How do you install corrugated metal wall panels? We've seen our corrugated metal wall panels and wainscotting installed in many different ways for many different projects, so it’s hard to give a “one size fits all” solution.
However, we have pulled together a few informational guides and videos to help you get started.
Tools and Safety Equipment
First, let's start with some tools. Safety is definitely a priority, so be sure to double-check all your equipment. Here’s a general list to get started:
- Cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses and hearing protection
- Straight-edged tin snips (for cutting any J-tracks you may use)
- Circular Saw with a Plywood blade (7 ¼” by 150 tooth non-carbide blade, installed in reverse is recommended)
- A screw gun or drill
- A level
- A chalk line for straight edges.
- Screws (roofing screws are recommended)
For more safety information, visit our wainscot safety guide here.
General Installation Guide For Wainscoting & Metal Half Walls
Like we said before, there are many different ways to install wall panels or wainscoting. Below is a general guideline (along with a video) to get you started:
- Remove any baseboards or molding from the walls. Start with a fresh clean wall and flat surface
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J-track is a trim that can be used to give a clean edging to the panel and to help secure the panel to the wall. If using J-track, measure the area and make sure you have the correct measurements.
- Be safe! Always make sure to wear cut-resistant gloves. To cut the J-track to your measurement, we recommend using straight-cut, tin snips.
- To start the assembly, place the J-tracks where you want them to go. Depending on the desired look, the J-tracks will either be along the outside of your entire wall, or ‘framing’ the feature that you are putting in. If “capping” off your wainscotting for a half wall design, wait until the end to put the top J-track on the wall.
- After measuring and placing the J-tracks (if on the sides), it’s time to position the metal wall panels in the J-tracks. It is best to start with just one panel and lightly secure it first before moving to the next wall panel.
- Secure the panels to the wall by using a self-drilling metal screw. We recommend roofing screws for these types of projects. Secure as desired, but we recommend placing the screws every 12"-16”.
- Align your next panel with a slight overlap to keep the ‘ribs’ in the metal consistent to achieve a seamless look. Continue to work one panel at a time, checking to make sure they are level and straight throughout the project.
- If the last panel needs certain cuts, we've included an instructional guide on that below as well.
- Finally, if doing a half wall panel or wainscoting that has raw edging, we recommend capping it with the J-track trim.
And just like that, you're done! Within a few hours, you will have a new design feature to brag about to all your friends. It is simply that easy to DIY your kitchen, bathroom or hallway with a personal, rustic touch.
Securing wall panels to walls or creating decorative trim can also be done with products outside of J-track. We've seen customer use wood to create a variety of design edges.
See more wall panel and wainscoting ideas in our customer projects gallery.
Cutting Panels to Fit
Whether doing a feature, decorative piece or a half wall, sometimes cutting steel and tin products is unavoidable. Even full accent walls will sometimes require a bit of adjusting. Here are our tips and tricks to cutting the Dakota Tin Corrugated Metal Wall Panels or Wainscoting.
- Use tin snips to cut small pieces or J-tracks. Use the larger plywood blade (listed above) to make long straight cuts in panels.
- Always wear the correct protective safety equipment.
- When using a circular saw, always cut from the back side of the panel to keep metal shavings from marring the finish. It is also a smoother cut if cut from the backside. Remember to remove these shavings before securing the metal to the walls.
- When cutting, SECURE the metal down to a cutting board by using multiple clamps. The more secure the tin is, the straighter the lines and the less mistakes.
- DON’T use dull blades. It will cause tearing in the metal.
Need more info? Check out our video here!
Dakota Tin Wainscoting Panels
If looking for stylistic wainscoting, take a look at Dakota Tin's metal wainscoting options. You will find the different styles we offer, plus you can find the necessary J-tracks to complete the project.
Dakota Tin Wall Panels
To check out Dakota Tin's custom full sheet metal options, visit our product page here. They are prefabricated into the largest sheets we offer.
Dakota Tin Custom Panels
If you do need a custom size, we would love to help! For a project that requires a more specific size, check out this page for an estimate.
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