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Paneling for stairs


10 ways to dress up stair walls |

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(Image credit: Future)

Stair paneling ideas can maximize the style of this area of a home. Paneling is often considered a traditional feature, but it might equally have modern style, or a cottage look, and can therefore be used in many different types of houses.

And while it is aesthetically pleasing, stair paneling is also one of the hallway ideas that’s supremely practical. It can protect walls from bumps and scuffs making it a finish to consider for busy family homes. With the right paint finish, it can simply be wiped clean of any marks, too.

Here, we’ve collected inspirational stair paneling ideas along with expert advice from interior designers to inspire designs for the entrance to your home.

Stair paneling ideas

If you're looking for staircase ideas that bring character and architecture to a hallway, wall paneling is a great place to start. Consider stair paneling ideas that employ it on the stair wall to full height or to dado level, or feature it on the lower part of the staircase. Be inspired, too, by finishes in clean light hues, moody darks, and natural wood tones.

1. Use stair paneling to add texture

(Image credit: Dodson Interiors Photograph: Nathan Schroder)

You might opt for stair paneling ideas rather than wallpaper to bring texture to a wall.

‘Paneling adds depth to this entryway, and dresses up the space,’ says Julie Dodson of Dodson Interiors . ‘On stairs, paneling is nice because it’s wipeable and easy to clean. 

‘This particular home was gutted and restored, and we wanted to create some depth and texture on the wall. You can do this with wallpaper, but that wasn’t the homeowners’ style. They are a little more traditional-meets-transitional, so we chose a more modern paneling with even squares.’

2. Match paneling to the staircase

(Image credit: Pooky)

Where a staircase has a wood rather than painted finish, consider matching paneling to the steps, spindles, newel post and staircase railings to bring warm organic tones to the hallway.

In this home, the paneling makes a further connection to the staircase design, echoing the sweeping lines and ornate detail of its components. The effect is one of grandeur, and perfect for a traditional home.

3. Take a lead from the flooring

(Image credit: Cherie Lee Interiors)

Consider picking up a color from a patterned floor tile for stair paneling. ‘This hallway was quite a large space with a balance of contemporary and traditional features,’ explains Cherie Lee of Cherie Lee Interiors . ‘The floor was a traditional Victorian tile and there was a super large Crittall screen in the hallway. The use of paneling helped balance the contemporary screen.
 
‘We took the color palette from the tiles and used it on the staircase, banisters, walls and the paneling. It created a cohesive scheme and made everything feel calm and classic whilst combining more contemporary elements.’
 
The paint color of the panelling here is Farrow & Ball’s Manor House Gray, and it's even echoed in the staircase runner idea.

4. Make a cozy nook

(Image credit: Cormar Carpets)

Whether you're looking for landing ideas or to add character to a hallway, paneling on the lower part of an L-shaped staircase makes an inviting nook for an armchair and footstool in this hallway. The horizontal boards create a farmhouse feel that’s welcoming and elegant without being over formal, and the paneling is repeated on the stair wall to complete the look.

Painted in a soft, off-white finish the effect is one of spaciousness and light that’s continued by the finish of the staircase itself.

5. Combine traditional and modern

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: Davide Lovatti)

Stair paneling ideas that are traditional either because they are original features of an older home or have authentic period style can be successfully teamed with more contemporary choices.

In this hallway, the lower part of the staircase has elegant paneling that’s repeated on the other side of the hallway but a contemporary glass baluster. The barely there baluster with its clean lines lets the attractive and more detailed paneling take center stage. And it has the advantage of allowing a clear view to it as well.

6. Create a color surprise 

(Image credit: Adrian Briscoe)

Make paneling a highlight by using staircase paint ideas in an unexpected shade using contemporary paint effects. In this home, a pistachio green pops against the quieter hues of the neutral carpet and the painted armchairs. 

And because the paneling extends all the way up the wall, the color also draws the eye up the stairs and beyond for an inviting impression.

7. Swap to wallpaper panels

(Image credit: Arte)

While stair paneling ideas generally mean using wood, panels made with wallpaper can be an arresting and sophisticated staircase wall idea.

‘Staircases, much like hallways, are often the first space you or your guests will encounter upon entering your home,’ says Philippe Desart, managing director, Arte . ‘Often an afterthought when it comes to design, these spaces need to be highly functional as well as create a welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for your interior. 

‘Choose bold, graphic prints and evocative designs to bring this area to life and don’t be afraid to experiment with textures. This is an area you pass through rather than dwell, so here you can afford to be bold with the scale, color or texture of your wallcoverings.  

‘Bolder prints and patterns installed in panels are a great alternative to hanging artwork on the walls, adding visual interest and a striking design feature without compromising on what is often a small, narrow space.’

Shown here is the Flamencos Andinos design, which has a natural woven jute texture.

8. Complement a cottage

(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)

Tongue and groove is a distinct contender cottage staircase ideas. Add it alongside the staircase to dado height for a fuss-free look that suits rustic interiors to a T; here it’s used in the hallway, too.

Paneling’s ability to protect walls can be valuable on narrow flights of stairs and corridor-style entryways where knocks are more likely to occur. 

The paneling is finished in a soft neutral in this home, allowing the colorful patterned fabrics plus the painted wood of the staircase and bench to come to the fore.

9. Expand the space with a light shade for paneling

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Weigh up the merits of choosing a paint finish for paneling that will give the illusion of extra space. 

‘If your stairs and floor are light in color, you may wish to choose stronger shades for the paneling to provide a contrast,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene . ‘However, if you have darker flooring and stairs, choosing lighter tones such as Wood Ash (seen here) will work better to brighten up your hallway and staircase, giving the illusion of space in an area which can often be quite narrow.

‘Consider adding design details by painting your woodwork or dado rails in a different tone,’ she suggests.

10. Work with dark paneling shades

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: David Merewether)

And here is an example of the power of painting stair paneling in a statement dark shade. 

In a large hallway with excellent natural light even full-height paneling can be given a moody finish, while for smaller spaces, a reflective white wall above dado height will keep the space bright with the darker shade used on paneling below dado.

This rich gray introduces a modern twist to an older home and is repeated on staircase risers for a cohesive design.

What are the different types of paneling?

There are many different types of paneling that can be chosen for staircase walls, and each creates its own effect. More informal designs include both shiplap and tongue and groove. The former consists of individual boards most often used horizontally. The overlapping panels fit together via joints called rabbets which create a tight seal. 

Tongue and groove has a similar appearance but a different joint between boards – from which it gets its name. Beadboard also has a tongue-and-groove joint, but has a milled bead on the tongue side and a chamfered edge on the groove side.

Board and batten paneling consists of a series of flat boards with battens laid on top at the joints. It has a look that’s chic without being overly traditional. 

Paneling can also feature flat or raised panels along with vertical and horizontal rails, and can be original in an older home, or a new version with authentic detail, or a contemporary take, which may often be less intricate. Generally, it has a grander look that choices such as shiplap, and tongue and groove and beadboard.

Is paneling a good idea?

Paneling can be a great idea for different areas of a home, including for the stairs as well as the hallway. Paneling can add interest to a wall, so consider it as an alternative to wallpaper to introduce texture and pattern.

For a busy family home, paneling can be a sound choice because it protects walls from bumps, and it can be given a wipe-clean paint finish so any marks can easily be removed. Paneling can also hide any slight unevenness in a wall finish, which is another advantage of using it. 

Paneling is also a versatile choice; it can be a fabulous original feature of a Victorian or other historic home, but the right design can suit modern or transitional spaces. 

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator.  

Staircase paneling ideas, from color to panel styles

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(Image credit: Kyle J Caldwell. Design: Lyons Studio )

There's a reason you see staircase paneling often used in homes. Yes, wall panels are a brilliant way to add character and charm to a space but, ultimately, it's a practical decision. 

Whether stained or painted timber, or a more modern composite material, staircase paneling will protect your walls from the wear and tear of this high-traffic area, ensuring these transitional spaces endure for longer. 

Fortunately for us, not only is paneling a great staircase idea because it's practical - it looks great too. 'Staircase paneling is great because it creates a natural transition between the levels,' says Diana Rose, principal, and creative director at Diana Rose Design.

So, why not take a chance with wall panels and enhance the transitional space with light hues, moody darks, and natural wood tones. Here, we've collected some of the best ideas along with expert advice from interior designers to inspire you. Take a look. 

Staircase paneling ideas to suit every home 

1. Use paneling to moderate height in lofty spaces

(Image credit: Brad Ramsey Interiors. Photo credit Paige Rumore Photography)

Paneling is a particularly great staircase wall idea for double-height entryway, for example, as it can be used to visually bring down the ceiling to stop the space feeling too cavernous. 

'The main reason we elected to add wall paneling to this stairwell was to break up the height of the two-story walls,' says Brad Ramsey, founder and principal designer of Brad Ramsey Interiors .'By taking the panels up to the height of the chair rail in the upstairs hallway, we were able to divide the large wall to give it more visual appeal.' 

'In addition, we utilized the panel design to create a hidden door for the coat closet under the stairs. We maintained the character of the entry without having a door breaking up the beauty of the space. A win-win!'

2. Match paneling to your home's architecture

(Image credit: Maestri Studio. Photo credit Stephen Karlisch)

Classic wall paneling is usually applied in traditional ways, to make it look like it's been in the home forever, giving it an old-world charm. Whatever the age and style of your home, there's likely to be a wall paneling that fits the bill. 

'In this design, the paneling was used to allow the walls to be design elements,' says Eddie Maestri, principal architect of Maestri Studio . 'We wanted to enhance and "dress up" the space in a muted way. The paneling is also a cohesive detail that aligns with the style and architectural period of the home.'

3. Match the paneling to the staircase

(Image credit: Garrett Rowland. Design: Ghislaine Viñas)

In the case of solid wood, grand staircases, enhance their look further with matching paneling to bring warm organic tones to the room. If the staircase leads to a hallway, continue the paneling in that space as well, for an earthy vibe. Select a deep wood tone that gives a nod to a historic home and injects a nautical feel.  

Do keep in mind, however, that a woody staircase can become dark and dingy easily. Go for smart, functional staircase lighting ideas to ensure this space becomes the striking focal point of the home.

4. Consider paneling to connect large staircases

(Image credit: Thomas Guy Interiors. Photo credit Jen Burner)

Use paneling as a connecting, unified element in large spaces. Textures and bold patterns on walls bring spaces together and make them look more cohesive and in sync. As part of your staircase decorating ideas, use this design trick to bring two sets of stairways together.

'Stairwells are the connectors between liveable spaces, and therefore, are limited in ways to create a visual appeal,' says Lance Thomas, founder of Thomas Guy Interiors . 'In an effort to not be neglected aesthetically, paneling is a great solution for these high-traffic areas. Paneling adds visual interest to an otherwise utilitarian space. It complements the architectural detail and millwork of the staircase, creating warmth and depth.'

5. Create a cozy space with shiplap panels

(Image credit: Mel Bean. Photo credit Laurey Glenn)

Shiplap paneling is a design staple across the US, adding a rich texture and that iconic striped pattern that's synonymous particularly with modern rustic and coastal homes. 

In this space, while the staircase runner adds movement to the narrow space, the paneling in white gives more airy feeling.

'My ears perked immediately when our clients mentioned they love Art Deco,' says interior designer Mel Bean . 'This inspired many details in the space, including the lighting and the tiled entryway. I'm thrilled with the elegance of the entry stair with the wood panels, which is visible from several spaces. It's a stunning focal point in the home.'

6.  Create a contrast with the wall panels and staircase 

(Image credit: Diana Rose Design)

Whether you're designing a new staircase, or installing paneling into an existing one, think about creating constrast in your design. This may be material, color or even style, mixing and matching traditional with contemporary. 

'I love playing with contrast when dressing up staircase walls,' says Diana Rose of Diana Rose Design. 'If the stairs are traditional with closed-risers, it is a great idea to do clean and elegant panel design with simple molding, but create repetition. If, on the other hand, the stairs are floating, with open risers, then the panels can be more elaborate. It is all about balance.'

I also love throwing an accent colour on the staircase panel wall,' she adds, 'to really make it stand out in the space and again, highlight the interior architecture: staircase and railing.'

7. Use wallpaper with paneling on stairs

(Image credit: M. Lavender Interiors. Photo credit Janet Mesic Mackie)

For a dynamic staircase, go for half wallpaper and half paneling. Consider adding a color for a painted staircase, and transform the wood into something that's perfect for your home.

'We elected to install wainscoting in the foyer and up the stairs on this project to provide a touch of formality to this more whimsical space,' says Mark Lavender, principal designer of M. Lavender Interiors . 'It also provides a nice straight edge to catch the wallpaper on the stairs, ties everything together with the foyer at the bottom and the large landing/hallway at the top.  We typically design wainscoting on stairways when we are using wallpaper on a wall for the clean lines along the irregular look of the stairs. Wainscoting also provides a nice break between the pattern of the stair runner and the design of the wallpaper.' 

'We designed this wainscoting out of wood trim and attached it directly to the drywall,' says Mark. 'We then painted the drywall in a semi-gloss finish to give the appearance of wood paneling. Works every time.'

8. Use a dark and light color combination

(Image credit: Studio SFW)

A great wall color combination is a lighter wall with a darker paneling or vice versa. This will give a distinctive look to the wall, and allow the paneling to stand out as the hero of the design.

If your stairs and floor are light in color, you may wish to choose stronger shades for the paneling for contrast. Similarly, if you have darker flooring, choose lighter tones to brighten up your staircase, giving the illusion of space and light in an area that can seem dingy.

You could even paint your woodwork or dado rails in a different tone for a more detailed design.

'This faux wainscot was already existing and was painted to highlight the fact that the panel was part of the wall surface,' says Rachael Stollar, partner at New York-based architecture and design firm Studio SFW . 'The trim was all applied around this same surface. This isn't unheard of; it's a good way to shave off a bit of expense vs a full millwork panel. The better approach to finishing is to paint everything below the rail the same color and sheen to camouflage the less costly construction method. Millwork and trim are usually painted a higher gloss sheen than the walls.'

9. Add vertical wood panels to make the staircase seem taller

(Image credit: Acupanel)

Paneling, of course, is one of the fastest ways to add charm and interest to the ceilings and walls in any room. But this classic wall treatment is also an effective way to cover old, damaged walls, or even create the illusion of height. Long, vertical tongue and groove panels not only add interest but also plenty of functionality.

Whether you're looking for ways to expand your hallways, the entrance, or the staircase, the trick with tall panels can work everywhere. 

How to install wood paneling on stairs?

(Image credit: Maestri Studio. Photo credit Jenifer McNeil Baker)

Installing wood panels on your walls can make for a great weekend project, that you and your family can undertake together. Before the installation, first, measure the staircase and take note of any fixtures or fittings like sockets and more. Take into consideration the height of the wood panels you'll need. Also, check the drywalls to see for any uneven ridges and issues. You may have to sand the existing walls to create a smooth surface for the panels to sit on.

Depending on the design you have chosen, use wood glue to install the panels on the walls. Apply the glue and use pins to hold the panels in place. Once dry, you may need to sand them to ensure a flawless finish.

Once the fitting is done and, all the holes and gaps have been filled, make sure the surface is clean and there is no residual dust. Paint the panels with a soft brush. Apply a second coat once the first one dries. 

Can you place wallpaper panels on stairs?

While wood panels are traditional and conventional, panels made with wallpaper can be an eye-catching addition to the staircase area. Go for bold, graphic prints and evocative designs, and experiment with textures. Since this is a space that you pass by rather than stay for long, you can afford to be bold with the scale, color, or texture of your wallcoverings.  

Aditi Sharma Maheshwari is an architecture and design journalist with over 10 years of experience. She's worked at some of the leading media houses in India such as Elle Decor, Houzz and Architectural Digest (Condé Nast).  Till recently, she was a freelance writer for publications such as Architectural Digest US, House Beautiful, Stir World, Beautiful Homes India among others. In her spare time, she volunteers at animal shelters and other rescue organizations. 

Turnkey timber cladding for stairs


We offer the production of wooden steps, handrails and other stair elements for finishing metal frame and concrete stairs.




For stairs made of concrete, we recommend using hardwood components: steps made of beech, larch, ash, oak. Since, after casting concrete stairs must be at least two months old. During this time, concrete, as a rule, gives off excess moisture and in the future the wooden steps will not dry out.

We recommend laying wooden steps on moisture-resistant plywood 10-12 mm thick. In this case, plywood must be fastened to concrete steps with dowel-nails. Threat due to which the step of the stairs is leveled. Wooden steps are attached to the plywood with glue and screws, which ensures a strong fixation of the steps.

Wooden railings are usually installed on steps. The poles are fixed to the floor or steps with strong metal studs. Wooden balusters are planted on dowels with glue. The side fastening of a wooden fence is rarely used. This option requires longer balusters that are attached to the end of the flights of stairs.

Wrought iron railings look great. Such railings are fastened through a step into concrete. An excellent decoration is a wooden handrail made of the same type of wood as the steps or PVC handrail with imitation wood texture.

Metal railings for concrete stairs made of prefabricated or welded elements. There are currently many stair railing systems to choose from. They are prefabricated and welded, made of painted metal, anodized aluminum, combined plastic - metal. Welded fences are usually made of stainless steel and ferrous metals for subsequent painting.

Execution of works on facing stairs has its own specifics. The location of the steps on the march, their height and depth are subject to certain rules for constructing stairs, if you decide to do stairs on concrete , then you first need to make a project of your future stairs, so that the sheathing of concrete stairs with solid wood is done as accurately as possible.

We are ready to make a free estimate of the cost of wood finishing your stairs . To do this, you need the number and dimensions of wooden steps, the desired equipment and choose the option of fencing. If necessary, you can use the services of a measurer. After all approvals, our installers will perform the turnkey work!

How to sheathe a metal staircase with wood, sheathing a metal frame step by step, finish an iron one with your own hands

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- How to sheathe a metal staircase

02/21/2020

Metal is used in the manufacture of various types of stairs. Frames or the entire staircase structure are made from it. Due to its flexibility, iron can be given any curvilinear shape. Metal frames are sheathed if you need to hide:


Advantages and disadvantages of timber cladding

Metal marches weigh 160-200 kg, do not load the floors and foundation of the house, do not deform under weight up to 250 kg. It is easy to install a metal frame with your own hands during repairs, before laying cables and underfloor heating, while wooden stairs are installed only after finishing the premises.

Structures are sheathed with any materials, but wood is more often used. It has a beautiful natural texture, color, good heat and sound insulation properties. A staircase sheathed with wood panels is not inferior in appearance to an all-wood structure, but surpasses it in strength and maintainability - the lining can be removed and replaced with a new one without dismantling the entire system. On the outer marches, wooden steps are placed to protect against slipping, while the inner ones are completely closed (especially welded iron ones) or partially (treads, ends of the supporting beams).

For sheathing a metal frame with wood, it is important to know the properties of the facing material:







Steps are best sheathed with hard rocks that are resistant to abrasion, risers are soft. The main disadvantages of wood are low fire resistance, susceptibility to damage by pests, so it must be treated with flame retardants and antiseptics.

Sheathing technology

You can order the finishing of the stairs from the manufacturer or do it yourself if you have the skills to work with carpentry tools:

For cladding, you also need a building level, a measuring tape, fasteners and blanks - timber, board, bars. In the decoration, you can use fiberboard and chipboard obtained by processing natural wood. In terms of hardness, fiberboard is comparable to pine, spruce. From the ST-S brand, you can make risers, platforms. Chipboard is inferior in hardness to fiberboard, less resistant to moisture, so the plate needs a moisture-proof paint and varnish coating.


Follow the drying step by step or buy dry lumber, otherwise the lining will crack or swell, which will lead to loss of performance of the stairs. So that the blanks do not warp, the boards on the tread should be laid with the inner face up, and on the bowstrings with the inner face out. On sale there are all-lamellar steps made of solid wood. Their strength and resistance to deformation is much higher than that of edged board products.

Step-by-step scheme for finishing closed iron stairs: