling nails. Nails
should penetrate the studs at least 3⁄4". Space
the nails 6" along the panel edges and 12" on
the intermediate studs. Wear eye protection
when nailing. Nails should not be less than 1⁄4"
from the panel edge. Start nailing in the center
of the panel and work to the outer edges, or nail
from one side to the other.
8. Installing Paneling over Masonry
The construction of a lightweight wood frame
system – furring strips – will allow paneling to be
applied to masonry walls (concrete, brick and
cinder block) or walls in bad repair. Furring strips
are 1" x 2" lumber or 1⁄2" plywood cut into strips
1-1⁄2" wide. Strips should run horizontally 16"
apart (based on 8’ ceiling) with vertical members
spaced 48" on center where panels meet.
Note: Not all paneling is approved for below-
grade use or over masonry walls; read these
instructions carefully, or consult the instructions
printed on the back of each panel to determine
suitability for this application.
Note: If installing 1⁄8" MDF, a solid
noncombustible backing such as gypsum
wallboard must be placed over the furring strips
before application of the panels.
Note: To panel over masonry or below grade,
use minimum plywood wall paneling over a
lightweight wood frame or a stud wall. 1/8” MDF
wall paneling cannot be installed over masonry.
1⁄4" plywood paneling can be applied direct to
furring, other thinner panels must be applied
over noncombustible backing. Allow 1"⁄2space at
the floor and ceiling with the horizontal strips.
Check with a level to make sure each furring
strip is flush with the first strip. Use wood
shingles or wedges between the wall and strips
to assure a uniformly flat surface. Furring strips
may be applied to a masonry wall with specially
hardened masonry nails. A badly damaged
masonry wall may require the construction of 2"
x 3" stud wall, with 16" stud centers, before
applying paneling. Excessive moisture
conditions and high humidity will require
correction prior to paneling installation.
Masonry walls partially or fully below ground
level (below grade) may present a serious
dampness problem. Exterior walls must be
insulated and have a 4 mil or greater vapor
retarder. Holes or cracks in masonry walls must
be patched with concrete patching compound
and weeping or porous walls must be
waterproofed before installing paneling. In either
case, consult the masonry product manufacturer
for specific application instructions.
9. Wainscot Application
For a unique look use wainscoting to combine
paneling types. Wood grain panels work
effectively as wainscoting for decorative
paneling. An eight-foot wood grain panel cut into
thirds will wainscot a 12’ wall to a height of 32".
Apply wainscoting along lower wall by following
instructions for paneling installation. Repeat
same steps with the upper wall. Hide the
horizontal seam with a chair rail molding.
10. Paneling Maintenance
Murphy prefinished paneling is suitable for
normal dry interior use environments. Murphy
prefinished paneling should not be used in
environments where accumulation of grease,
smoke, or other contaminants will require
frequent cleaning to remove accumulations. To
remove surface accumulations such as dust,
wipe with a soft cloth dampened with a furniture
polish containing no waxes or silicones. More
stubborn accumulations may require wiping with
a soft cloth dampened with a solution of
lukewarm water and a mild liquid detergent.
Wipe dry immediately following this procedure
with a clean dry cloth. Never use abrasive
cleansers on paneling as it will scratch the finish
and dull the panel gloss. Self-adhering tapes
may contain solvents in their adhesives.
Applying to paneling may dissolve the protective
coating and damage the panel.
Tools and Supplies for Installation
Assemble all your tools and supplies before you
begin the job. Here is what you will need for
most common wall paneling installations:
 tape measure  chalkline  level  drill
 pencil compass  adhesive caulking gun
 hammer and nail set  eye goggles  padded
wooden block must be worn when (or rubber
mallet) using any power  power or handsaw or
hand tools (with short fine-toothed blade)
 keyhole saw  carpenter’s square
 mitre box
HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED?
Murphy decorative panels measure 48" x 96" and pre -cut
wainscot panels measure 48" x 32". This estimating guide
will help determine the number of panels you’ll need,
whether you’re working with full-size panels or wainscot
panels.
1. Measure the perimeter of the room you’d like
to panel. Write down measurement in inches.
Length
+ Width X 2
=
Perimeter
2. Divide that number by 48".
Perimeter
÷ 48 =
3. To allow for cutting waste, multiply that
number by five percent.
X 0.05 =
4. Add these two numbers together (2 & 3).
This is the total number of panels needed.
+ = Total
number of panels
Note: When using cleaning materials, experiment with scrap
paneling or spot clean in an inconspicuous area. Murphy is
not responsible for any damage caused by such cleaning
methods.
Usually 1⁄4" PLYWOOD wall paneling may be installed
directly over studs alone, while thinner panels should be
installed over a noncombustible backing such as gypsum
wallboard. Consult your local building codes for approved
application. Be sure to read the instructions printed on the
back of each panel.
1⁄8" MDF panels should be installed over a suitable
noncombustible backing such as gypsum wallboard.
Consult your local building codes for approved application.
Be sure to read the instructions printed on the back of each
panel. Do not install MDF direct-to-studs in Mobile Homes.
Do not install MDF paneling in full panel applications in
Mobile Homes.
Caution: WESTERN VISTA® paneling must be installed
over a suitable noncombustible
backing such as gypsum wallboard. Consult your local
building codes for approved application. Be sure to read the
instructions printed on the back of each panel. Caution:
These products contain a urea formaldehyde resin
and may
release formaldehyde vapors in low concentrations.
Formaldehyde can be irritating to the eyes and upper
respiratory system, especially to susceptible persons such
as those with allergies or respiratory ailments. Use with
adequate ventilation. Do not use MDF wall paneling in
mobile homes! If symptoms develop, consult your
physician. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) containing
potential physical and health hazard information is available
on the Murphy Web site at www.murphyplywood.com.com
or by contacting:, Murphy Company, 2350 Prairie Road,
Eugene, OR 97402.
Caution: Murphy prefinished paneling is a wood based
product and is combustible. Care should be taken in
installing panels to allow for space between panels and
heat producing appliances and ignition sources. Consult
your local building code authority for guidelines and
requirements.
BEDFORD VILLAGE, ESTATE, HIGH RIDGE, MCKENZIE,
TIMBER RIDGE, STYLELINE, BRIDGEPORT and WESTERN
VISTA are registered trademarks of Murphy Company. ©2010
Murphy Company All rights reserved.
MURPHY COMPANY 2350 PRAIRIE ROAD EUGENE, OR 97402
ESTIMATING GUIDE
2350 Prairie Road
Eugene, OR
97402
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Web: murphyplywood.com