Beadboard paneling is one of the most popular decorative paneling materials on the market today, and is most often installed as a decorative wainscoting to add texture and contrast to a living area.

Beadboard in natural wood hues does add a more rustic, informal feel to areas where it's installed and also has the originality and craftsmanship that is hard to find in more contemporary building materials. Also, keep in mind that the level of informality varies greatly depending on the type of wood you choose for your beadboard paneling, and how you choose to finish it. Installing unfinished pine beadboard is going to give a room a rustic, western feel.

Beadboard panels can be painted, and from a budget perspective, choosing to paint your beadboard can significantly reduce the cost of your paneling. You can purchase lower grade wood and paint it to hide any imperfections or you can purchase pre-painted beadboard paneling (usually in white) directly from a supplier. Once you've got your beadboard, putting it up is relatively easy,it's as simple as nailing the panels to the wall in succession. The panels should fit together easily where they come into contact, though be sure to leave a small gap between them to allow for expansion.