Wood paneling on interior walls is a good way to reduce plaster work, add contrast and warmth, and hide any irregular earthbag walls. Image above shows rustic wainscoting from Design the Space.
Just a few of many possible options:
– use recycled wood, possibly resawn to expose fresh wood
– mill your own wood from logging waste, tree trimming businesses, etc.
– use woods with decorative grain such as beetle kill or spalted maple (may be available at lower cost)
– create diagonal patterns
– incorporate colorful twigs and branches
– make custom trim with a router table
– make raised panels on a table saw
– buy paneling or plywood to speed the work
– wire wheel soft grain wood such as cedar to create an interesting rustic texture and/or rub in a background stain for special effect)
You can expand the range of options by making or buying special trim. The image above shows a sampling of decorative wainscot trim from The Blue Ox Mill.
But what if you have a shortage of steel rod?
(I’ve been using it to give “naysayers” a lobotomy…) ;)
Sounds like an EASY way to add some charm and warmth to the old homestead…
And.. I knew you’d sneak more plaster in… darn ya!
Now, If I just had a hundred acres and a mule… :)
The low tech natural building methods we describe use materials that are available virtually anywhere — bags, twine, barbed wire, nails, rebar/rod, etc.
Cool idea!
Anything that makes plastering easier is a good thing!
What’s the best way to affix the wainscoting “rails” to the earthbags?
Wainscoting usually requires a base rail and an upper “chair rail” with your panels suspended between them.
Can I run beadboard between those rails to simplify it even further (and even more cost-effectively)?
Is there a “Geiger Guru Goodie” in here to simplify the work? :)
Tell me the tips, Obiewan!
Don’t worry. All your questions are covered in one of my upcoming books in about five years. Just kidding.
Simply secure wood blocking to the earthbags with 1/4″ steel rod as this blog post explains: http://earthbagbuilding.wordpress.com/2010/07/25/other-uses-for-%c2%bc%e2%80%9d-steel-rod/
You’ll probably have to shim the blocking so they’re in the same plane. The rest is standard carpentry — attach the rails to the blocking, etc. You can use beadboard or any other dozens of possibilities.
Note: I would add one coat of plaster to better protect the earthbags even though they’re not visible.