Updating internal walls - VJ panels

[Kat23]

We have bought our first house and the internal walls seem to be made from MDF panels. They have lots of dings, scratches, bumps and peeling paint, just generally really run down. 

We are considering installing easycraft VJ panels throughout our house, straight over the top of the existing walls. Apart from old Queenslanders we have only seen VJ panels used as feature walls. Would it look 'too much' to install throughout the whole house? Is there any reason why we should not cover all our walls with new panels? 

Or would it be worth just sanding the existing walls? We are not afraid of DIY and hard work but not sure what way to go! 

[EricL]

Hello @Kat23 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about updating your internal walls.

Due to its widespread use as a building material, many homes constructed before the late 1980s contain asbestos in some capacity. I therefore suggest having your walls and ceilings tested before you attempt any renovation work. If the results are positive, I suggest engaging the services of an asbestos removal specialist. However, if it is negative, you can start planning your renovation.

While it is possible to cover the entire room with EasyVJ panels, doing so may be excessive and diminish the design’s distinctive appeal. I propose sanding or finishing your walls instead and using the EasyVJ panels as a feature for each room rather than a total cover. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @Kat23 

@EricL makes some excellent points regarding the asbestos. So, the first step is to check that situation out.

Personally, VJ-walls look best as a feature on a single wall. Installing to all 4 walls to me would make it look like a timber cabin. I would replace the other walls with plasterboards providing it's safe to do so. It's easy and cost effective to hang the boards yourself and then invest in a qualified plasterer to stop all the joins up for you.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Kat23 

First up it would be wise to check the walls before you start for asbestos as @EricL and @Nailbag have both suggested. Just in case.

I would go the route of fill and smooth the walls rather then VJ panelling. It keeps the options open to whatever you may want to do down the track. I would think that it will be way less work filling in bumps/fixing any that are large then the install and expense for VJ paneling. @Nailbag has a good point about the overkill withthe look I think. One wall or bottom half of a corridor may look a lot more modern.

Dave